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, Jr 51:20; Psa 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--(Jr 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 Is 10:12; Is 33:1; Zec 10:5). But see Is 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 (Psa 76:10; Mi 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 (Is 20:1-6; Zec 1:15).