What does "Are not my commanders all kings?" reveal about Assyria's pride? Setting the Scene: Assyria’s Boast in Isaiah 10:8 “For he says, ‘Are not my commanders all kings?’” The Boast Explained • The Assyrian king surveys his officers and claims they rank as kings. • In his mind, even his subordinates possess royal authority—an extreme inflation of status. • He measures worth by military conquest, not by submission to God’s rule. Layers of Pride Unpacked • Elevating Self-Made Power – He credits campaigns and strategy, not the Lord who “sends” him (Isaiah 10:6). • Diminishing Other Nations – If commanders are “kings,” then conquered kings are less than common officers. • Usurping Divine Authority – Kingship in Israel was God-given (1 Samuel 10:1); Assyria assigns it to whomever he wishes. • Presuming Invincibility – By calling every officer a king, he signals limitless expansion (cf. Isaiah 10:9). Contrast with God’s Sovereignty • God calls Assyria “the rod of My anger” (Isaiah 10:5), yet will “punish the fruit of the arrogant heart” (Isaiah 10:12). • Nebuchadnezzar’s similar pride led to humiliation (Daniel 4:30-37). • “No king is saved by the size of his army” (Psalm 33:16). Lessons for Today • Titles and achievements can deceive us into self-exaltation. • God may use a proud instrument, yet He never condones its pride. • True greatness comes from humble obedience to the King of kings (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6). |
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