What is the meaning of Isaiah 36:10? So now • The Assyrian field commander (Rabshakeh) shifts from mocking Judah (Isaiah 36:4–9) to claiming spiritual legitimacy. • “So now” signals a calculated turning point: he moves from military threats to theological intimidation, trying to unsettle the people on the wall (cf. 2 Kings 18:35). • Similar tactic: Goliath challenged Israel by invoking their God (1 Samuel 17:8–10). The enemy often mixes truth with lies to sow doubt. Was it apart from the LORD that I have come up against this land to destroy it? • He implies that resistance to Assyria equals resistance to God Himself. • There is a grain of truth: God had indeed raised Assyria as His instrument of discipline (Isaiah 10:5–6; Isaiah 8:7). • Yet the assumption is twisted: God’s sovereignty over nations never excuses pride or cruelty (Isaiah 10:12). • Key takeaway: discernment is needed when someone cites God’s name. Compare Paul’s warning about “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6–8). The LORD Himself said to me • The claim of direct revelation (“The LORD Himself said to me”) is unverified. Scripture records no such word to the Assyrian commander. • False prophets made identical boasts in Jeremiah’s day: “I had a dream!” (Jeremiah 23:25–32). • Authentic revelation aligns with God’s character and prior word. God had promised to preserve a remnant in Zion (Isaiah 37:31–32), contradicting total destruction. Go up against this land and destroy it. • Assyria’s assignment, allowed by God, was chastisement, not annihilation of Judah; God set boundaries (Isaiah 37:33–35). • The commander overreaches, revealing hubris like that of Nebuchadnezzar before his humbling (Daniel 4:28–33). • Hezekiah’s later prayer shows the proper response: appeal to God’s honor and promises (Isaiah 37:16–20). • God answered by striking 185,000 Assyrians and sending Sennacherib home in defeat (Isaiah 37:36–38), proving the boast hollow. summary Isaiah 36:10 records a pagan commander’s claim that God ordered Judah’s destruction. While God used Assyria as a rod of discipline, the boast distorts His true purpose and ignores His covenant with David. The verse warns believers to test every claim made in God’s name, trust His sovereign plan, and remember that He sets limits on every power arrayed against His people. |
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