King James Version
What Does Isaiah 10:25 Mean?
“For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.”
Isaiah 10:25 · KJV
Context
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.
26
And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and as his rod was upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.
27
And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. be taken: Heb. remove
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryTwo promises encourage fearlessness: the indignation will end, and God's anger against Assyria will accomplish their destruction. 'Very little while' offers temporal perspective—suffering is temporary. 'The indignation shall cease' promises that God's disciplinary anger against Israel will end once its purpose is fulfilled. Then 'mine anger' redirects toward Assyria for 'their destruction.' This demonstrates God's controlled anger—directed purposefully, with defined endpoints. His wrath against His people is disciplinary and temporary; against His enemies, destructive and final.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Fulfilled precisely: God's indignation against Judah ended when Assyrian army was destroyed (701 BC). Sennacherib withdrew, never to threaten Jerusalem again. His assassination (681 BC) and Assyria's eventual destruction (612 BC) completed God's anger against them. The 'very little while' proved accurate—what seemed endless occupation lasted only months before God intervened. This encourages endurance, knowing God's discipline has defined limits.
Reflection Questions
- How does knowing that trials have divinely-ordained endpoints help us endure them?
- What is the difference between God's disciplinary anger toward His people and destructive anger toward His enemies?
- How can we discern God's purposes in our difficulties to respond with faith rather than despair?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsכִּי1 of 9
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ע֖וֹד2 of 9
H5750properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
וְכָ֣לָה5 of 9
“shall cease”
H3615to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
זַ֔עַם6 of 9
“and the indignation”
H2195strictly froth at the mouth, i.e., (figuratively) fury (especially of god's displeasure with sin)
וְאַפִּ֖י7 of 9
“and mine anger”
H639properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
עַל8 of 9
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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 10:25 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 10:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge