King James Version

What Does Isaiah 10:32 Mean?

Isaiah 10:32 in the King James Version says “As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of J... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 10:32 · KJV


Context

30

Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth. Lift: Heb. Cry shrill with

31

Madmenah is removed; the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee.

32

As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.

33

Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.

34

And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one. by: or, mightily


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The climax: 'As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.' Nob, barely a mile from Jerusalem, offers clear view of the city. The enemy stands at the gates, shaking his fist in defiant threat against God's dwelling place. This is the moment of maximum danger—and maximum revelation of God's power. To shake one's hand is a gesture of violent intent and mocking contempt. The Assyrian threatens not just a city but 'the mount of the daughter of Zion'—God's chosen dwelling. This sets up the divine response: when human power directly challenges divine sovereignty, God acts decisively (see 10:33-34; 37:36).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nob was a priestly city where David received help from Ahimelech (1 Samuel 21:1-9). Its proximity to Jerusalem—visible from the city—made it the last staging ground before assault. When Sennacherib's representative Rabshakeh delivered his threatening speech to Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:17-37), he may have spoken from such a location. The historical fulfillment came when the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (Isaiah 37:36). The hand shaken in threat was withered by divine judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. When enemies of God's purposes seem to stand at the very threshold of victory, what should our response be?
  2. How does this passage encourage believers facing seemingly overwhelming opposition to the gospel or God's work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
ע֥וֹד1 of 11
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

הַיּ֖וֹם2 of 11

that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְּנֹ֣ב3 of 11

at Nob

H5011

nob, a place in palestine

לַֽעֲמֹ֑ד4 of 11

As yet shall he remain

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

יְנֹפֵ֤ף5 of 11

he shall shake

H5130

to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad

יָדוֹ֙6 of 11

his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַ֣ר7 of 11

against the mount

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

בַּית8 of 11
H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

צִיּ֔וֹן9 of 11

of Zion

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

גִּבְעַ֖ת10 of 11

the hill

H1389

a hillock

יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃11 of 11

of Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine


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 10:32 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 10:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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