Preparing for Deliverance

Reflection On Isaiah 10

Although the LORD allowed Israel and Judah to prosper greatly in their wealth, possession of land, and a Divine inheritance, the poor and needy were still indeed suffering among them, as in every society.

God set Israel apart so that they would be different from all other nations in the way they valued the lives of even the disadvantaged members of their communities. (Exodus 22:21-24, Deuteronomy 10:18).

As a nation, they too were at one time disadvantaged as slaves and were valued only for the labor they offered. And even in those days God’s promise was in their hearts—that he would make them a great nation. And eventually God was faithful to rescue them, with a covenant that he would remain faithful if Israel remained obedient to his Laws, which commanded them to rescue the disadvantaged and oppressed in their communities (Deuteronomy 15:17-10).

Yet, because of greed, Israel did not extend the same freedom to its poor and disadvantaged citizens that God showed them when they were slaves, and so Isaiah 10 pronounces their judgement at the hands of the Assyrians.

Isaiah 10:1-2

The word “Woe” or “Ah” at the beginning of this chapter tell us its theme. “Damned” or “Cursed” are all Israel for their idolatry in writing oppressive laws that violate God’s law and victimize the poor and the suffering among them. The New Testament (James 1:27) also tells the church that part of true religion is to look after orphans and widows in their distress.

Isaiah 10:3-4

Isaiah points out that Israel’s judgement in the form of an Assyrian attack is already on the way, there are no other nations coming to help them fight the attack, and there is nowhere for them to hide to avoid the attack. “His (God’s) hand is stretched out still”, and all Israel could do now was brace for His judgement.

In moments when you realize that you’ve made a big mistake, there is a deep desire to undo whatever you did, but you find it is too late. And here we see Isaiah take us to that very moment when Israel realized that the approaching punishment was not worth the fruits of their disobedience, but it was too late.

Isaiah 10:5-7

In the words “Ah, Assyria”, we first learn that Assyria too are also cursed (or condemned), and later on we will see that Assyria will also face a destructive judgement themselves, this is why even here in verse 5 God says “ah” or “woe” to them.

For now, Assyria only knows that they enjoy the destruction of neighboring nations, and Israel is now in their path of destruction. A key point here is that, “this is not what he (Assyria) intends” (v.7), which shows us that in God’s sovereignty, God gave the Assyrian king the desire to take Israel, a desire he did not have previously.

The will of the Holy Spirit has a way of compelling us to pursue our intentions for God’s purpose, it hijacks our goals and makes them Godly goals. Assyria was already on their rampage when God enlisted their army, and so the Holy Spirit may take the gifts and talents that we are already developing today and use them to fulfill God’s own purposes torrow.

Isaiah 10:8-19

The rhetorical question, “Are not my commanders all kings?” (v.8), implies that God is the Sovereign leader of every nation and that every king is his instrument and commander (God being above a commander’s rank). God created all things and has the right to judge his own creation, including the Assyrians whom he would have previously used to judge Israel.

We learn that when laws are contorted by leaders to benefit only a select few in society, that oppression is seen clearly and will be overthrown by God in due time. Leaders may lie to their people, but they cannot lie to God.

Isaiah 10:12-14

Here we see how the “woe”(v.5) to Assyria will be fulfilled, they themselves will face God’s judgement for their idolatry and because they believe that their victories in battle were all by their own strength.

When the pride of any nation or person comes face to face with God’s judgement a great humiliation occurs, and so it was to be for both Israel and Judah for their pride and idolatry.

Isaiah 10:15-19

Assyria will thus be the ax used to cut down Israel, but only as an instrument of God’s wrath not as a replacement to God’s chosen people. And Isaiah states that after Assyria has done their worst, God’s judgement will then turn towards them, leaving nothing but total destruction of both Israel and Assyria in its tracks.

Isaiah 10:20-27a

Previously, Judah began to lean on the Assyrians after they defeated the Northern Kingdoms who were plotting against them(see Isaiah 8). Here we are reminded of the intention and reason behind God's judgement; so that they “will no more lean on the Assyrians who struck them, but will lean on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

Remember that God’s intention in sending his judgement was to purify his people, to wash their hearts of sin (Isaiah 1:18). Therefore Israel will not be totally destroyed, and the remnant/survivors left after the judgement “will return to the Mighty God.”(v.21).

The bitter-sweet prophecy mentioned here in Isaiah 10 is intended to give Israel hope while their judgement ensues, stating that his judgement would be harsh but that it would also be quick. God reminds them of their deliverance in Egypt, stating that in similar fashion; “his staff will be lifted over the sea, and he will lift it as he did in Egypt. On this day Assyria’s burden will be removed from your shoulder, and his yoke will be destroyed from your neck”(vv.26-27).

This mention of the removal of the yoke of oppression is repeated after its mention in the previous chapter. “For the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor You have shattered as in the day of Midian.”(Isaiah 9:4) The day of Midian being a day of supernatural deliverance.

Isaiah 10:27b-32

At the moments that the Assyrian army first arrived and were encamped around the city of Jerusalem, Isaiah traces out the path of destruction by listing the cities that the Assyrians overthrew as they approached Israel. The track was an unusual one, meant to surprise Israel. They began at Aiath, and here now arrived at Nob leaving a path of destruction behind them, and now on “This very day” their invader will shake their fist (in an act of pride) at Mt. Zion in defiance and insult.(v.32)

Isaiah 10:33-34

Keeping in mind that Israel is an agrarian society, we get a picture of the severity of Israel and Assyria’s judgement. Described as a mass deforestation of a heavily wooded Lebanon, in which “majestic trees will fall”(v.34). 

These majestic trees, whether Isrealite or Assyrian, must be those who “make decrees, who write oppressive statutes, and turn aside the needy from justice and rob the poor of God’s people of their right, those that make widows their victims, and that they make orphans their pray!”(vv.1-2)

Points of personal reflection:

1. How do I care for those who are disadvantaged in my community?

2. How do I seek wisdom regularly to proactively avoid making unwise choices?

3. How do I work against descrimination in my surroundings and make sure my own decisions are fair and just?

You are welcomed to pray this prayer with me:

Almighty God,

I give you thanks that you have all power in your hands, it is a relief to know that you control all things because I know that your ways are true. There are still so many who have not seen your deliverance, so many poor, needy, and oppressed, who continue to suffer at the hands of oppressive systems like those you cut down in Isaiah 10. Give us a sign that would help us all to be confident in our hope in you. We know that you are the God of the oppressed, and we know that you hear the cries of your people who continue to suffer at the hands of systemic injustice. We have faith that you are already at work and that your truth will rise victorious in our hearts, and even in our world, In Jesus name. Amen!