King James Version
What Does Isaiah 10:11 Mean?
“Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols?”
Isaiah 10:11 · KJV
Context
9
Is not Calno as Carchemish? is not Hamath as Arpad? is not Samaria as Damascus?
10
As my hand hath found the kingdoms of the idols, and whose graven images did excel them of Jerusalem and of Samaria;
11
Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols?
12
Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks. punish: Heb. visit upon stout: Heb. greatness of the heart
13
For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures , and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man: a valiant: or, many people
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe Assyrian's concluding threat: 'Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols?' The question expects affirmative answer, yet proves tragically wrong. The fatal flaw: Jerusalem and her idols were NOT equal to Samaria and her idols. While both kingdoms had lapsed into idolatry, Jerusalem housed the temple of the living God. Yahweh would indeed judge Judah's idolatry (later through Babylon), but not through Assyria—and not yet. The Assyrian failed to understand that God's timing, not human power, determines historical outcomes.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Samaria fell in 722 BC; Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem in 701 BC. During that 21-year period, Assyria seemed invincible. The northern kingdom's destruction appeared to validate the Assyrian's theology. Yet when 185,000 Assyrian soldiers died in one night (Isaiah 37:36), divine sovereignty was vindicated. The Assyrian's question haunts human history: militarily inferior powers shouldn't survive against superpower aggression. Yet God's purposes, not military might, determine outcomes.
Reflection Questions
- When has seemingly inevitable defeat been reversed by God's intervention in your life or in history?
- How does God's defense of Jerusalem (for a time) despite their idolatry demonstrate His covenant faithfulness?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsהֲלֹ֗א1 of 9
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר2 of 9
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶעֱשֶׂ֥ה3 of 9
“Shall I not as I have done”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְלֶאֱלִילֶ֑יהָ5 of 9
“and her idols”
H457good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol
כֵּ֛ן6 of 9
H3651properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
אֶעֱשֶׂ֥ה7 of 9
“Shall I not as I have done”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Isaiah 10:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Isaiah 10:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge