Isaiah 31:8

KJV

Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him: but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall the Assyrian {H804} fall {H5307} with the sword {H2719}, not of a mighty man {H376}; and the sword {H2719}, not of a mean man {H120}, shall devour {H398} him: but he shall flee {H5127} from {H6440} the sword {H2719}, and his young men {H970} shall be discomfited {H4522}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Ashur will fall by a sword not of mortals, a sword, not of humans, will devour him; he will flee before the sword, and his young men will be put to forced labor.

Berean Standard Bible

“Then Assyria will fall, but not by the sword of man; a sword will devour them, but not one made by mortals. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor.

American Standard Version

And the Assyrian shall fall by the sword, not of man; and the sword, not of men, shall devour him; and he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall become subject to taskwork.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 31:8 presents a powerful and definitive prophecy concerning the supernatural downfall of the formidable Assyrian Empire. It declares that Assyria's defeat would not be the result of conventional human warfare, whether by the hand of a powerful warrior or a common soldier, but rather through a direct, divine intervention that would cause their forces to scatter in utter disarray. This declaration serves as a stark rebuke to Judah's inclination to seek security in worldly alliances, particularly with Egypt, profoundly underscoring God's absolute sovereignty and His unique power to deliver His people and execute judgment upon their oppressors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 31:8 is strategically positioned within a larger prophetic unit (chapters 28-33) that primarily addresses Judah's profound spiritual failure in trusting human alliances and their rebellion against the Lord. Specifically, this verse serves as the climactic conclusion to a fervent indictment in [Isaiah 31](/isaiah/31 "Isaiah 31 - Judah's Folly in Trusting Egypt"), where the prophet Isaiah passionately condemns Judah for seeking aid from Egypt's chariots and horses rather than relying upon the Holy One of Israel. Verses 1-7 articulate the futility, danger, and spiritual idolatry inherent in such alliances, starkly contrasting human weakness with divine strength. Verse 8 then delivers the ultimate assurance that God Himself will intervene decisively against Assyria, demonstrating that Judah's deliverance would come not through their own efforts or foreign aid, but solely through God's supernatural and unchallengeable power. It transitions from a warning against misplaced human reliance to a glorious promise of divine judgment against the oppressor and ultimate, miraculous protection for Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 31:8 is deeply embedded in the historical realities of the late 8th century BCE, a period dominated by the aggressive and brutal expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Under the formidable King Sennacherib, Assyria posed an existential threat to Judah, culminating in the devastating siege of Jerusalem in 701 BCE. King Hezekiah of Judah, despite initiating significant religious reforms and demonstrating faith in God in many respects, also engaged in pragmatic political maneuvering, including forming an alliance with Egypt, which Isaiah vehemently opposed as a betrayal of trust in Yahweh. The Assyrians were renowned for their overwhelming military might, their advanced siege warfare, and their terrifyingly effective psychological tactics, making their defeat by any conventional human army seem utterly improbable. Therefore, the prophecy that Assyria would fall by a "sword, not of a mighty man" directly challenges the conventional understanding of military power, pointing instead to an unprecedented supernatural intervention, as historically recorded in [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes Assyria") and [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, demonstrating God's absolute control over the rise and fall of nations and His unwavering willingness to act decisively on behalf of His covenant people, even when they falter in their faith. The defeat of the seemingly invincible Assyrian Empire by non-human means underscores that Yahweh alone is the true ruler of history. Secondly, it reinforces the **Futility of Human Reliance**, a recurring and central motif in Isaiah, particularly emphasized in [Isaiah 30](/isaiah/30 "Isaiah 30 - Woe to Rebellious Children") and [Isaiah 31](/isaiah/31 "Isaiah 31 - Judah's Folly in Trusting Egypt"). Judah's trust in Egyptian military might is exposed as utterly worthless and spiritually dangerous when compared to the omnipotence of God. This theme serves as a timeless call for Judah (and for believers across all generations) to place their complete and undivided trust in God alone. Thirdly, it speaks to **God's Protection of Jerusalem**, showcasing His unwavering commitment to His holy city and His covenant people, even in the face of overwhelming external threats and internal faithlessness. The "sword, not of a mighty man" foreshadows the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib's siege, a profound testament to God's faithfulness and His covenant promises. This divine protection stands in stark contrast to the judgment meted out to proud and oppressive nations, a theme found throughout Isaiah's prophecies against various nations (e.g., [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") against Babylon, [Isaiah 17](/isaiah/17 "Isaiah 17 - Prophecy Against Damascus") against Damascus).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fall (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** From H5307, this primitive root signifies "to fall" in a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. It encompasses meanings such as to be cast down, to cease, to die, to be overthrown, or to collapse. In Isaiah 31:8, its use emphasizes the complete, decisive, and catastrophic collapse of the Assyrian power, indicating not merely a strategic retreat or a minor setback, but a total defeat that would lead to their ultimate demise as a dominant regional force.
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** From H2719, this term refers to a cutting instrument, specifically a knife, sword, or other sharp implement, often highlighting its destructive effect. The repeated mention of the "sword" in this verse underscores the violent, decisive, and annihilating nature of Assyria's downfall. However, the crucial qualification "not of a mighty man" or "not of a mean man" transforms this familiar instrument of war into a profound symbol of divine judgment, wielded by an unseen, supernatural hand rather than by human strength or military prowess.
* **Discomfited (Hebrew, _maç'_):** From H4522, this word is related to a burden or a tax in the form of forced labor, implying a state of being overwhelmed, broken, or in utter confusion. In the context of warfare, it suggests not just defeat but a profound demoralization, panic, and a complete loss of order and cohesion among the Assyrian young men. Their "discomfiture" indicates a rout, a state of terror, and a psychological and spiritual collapse that goes far beyond a mere military setback, pointing to a divinely orchestrated panic and disintegration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man;":** This opening clause immediately sets the stage for a dramatic and unexpected reversal of fortune for the formidable Assyrian Empire. The "sword" here is not an ordinary weapon wielded by human hands; the phrase "not of a mighty man" (referring to a skilled warrior, general, or even the most powerful human agency) introduces the supernatural element, signaling that the instrument of Assyria's destruction transcends all human capability and points directly to a divine agent.
* **"and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him:":** This second clause powerfully reinforces and expands upon the first, employing **Parallelism** to intensify the emphasis on the non-human nature of the destructive force. "Mean man" (referring to a common soldier, an ordinary person, or anyone of low degree) further clarifies that absolutely no human, regardless of status, skill, or strength, will be responsible for this decisive defeat. The verb "devour" (H398, _ʼâkal'_) is a strong, vivid, and almost grotesque image, suggesting a complete, utterly consuming, and annihilating destruction of the Assyrian forces, leaving nothing behind.
* **"but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited.":** This final clause vividly describes the immediate and devastating consequences for Assyria. The Assyrian king ("he") will be forced to "flee" (H5127, _nûwç'_), indicating a panicked, disorderly, and humiliating retreat rather than an orderly withdrawal or strategic repositioning. Furthermore, his "young men" (H970, _bâchûwr'_), typically the prime, vigorous, and most confident soldiers—the very strength and elite of an army—will be "discomfited" (H4522, _maç'_), meaning they will be utterly overwhelmed, demoralized, thrown into profound confusion, and consumed by panic. This paints a comprehensive picture of total collapse, not just a military defeat, but a psychological, spiritual, and organizational shattering of their military might.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 31:8 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its profound and powerful message of divine judgment and deliverance. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a combination of synonymous and antithetical parallelism. The phrases "not of a mighty man" and "not of a mean man" are synonymous, reinforcing the same central idea of non-human agency and underscoring the extraordinary nature of the impending judgment. Simultaneously, the stark contrast between Assyria's formidable military might and its actual supernatural, humanly inexplicable defeat creates a powerful antithetical dynamic. This repetition and contrast serve to emphasize the unique and overwhelming nature of God's intervention. **Personification** is also powerfully evident in the phrase "the sword... shall devour him," attributing an active, consuming, and destructive agency to the weapon itself, further highlighting its divine, rather than human, power and execution. The entire verse functions as a profound **Understatement** or **Litotes**, by stating what the sword is *not* (humanly wielded) to profoundly emphasize what it *is* (divinely wielded). This rhetorical strategy magnificently magnifies the omnipotence of God and the utter futility of human resistance against His sovereign decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 31:8 stands as a profound theological statement and a timeless testament to God's unique power and His sovereign control over the affairs of nations. It teaches with undeniable clarity that true security, lasting peace, and ultimate deliverance do not reside in human strength, political alliances, military might, or any visible, tangible resource, but solely in the omnipotence and faithfulness of the Almighty. The "sword, not of a mighty man" is a powerful and enduring metaphor for divine intervention, demonstrating unequivocally that God can achieve what is humanly impossible, often in ways that completely defy conventional understanding and human expectation. This truth serves as a direct challenge to humanity's pervasive tendency to rely on its own ingenuity, resources, and power rather than placing unwavering trust in unseen, divine power. It underscores that God is not merely a distant observer or a passive participant in human history, but its ultimate orchestrator, its righteous judge, and its merciful deliverer, capable of raising up and casting down empires according to His perfect and righteous will.

* [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrian Army")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 31:8 continues to resonate deeply in contemporary life, offering timeless principles for faith, reliance, and spiritual perspective. In a world that frequently places its ultimate trust in economic stability, political power, technological advancements, military superiority, or even personal self-sufficiency, this verse serves as a potent and necessary reminder that ultimate security and true deliverance come from God alone. When we face overwhelming challenges—whether personal crises, societal injustices, global threats, or spiritual battles—our natural inclination might be to seek immediate human solutions, forge strategic alliances, or rely on our own strength and ingenuity. However, this prophecy calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our sources of trust, urging us to abandon reliance on "horses and chariots" (worldly solutions and human power) and instead to turn wholeheartedly and unreservedly to the Lord. It encourages us to engage in fervent prayer for divine intervention, to cultivate patient waiting for God's perfect timing, and to trust with unwavering faith that His "sword, not of a mighty man" can accomplish what no human effort, no matter how great, could ever achieve, bringing about unexpected victories, profound peace, and glorious vindication.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I tempted to place my ultimate trust in "mighty men" or "mean men" (human strength, resources, or systems) rather than in God's sovereign power?**
* **How does the concept of a "sword, not of a mighty man" challenge my conventional understanding of power, effectiveness, and the means by which true victory is achieved in the face of overwhelming obstacles?**
* **What specific "Assyrias" (overwhelming problems, seemingly insurmountable adversaries, or deeply entrenched fears) am I currently facing, and how can I practically apply the principle of divine reliance to them, trusting God for supernatural intervention?**

### FAQ
**What does "the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man" truly mean?**

Answer: This powerful and poetic phrase emphasizes that the destruction of the formidable Assyrian Empire would not be brought about by any human agency, whether by a highly skilled general or elite warrior (a "mighty man") or by a common soldier or ordinary person (a "mean man"). It signifies that the defeat would be entirely supernatural, a direct and miraculous act of God Himself. This was dramatically fulfilled when the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night during Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem, as vividly recorded in [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Angel of the Lord's Intervention") and [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem"). The "sword" here symbolizes divine judgment and irresistible power, not a literal weapon wielded by human hands.

**How was this prophecy fulfilled historically?**

Answer: The prophecy found its dramatic and literal fulfillment during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. When the powerful Assyrian king Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem, threatening to utterly destroy the city and its inhabitants, King Hezekiah turned to the Lord in earnest prayer, encouraged and guided by the prophet Isaiah. In an astonishing and miraculous act of divine intervention, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp in a single night. This devastating and inexplicable blow forced Sennacherib to withdraw his forces and return to Nineveh, saving Jerusalem without a single human battle or military engagement. This pivotal event, detailed in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Sennacherib's Defeat") and [Isaiah 37](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - God Delivers Jerusalem"), perfectly illustrates the "sword, not of a mighty man" at work, showcasing God's direct, supernatural, and overwhelming protection of His covenant people.

**What is the significance of the Assyrian "young men" being "discomfited"?**

Answer: The "young men" (Hebrew: _bâchûwr'_) typically referred to the prime, vigorous, and most capable soldiers—the very strength, elite, and confident core of an army. For them to be "discomfited" (Hebrew: _maç'_) means they were not merely defeated in battle but utterly demoralized, thrown into profound panic, confusion, and a state of complete disarray and terror. This signifies a psychological and spiritual collapse of the Assyrian forces, far beyond a simple military loss. It highlights the overwhelming and terrifying nature of God's judgment, which not only physically defeats the enemy but also breaks their spirit, shatters their confidence, and leads to a complete rout rather than an orderly retreat. It underscores that God's power can inflict a defeat that undermines the very will to fight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 31:8, with its vivid portrayal of a divine "sword" bringing down a formidable enemy without human intervention, points powerfully to the ultimate victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as God miraculously delivered Judah from the seemingly insurmountable Assyrian threat, so too does Christ, the true King of Israel and the ultimate deliverer, secure humanity's deliverance from the far greater and more pervasive enemies of sin, death, and the devil. His decisive victory was not achieved through conventional warfare, military might, or human strength, but through His unique, divine power manifested supremely in His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. The "sword, not of a mighty man" foreshadows the spiritual warfare where Christ, through His cross, "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). He did not wield a physical sword, but the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" ([Ephesians 6:17](/ephesians/6-17 "Ephesians 6:17 - The Armor of God")), and the power of His divine authority. The "fleeing" and "discomfiture" of the Assyrian young men prefigure the ultimate and eternal defeat of Satan and his demonic forces, who are utterly vanquished by the Lamb of God, whose kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")), but is established through divine power. Through Christ's finished work, believers are granted victory over all spiritual adversaries, not by their own might or wisdom, but by the overwhelming power of His resurrection, ensuring that no weapon formed against them shall ultimately prosper ([Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 14:25

That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.

Genesis 49:15

And he saw that rest [was] good, and the land that [it was] pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.

Isaiah 10:16

Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.

Isaiah 10:19

And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them.

2 Kings 19:34

For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.

2 Kings 19:37

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

Isaiah 37:35

For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.