King James Version

What Does Isaiah 10:23 Mean?

Isaiah 10:23 in the King James Version says “For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land. — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.

Isaiah 10:23 · KJV


Context

21

The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.

22

For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. of them: Heb. in, or, among, etc with: or, in

23

For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.

24

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt. and shall: or, but he shall lift up his staff for

25

For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Lord God of hosts will execute decreed destruction throughout the land. 'Consumption' and 'determined' emphasize the certainty and completeness of judgment. Yet it's executed by 'the Lord God of hosts'—the covenant God who controls heavenly armies. This balances severity with sovereignty—judgment isn't chaos but controlled divine act. The phrase 'in the midst of all the land' indicates comprehensive scope—no area escapes. Yet God's decreed limits prevent total annihilation; a remnant survives.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Fulfilled in Assyrian devastation of Israel (722 BC) and near-destruction of Judah (701 BC). Later, Babylonian conquest (586 BC) seemed to complete this consumption. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread destruction throughout Judah—46 cities destroyed according to Sennacherib's annals. Yet Jerusalem survived the Assyrian threat, and a remnant returned from Babylon. God's 'determined' judgment was severe but not total.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's sovereign decrees govern both the extent and limits of judgment?
  2. What comfort does it provide that even severe judgment operates within divine limits?
  3. How does comprehensive judgment reveal God's holiness while preserved remnant reveals His mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּ֥י1 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָלָ֖ה2 of 10

a consumption

H3617

a completion; adverb, completely; also destruction

וְנֶחֱרָצָ֑ה3 of 10

even determined

H2782

properly, to point sharply, i.e., (literally) to wound; figuratively, to be alert, to decide

אֲדֹנָ֤י4 of 10

For the Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִה֙5 of 10

GOD

H3069

god

צְבָא֔וֹת6 of 10

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

עֹשֶׂ֖ה7 of 10

shall make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בְּקֶ֥רֶב8 of 10

in the midst

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

כָּל9 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃10 of 10

of all the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 10:23 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 10:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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