Donna Williams Supporter

I believe that the king of Assyria is boasting, as if it is by his own power that he conquered the ungodly nations of the world. 

Pride has blinded him to see that Yahweh is sovereign and that He is the Almighty God who rules over all!

The king of Assyria was full of pride and arrogance, and it was evident by his boasting in himself. 

He thought that he would destroy Jerusalem and her idols, but he was being used as an instrument of destruction by the hand of Yahweh. 

The king of Assyria was unaware of this truth and oblivious to the fact that he was going to suffer the punishment of Adonai for the pride of his heart.

6 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does it mean, "Are not my commanders all kings?" in Isaiah 10: 1-34

In Isaiah 10:8, the phrase, "Are not my commanders all kings?" reflects the extreme arrogance and pride of the Assyrian king, who boasts that his subordinates are as powerful as kings of other nations. It signifies a haughty attitude that the king of Assyria has conquered so many nations that his generals rule over kings. 

The Assyrian king believes his power is self-derived and that he has conquered regions like Calno, Carchemish, Hamath, and Samaria by his own strength.

By declaring his commanders are "kings," he is saying that his military leaders are superior to the monarchs of surrounding nations. Isaiah 10:8-9 ESV: "For he saith, 'Are not my princes all of them kings? 9 Is not Calno as Carchemish? Is not Hamath as Arpad? Is not Samaria as Damascus?'"

The Assyrian kings do not believe the God of Israel is using them. They believe they are self-directed and powerful enough to conquer one nation after another. After all, they have defeated the so-called "gods" of all the nations in their path. This conquering path includes the northern ten tribes of Israel. The Assyrians see no difference in the God of Jerusalem. This will soon change (Isaiah 10:7–11).

Isaiah 10:12 ESV: "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."

This declaration of pride sets the stage for God's judgment (at Isaiah 10:12) against Assyria, which, although used as a "rod" to punish Israel, becomes proud and claims credit for its devastation. 

In short, the phrase is a direct quote highlighting the boastful Hubris [Hubris describes a profound lack of humility, where an individual overestimates their own competence, accomplishments, or capabilities, leading them to believe they are invincible or above the rules.] of a ruler who mistakenly believes he is superior to all others and acts independently of God's authority. 

Assyria's proposed attack on Jerusalem does not have God's approval. God promises an accounting with that insolent world power: Isaiah 10:12 ESV: "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."

Conclusion

What the Assyrians don't yet know is that when the Lord is through using them as His own tool to judge His people, He will turn His punishment on them. The words of their arrogant king and the boastful attitude will not go unpunished.

Isaiah chapter 10 speaks of God's sovereignty and His use of other nations, such as Assyria, to bring judgment upon His people, Israel. It reminds us that God is in total control and that He will always have the final say in the affairs of the world.

Isaiah 10 follows prophecies about God's judgment on Israel for the nation's sins. It begins by pronouncing sorrow for those who oppress the poor and needy. He also declares woe on the Assyrians, whom the Lord is using to judge His people, Israel. Soon, the Lord will direct His anger against the Assyrians for the arrogance of their king. He will burn them down like a forest. A remnant of Israel will survive the Assyrian judgment and trust the Lord again. His anger will turn from Israel to Assyria. The Assyrian oppression of Israel will end.

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Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

In my opinion, the king was saying, "Look how amazing I am -- my officers are like kings!" But God was saying, "You are nothing but a proud servant. You refuse to give me glory, so I will destroy you for your arrogance."

God later wiped out his army in one night (Isaiah 37).

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Shirley H Supporter Wife, mother, veteran in the spiritual war we all face!

This is prophecy. Israel is always the center. (Deuteronomy 32:8). The Gentiles nations will have their time. But invariably, inevitably they will receive retribution.

Human rulers will have their time, but God is God. The Day will come. 

Matthew 25:31-40

Psalms 2:5: "Then shall he speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure."

Micah 5:7-9: Thine (God's) hand shall lift against all Israel's adversaries.

Revelation 16:14, 19:17.

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