Isaiah 10:22

For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, [yet] a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.

For though thy people {H5971} Israel {H3478} be as the sand {H2344} of the sea {H3220}, yet a remnant {H7605} of them shall return {H7725}: the consumption {H3631} decreed {H2782} shall overflow {H7857} with righteousness {H6666}.

For, although your people, Isra'el, are like the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, overflowing with justice.

Though your people, O Israel, be like the sand of the sea, only a remnant will return. Destruction has been decreed, overflowing with righteousness.

For though thy people, Israel, be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them shall return: a destruction is determined, overflowing with righteousness.

Commentary

Isaiah 10:22 delivers a profound prophetic message concerning the destiny of Israel, emphasizing God's sovereign judgment and His unwavering purpose to preserve a faithful remnant.

Context

This verse is situated within a section of Isaiah's prophecy (chapters 7-12) dealing with the Assyrian threat against Judah and Israel. At this time, the Northern Kingdom of Israel was facing imminent destruction, and Judah was also under severe pressure. Isaiah frequently addresses the nation's spiritual apostasy and reliance on foreign alliances rather than on God. The "sand of the sea" imagery recalls God's covenant promise to Abraham regarding the vast number of his descendants (Genesis 22:17), highlighting the contrast between the nation's immense size and the stark reality of God's impending judgment.

Key Themes

  • The Remnant: Despite the vast numbers of the people of Israel, only a small portion, a "remnant," will truly "return" โ€“ implying both a physical return from exile and a spiritual return to God. This concept of a faithful remnant is central to Isaiah's prophecies and God's plan of salvation, further explored by Paul in Romans 9:27-28.
  • Divine Judgment and Consumption: The phrase "the consumption decreed" speaks of a divinely ordained, decisive judgment. God's judgment is not random but a fixed purpose, a "consumption" that will sweep away the unrighteousness and rebellion within the nation. This decree signifies the certainty and thoroughness of God's disciplinary action.
  • Righteousness in Judgment: Crucially, this judgment "shall overflow with righteousness." This means God's actions, even in severe judgment, are perfectly just and align with His holy character. His righteousness is not diminished but rather magnified through His dealings with humanity, ensuring that His justice is fully served while His covenant promises are ultimately fulfilled through the remnant.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "consumption" (ื›ึผึธืœึธื”, kalah) implies a complete end or annihilation. When coupled with "decreed" (ื—ึธืจื•ึผืฅ, charuts), it signifies a determined, decisive cutting off. The phrase "overflow with righteousness" (ืฆึฐื“ึธืงึธื”, tsedaqah) emphasizes that God's judgment is not arbitrary destruction but is saturated with His just and holy character. The outcome, even through severe trials, serves His righteous purposes.

Practical Application

Isaiah 10:22 offers both a sober warning and a profound hope. It reminds us that God is sovereign over nations and individuals, and His judgments are always just. While sin incurs consequences, God's ultimate plan includes salvation for a faithful few. For believers today, this verse offers assurance that even amidst widespread apostasy or societal decay, God preserves His people. It encourages faithfulness, knowing that God's purposes will prevail and His righteousness will ultimately be fully revealed. It points to the enduring hope found in God's redemptive plan for all who believe, culminating in a new creation where righteousness dwells.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 9:27 (10 votes)

    Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

  • Romans 9:28 (10 votes)

    For he will finish the work, and cut [it] short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.

  • Isaiah 6:13 (4 votes)

    But yet in it [shall be] a tenth, and [it] shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance [is] in them, when they cast [their leaves: so] the holy seed [shall be] the substance thereof.

  • Romans 11:5 (3 votes)

    Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

  • Romans 11:6 (3 votes)

    And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

  • Daniel 9:27 (3 votes)

    And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

  • Revelation 20:8 (3 votes)

    And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea.