King James Version

What Does Isaiah 10:26 Mean?

Isaiah 10:26 in the King James Version says “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 h... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 10:26 · KJV


Context

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

28

He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises to stir up a scourge against Assyria like He did against Midian (Gideon's victory, Judges 7) and Egypt (Red Sea crossing). The 'rod upon the sea' recalls Moses's staff dividing the Red Sea. These historical parallels remind Israel that the same God who delivered them from previous oppressors will deliver from Assyria. The method emphasizes divine intervention—not human military might but miraculous acts. This demonstrates God's consistency—His character and power remain unchanged across generations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Fulfilled when God's angel destroyed Sennacherib's army (701 BC)—a supernatural deliverance requiring no human military action, just like Gideon and the Exodus. The comparison to Midian and Egypt became proverbial—when God acts, armies are irrelevant. These historical examples strengthened Hezekiah's faith to resist Assyria, trusting God rather than surrendering or seeking foreign alliances.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's past deliverances provide a pattern for trusting Him in present crises?
  2. What does God's use of miraculous intervention teach about the futility of trusting human strength?
  3. How can we strengthen our faith by remembering God's faithfulness in biblical history?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְעוֹרֵ֨ר1 of 15

shall stir up

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

עָלָ֜יו2 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְהוָ֤ה3 of 15

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָאוֹת֙4 of 15

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

שׁ֔וֹט5 of 15

a scourge

H7752

a lash (literally or figuratively)

כְּמַכַּ֥ת6 of 15

for him according to the slaughter

H4347

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

מִדְיָ֖ן7 of 15

of Midian

H4080

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

בְּצ֣וּר8 of 15

at the rock

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

עוֹרֵ֑ב9 of 15

of Oreb

H6159

oreb, the name of a midianite and of the cliff near the jordan

וּמַטֵּ֙הוּ֙10 of 15

and as his rod

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

עַל11 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַיָּ֔ם12 of 15

was upon the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וּנְשָׂא֖וֹ13 of 15

so shall he lift it up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ14 of 15

after the manner

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

מִצְרָֽיִם׃15 of 15

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt


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 10:26 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 10:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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