Isaiah 10:20-34 - Do Not Fear

Starting in Isaiah 7, we’ve seen the consequence of the nation of Judah depending on Assyria for protection. In Isaiah’s time, King Ahaz and his advisors thought this powerful nation would be a better support for Judah than Yahweh. But in each chapter since, God has rebuked Judah, promising He will use Assyria’s attack to teach Judah to trust in Him alone.

Now, in verses 20-34, after describing Assyria’s coming attack on Judah, Isaiah looks forward to Israel’s future redemption.

In the first section, verses 20-23, we read God’s promise to “the remnant of Israel”. This speaks of a very small group of faithful believers who will return to Israel and inherit God’s future, glorious kingdom. When this time comes, Isaiah says, the remnant who return, “will never again rely on the one who struck them, but will truly rely on Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel.” (10:20) The faithful who return will learn the lesson: trust in God alone.

God also promises that He will destroy Assyria completely: “A destructive end is decreed, overflowing with righteousness. For a complete destruction, one that is decreed, Lord Yahweh of hosts will do in the midst of the whole land.” Unlike Assyria’s unjust destruction of Israel, He will give Assyria exactly what it deserves as He establishes permanent righteousness in His kingdom.

Next, in verses 24-27, Isaiah tells believers in his day how this promise should guide them, “Do not fear the Assyrian who strikes you with the rod and lifts up his staff against you… in a very little while, My indignation with you will end and My anger will be directed to their destruction.” 

We know that in Isaiah’s lifetime, in 701 BC, God brought a massive attack on the Assyrian armies encamped around Jerusalem, killing 185,000 soldiers (2 Kings 19). But this prophecy goes beyond that time. One day, God is promising not only to judge Assyria, but that His anger will end against Israel. This can only come after Israel’s sin has been completely atoned and her wicked ways ended.

Then God states how He will destroy Assyria for the last time in verses 28-34. First, Assyria will come upon Jerusalem from the north, passing through several cities listed in these verses: Aiath, Migron, Michmash, Geba, Anathoth, Madmenah, and finally Nob. Many nearby cities are also listed in these verses, since they’ll see and tremble at this massive army. When they get to Nob, they will look across to see Jerusalem and mock the city, boasting (“shaking his fist”) that they will soon conquer it (10:32).

But God will decisively intervene, “lopping off the boughs with a terrible crash, those also who are high in stature will be cut in pieces and those who are lofty will be made low. He will cut down the thickets of the forest with an iron axe…” (33-34) God will cut down Assyria like a tall tree, first lopping off the branches and then felling all the trees.

Who will be the leader of this attack? It’s the Messiah. As He brings judgment on all the nations (including Assyria), Isaiah describes His robe as “red…like the one who treads in the wine press” (63:2). This is like John’s description of Him in Revelation 19:13 with a garment that is “dipped in blood”. Both verses indicate Jesus will bring swift and violent justice on earth.

In other words, believers can resist discouragement by resting in the knowledge that God will one day send Jesus to earth to bring complete, violent judgment on the forces of evil. This is the same basic teaching given in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8, Romans 12:19, and 1 Peter 2:23, each of which essentially says, “Don’t avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God to repay.” We are told of God’s future judgment so we can resist bitterness and vengeance in the times we are mistreated. 

If you find yourself treated unfairly or suffering under mistreatment, do not fear those who do it to you. Remember that not only has Jesus forgiven you and promised you eternal life with Him, but that He will bring perfect judgment when He returns, just as Isaiah promises in our passage.

Pastor David

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