Isa 10:5-7 | JFB | STEP | 5. O Assyrian, &c.—rather, "What, ho (but MAURER , Woe to the ) Assyrian! He is the rod and staff of Mine anger ( My instrument in punishing, ). In their hands is Mine indignation" [HORSLEY , after JEROME ]. I have put into the Assyrians' hands the execution of Mine indignation against My people.

Isaiah 10:5-7

5. O Assyrian, &c.—rather, "What, ho (but MAURER, Woe to the) Assyrian! He is the rod and staff of Mine anger (My instrument in punishing, Jer 51:20; Ps 17:13). In their hands is Mine indignation" [HORSLEY, after JEROME]. I have put into the Assyrians' hands the execution of Mine indignation against My people.

6. send him—"Kings' hearts are in the hand of the Lord" (Pr 21:1).

hypocritical—polluted [HORSLEY].

nation—Judah, against whom Sennacherib was forming designs.

of my wrath—objects of My wrath.

give . . . charge— (Jer 34:22).

and to tread, &c.—HORSLEY translates: "And then to make him (the Assyrian) a trampling under foot like the mire of the streets" (so Isa 10:12; Isa 33:1; Zec 10:5). But see Isa 37:26.

7. meaneth not so—He is only thinking of his own schemes, while God is overruling them to His purposes.

think—intend. Sinners' plans are no less culpable, though they by them unconsciously fulfil God's designs (Ps 76:10; Mic 4:12). So Joseph's brethren (Ge 50:20; Pr 16:4). The sinner's motive, not the result (which depends on God), will be the test in judgment.

heart to destroy . . . not a few—Sennacherib's ambition was not confined to Judea. His plan was also to conquer Egypt and Ethiopia (Isa 20:1-6; Zec 1:15).