9:10 9:10

Isaiah 9:11

9:12 9:12

Bible Versions

Therefore the LORD shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him, and join his enemies together;
Therefore the LORD {H3068} shall set up {H7682} the adversaries {H6862} of Rezin {H7526} against him, and join {H5526} his enemies {H341} together {H5526};
So ADONAI has raised up Retzin's foes against him and spurred on his enemies -
The LORD has raised up the foes of Rezin against him and joined his enemies together.
Therefore Jehovah will set up on high against him the adversaries of Rezin, and will stir up his enemies,

Context of Isaiah 9:11

Isaiah 9:11 is part of a larger prophetic oracle (Isaiah 9:8–10:4) concerning God's judgment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) for its pride, rebellion, and refusal to repent. This section details a series of escalating judgments, each introduced by the phrase, "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still" (seen in Isaiah 9:12, 17, 21, and Isaiah 10:4). The specific historical backdrop for this verse is the Syro-Ephraimitic War (around 735-732 BC), where Israel (Ephraim) allied with Aram (Syria), led by King Rezin, against Judah. Despite their alliance, God declares He will turn even Rezin's own former allies or future adversaries against him, contributing to the overall divine judgment on Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse powerfully illustrates God's active role in orchestrating events to bring about judgment upon nations that defy Him. It's not merely passive permission but active intervention.
  • Consequences of Pride and Defiance: The initial verses in this section (Isaiah 9:8-10) highlight Israel's arrogance and stubborn refusal to acknowledge God's hand in their afflictions. This verse shows the inevitable and severe consequences of such defiance.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: The Lord is depicted as sovereign over international politics, able to manipulate alliances and enmities to achieve His righteous purposes. Even the enemies of Rezin are instruments in God's hand. This echoes the broader theme of God using nations as instruments of judgment.
  • Escalating Retribution: This verse is a segment in a cycle of intensifying judgment. When initial chastisements do not lead to repentance, God brings forth new and more severe forms of discipline.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "set up the adversaries of Rezin against him" is significant. The Hebrew verb for "set up" (סָכַךְ - sakhakh) can mean to "fence in," "hedge," or "cover," implying a deliberate and strategic action by the Lord to surround or bring pressure upon Rezin and, by extension, his ally Israel. The subsequent phrase, "join his enemies together," further emphasizes God's ability to unite disparate forces or stir up existing enmities to fulfill His divine decree, demonstrating His complete control over the destinies of kings and kingdoms.

Practical Application

Isaiah 9:11 serves as a stark reminder of several timeless truths:

  • God's Justice is Sure: While God is patient, His justice is inevitable. Persistent rebellion and unrepentant sin, whether by individuals or nations, will ultimately incur divine consequences.
  • Humility is Key: The pride and defiance of Israel led to their downfall. This verse encourages humility and a willingness to acknowledge God's hand in all circumstances, even in adversity.
  • God's Sovereignty in Chaos: In a world often seemingly in chaos, this verse assures us that God remains on His throne, orchestrating events behind the scenes. He can use even our adversaries or unexpected alliances to achieve His purposes, whether for judgment or for ultimate good.
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.

  • Isaiah 10:9

    [Is] not Calno as Carchemish? [is] not Hamath as Arpad? [is] not Samaria as Damascus?

  • Isaiah 10:11

    Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols?

  • 2 Kings 16:9

    And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried [the people of] it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.

  • Isaiah 17:1

    ¶ The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from [being] a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

  • Isaiah 17:5

    And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.

  • Isaiah 7:8

    For the head of Syria [is] Damascus, and the head of Damascus [is] Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people.

  • Isaiah 8:4

    For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.
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