Isaiah 10:15
Isaiah 10:15 in Multiple Translations
Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it? Does a saw boast over him who saws with it? It would be like a rod waving the one who lifts it, or a staff lifting him who is not wood!
Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.
Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? shall the saw magnify itself against him that wieldeth it? as if a rod should wield them that lift it up, or as if a staff should lift up him that is not wood.
Will the axe say high-sounding words against him who is using it, or the blade be full of pride against him who is cutting with it? As if a rod had the power of shaking him who is using it, or as if a stick might take up him who is not wood.
Does an ax say it's more important than the person swinging it? Does a saw boast that it's greater than the person sawing with it? It would be as if a rod waved the person holding it, or a walking stick lifted up a person—who certainly wasn't wood!
Shall the axe boast it selfe against him that heweth therewith? or shall the sawe exalt it selfe against him that moueth it? as if the rod shoulde lift vp it selfe against him that taketh it vp, or the staffe should exalt it selfe, as it were no wood.
— Doth the axe glorify itself Against him who is hewing with it? Doth the saw magnify itself Against him who is shaking it? As a rod waving those lifting it up! As a staff lifting up that which is not wood!
Should an ax brag against him who chops with it? Should a saw exalt itself above him who saws with it? As if a rod should lift those who lift it up, or as if a staff should lift up someone who is not wood.
Shall the ax boast itself against him that heweth with it? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that moveth it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it, or as if the staff should lift itself , as if it were no wood.
Shall the axe boast itself against him that cutteth with it? or shall the saw exalt itself against him by whom it is drawn? as if a rod should lift itself up against him that lifteth it up, and a staff exalt itself, which is but wood.
But I, Yahweh, say that an axe certainly cannot [RHQ] boast about being stronger than the person who uses it, and a saw is not greater than the person who uses it. A rod cannot control the one who holds it [RHQ], and a wooden club cannot lift up a person [RHQ]. So the king of Assyria should not boast that he has done these things with his own wisdom and strength.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 10:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 10:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/יִתְפָּאֵר֙
הַ/גַּרְזֶ֔ן
עַ֖ל
הַ/חֹצֵ֣ב
בּ֑/וֹ
אִם
יִתְגַּדֵּ֤ל
הַ/מַּשּׂוֹר֙
עַל
מְנִיפ֔/וֹ
כְּ/הָנִ֥יף
שֵׁ֨בֶט֙
וְ/אֶת
מְרִימָ֔י/ו
כְּ/הָרִ֥ים
מַטֶּ֖ה
לֹא
עֵֽץ
הֲ/יִתְפָּאֵר֙
pâʼar
H6286
to beautify
Part | V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
הַ/גַּרְזֶ֔ן
garzen
H1631
axe
Art | N-ms
עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/חֹצֵ֣ב
châtsab
H2672
to hew
Art | V-Qal
בּ֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יִתְגַּדֵּ֤ל
gâdal
H1431
to magnify
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
הַ/מַּשּׂוֹר֙
massôwr
H4883
saw
Art | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מְנִיפ֔/וֹ
nûwph
H5130
to sprinkle
V-Hiphil | Suff
כְּ/הָנִ֥יף
nûwph
H5130
to sprinkle
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
שֵׁ֨בֶט֙
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
N-ms
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מְרִימָ֔י/ו
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-Hiphil | Suff
כְּ/הָרִ֥ים
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
מַטֶּ֖ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
N-ms
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
עֵֽץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 10:15
הֲ/יִתְפָּאֵר֙
pâʼar
H6286
"to beautify"
Part | V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make something beautiful or to boast about oneself. It can also mean to explain or make something clear. In the Bible, it is used to describe pride or beauty. The KJV translates it as 'beautify' or 'glorify'.
Definition: 1) to glorify, beautify, adorn 1a) (Piel) to glorify, beautify 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to glorify oneself 1b2) to get glory to oneself, be glorified
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: beautify, boast self, go over the boughs, glorify (self), glory, vaunt self. See also: Exodus 8:5; Isaiah 49:3; Psalms 149:4.
הַ/גַּרְזֶ֔ן
garzen
H1631
"axe"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to an axe, a common tool used for chopping and cutting. It appears in the Bible as a simple, everyday object.
Definition: axe
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: ax. See also: Deuteronomy 19:5; 1 Kings 6:7; Isaiah 10:15.
עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/חֹצֵ֣ב
châtsab
H2672
"to hew"
Art | V-Qal
To hew means to cut or carve wood, stone, or other materials, like the skilled laborers who built Solomon's Temple in 1 Kings. This word is used to describe various tasks, from quarrying to engraving.
Definition: 1) to dig, cleave, divide, hew, make, cut out, dig out, cut down, quarry, hewer, mason 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hew out, dig 1a2) to hew 1a2a) stone 1a2b) wood 1a3) to hew in pieces (metaph.) 1a4) to divide, cleave 1b) (Niphal) to be cut, be hewn, be engraved 1c) (Hiphil) to hew into pieces, cut up into pieces 1d) (Pual) to be cut from, be hewn from
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: cut, dig, divide, grave, hew (out, -er), made, mason. See also: Deuteronomy 6:11; Nehemiah 9:25; Psalms 29:7.
בּ֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יִתְגַּדֵּ֤ל
gâdal
H1431
"to magnify"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
הַ/מַּשּׂוֹר֙
massôwr
H4883
"saw"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a saw, a tool used for cutting. It is used in various contexts, including in the book of 1 Kings. The KJV translates it as 'saw'.
Definition: saw
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: saw. See also: Isaiah 10:15.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מְנִיפ֔/וֹ
nûwph
H5130
"to sprinkle"
V-Hiphil | Suff
To wave means to move something back and forth, like waving a hand or an offering to God, as described in the book of Leviticus. It can also mean to sprinkle or shake something, like sprinkling water for purification.
Definition: 1) to sprinkle 1a) (Qal) to besprinkle, sprinkle
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: lift up, move, offer, perfume, send, shake, sift, strike, wave. See also: Exodus 20:25; Numbers 8:11; Psalms 68:10.
כְּ/הָנִ֥יף
nûwph
H5130
"to sprinkle"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To wave means to move something back and forth, like waving a hand or an offering to God, as described in the book of Leviticus. It can also mean to sprinkle or shake something, like sprinkling water for purification.
Definition: 1) to sprinkle 1a) (Qal) to besprinkle, sprinkle
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: lift up, move, offer, perfume, send, shake, sift, strike, wave. See also: Exodus 20:25; Numbers 8:11; Psalms 68:10.
שֵׁ֨בֶט֙
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מְרִימָ֔י/ו
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-Hiphil | Suff
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
כְּ/הָרִ֥ים
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
מַטֶּ֖ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עֵֽץ
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
Study Notes — Isaiah 10:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 10:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 10:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 10:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 10:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 10:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 10:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 10:15
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 10:15
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 10:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 10:15
- Sermons on Isaiah 10:15
Context — Judgment on Assyria
13For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I am clever. I have removed the boundaries of nations and plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their rulers.
14My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’”
15Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it? Does a saw boast over him who saws with it? It would be like a rod waving the one who lifts it, or a staff lifting him who is not wood!
16Therefore the Lord GOD of Hosts will send a wasting disease among Assyria’s stout warriors, and under his pomp will be kindled a fire like a burning flame. 17And the Light of Israel will become a fire, and its Holy One a flame. In a single day it will burn and devour Assyria’s thorns and thistles.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 9:20–21 | But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? |
| 2 | Isaiah 45:9 | Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker— one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’? |
| 3 | Isaiah 10:5 | Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. |
| 4 | Isaiah 29:16 | You have turned things upside down, as if the potter were regarded as clay. Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “He did not make me”? Can the pottery say of the potter, “He has no understanding”? |
| 5 | Ezekiel 28:9 | Will you still say, ‘I am a god,’ in the presence of those who slay you? You will be only a man, not a god, in the hands of those who wound you. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 51:20–23 | “You are My war club, My weapon for battle. With you I shatter nations; with you I bring kingdoms to ruin. With you I shatter the horse and rider; with you I shatter the chariot and driver. With you I shatter man and woman; with you I shatter the old man and the youth; with you I shatter the young man and the maiden. With you I shatter the shepherd and his flock; with you I shatter the farmer and his oxen; with you I shatter the governors and officials. |
| 7 | Psalms 17:13–14 | Arise, O LORD, confront them! Bring them to their knees; deliver me from the wicked by Your sword, from such men, O LORD, by Your hand— from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children. |
Isaiah 10:15 Summary
Isaiah 10:15 teaches us that just like an axe or a saw can't work without someone using it, we can't do anything without God's help and power. This verse is reminding us that we shouldn't trust in our own strength and wisdom, but instead, trust in God's sovereignty and power, as seen in Jeremiah 9:23-24 and Psalm 37:3-7. It's like trying to use a tool without the person who is supposed to be using it - it just doesn't make sense. We need to recognize our dependence on God and trust in His wisdom and power, just like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Isaiah 10:15?
The main point of Isaiah 10:15 is that just as an axe or a saw cannot function without the one who wields it, so too, a nation or a leader cannot accomplish anything without God's power and permission, as seen in Romans 13:1-2 and Daniel 4:35.
Is Isaiah 10:15 talking about the power of human ingenuity and strength?
No, Isaiah 10:15 is actually emphasizing the opposite - that human strength and ingenuity are nothing without God's sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 21:31 and Psalm 33:16-17.
How does this verse relate to the context of the surrounding verses?
Isaiah 10:15 is a response to the boasts of the king of Assyria in Isaiah 10:13-14, highlighting the foolishness of trusting in human power and wisdom rather than in God, as warned in Jeremiah 9:23-24 and 1 Corinthians 1:29.
What is the significance of the imagery of the axe, saw, rod, and staff in this verse?
The imagery in Isaiah 10:15 serves to illustrate the absurdity of attributing power and accomplishment to human instruments or tools, rather than to the one who wields them, emphasizing God's sovereignty and power, as seen in Isaiah 45:9 and Romans 9:20-21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be relying on my own strength and ingenuity, rather than trusting in God's power and sovereignty?
- How can I apply the lesson of Isaiah 10:15 to my daily life and decisions, recognizing my dependence on God?
- In what ways can I surrender my own boasts and self-reliance, and instead, trust in God's wisdom and power, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-7?
- What are some examples of how God has used seemingly powerless or insignificant things to accomplish great things, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 and Judges 7:1-7?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 10:15
Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith?.... Hitherto are the words of the Assyrian monarch; and here begin the words of the prophet, rebuking him for his pride, and deriding his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 10:15
Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 10:15
Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? How absurd and unreasonable a thing is it for thee, who art but an instrument in God’ s hand, and canst do nothing without his leave and help, to blaspheme thy Lord and Master, who hath as great a power over thee, to manage thee as he pleaseth, as a man hath over the axe wherewith he heweth! As if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up; or, as it is rendered in the margin, and by other interpreters, as if a rod should shake (i.e. shall pretend to shake, or should boast that it would or could shake; which may easily be understood out of the foregoing words) them that lift it up. As if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood; as if a staff should forget that it was wood, and should pretend or attempt to lift up itself either without or against the man that moveth it; which is absurd in the very supposition of it, and were much more unreasonable in the practice. Nor are thy boasts less ridiculous.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 10:15
Isaiah 10:15 Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? [or] shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake [itself] against them that lift it up, [or] as if the staff should lift up [itself, as if it were] no wood.Ver. 15. Shall the axe boast itself.] Is not God the architect and chief agent - the Assyrian only the instrument in his hand? What a madness, then, is it for him thus to vaunt and vapour? is the man in his right mind, think ye? How much better that victorious emperor, Charles V, who, instead of Caesar’ s Veni, vidi, vici, I came, i saw, I conquered, wrote Veni, vidi, sed Christus vicit! I came, I saw, but Christ conquers, Christ is the only conqueror. As if the staff should lift up itself.] Or, When the rod is lift up, is it not wood, lignum inanime, sorry wood?
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 10:15
(15) Shall the ax boast itself . . .?—The words spoken by the prophet as the mouthpiece of Jehovah remind us of the way in which Christian writers of the fifth century spoke of Attila as “the scourge of God.” There was comfort in that thought for the nations that were scourged. The man’s lust for power might be limitless, but there was the limit of the compassion and longsuffering of God. As if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up.—Better, As if the rod should shake them. The plural is used either as generalising the comparison, or more probably as suggesting the thought that Elohim (God) is the true wielder of the rod. (Comp. Isaiah 10:5.) As if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.—The multiplied italics show that the translators found the clause difficult. Better and more simply, As if the staff should lift that which is not wood, i.e., the living arm that holds it. Was it for the king of Assyria to assume that he could alter and determine the purposes of Jehovah? Did the man wield the rod, or the rod the man?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 10:15
Verse 15. No wood - "Its master."] I have here given the meaning, without attempting to keep to the expression of the original, לא עץ lo ets, "the no-wood;" that which is not wood like itself, but of a quite different and superior nature. The Hebrews have a peculiar way of joining the negative particle לא lo to a noun, to signify in a strong manner a total negation of the thing expressed by the noun. "How hast thou given help (ללא כח lelo choach) to the no-strength? And saved the arm (לא עז lo oz) of the no-power? How hast, thou given counsel (ללא חכמה lelo chochmah) to the no-wisdom?" Job 26:2-3. That is, to the man totally deprived of strength, power, and wisdom. "Ye that rejoice (ללא דבר lelo dabar) in nothing." Amos 6:13. That is, in your fancied strength, which is none at all, a mere nonentity. "For I am God, (ולא איש velo ish,) and no-man; The Holy One in the midst of thee, yet do not frequent cities." Hosea 11:9.
"And the Assyrian shall fall by a sword (לא איש lo ish) of no-man; And a sword of (לא אדם lo adam) no-mortal, shall devour him." Isaiah 31:8. "Wherefore do ye weigh out your silver (בלוא לחם belo lechem) for the no-bread." Isaiah 55:2. So here לא עץ lo ets means him who is far from being an inert piece of wood, but is an animated and active being; not an instrument, but an agent.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 10:15
15. To a believer in the divine government of the world the self-exaltation of Assyria is as ludicrous as if a tool were to vaunt itself against the man who uses it. The two last clauses are exclamations. against them that lift it up] A plural of majesty, indicating that Jehovah is meant. Some Hebrew MSS., however, have the singular. should lift up itself, as if it were no wood] Lit. should lift up not-wood. (See R.V.) “Not-wood” is a compound noun like “not-man” in ch. Isaiah 31:8; “one who is not wood” i.e. a man.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 10:15
Shall the axe ... - In this verse God reproves the pride and arrogance of the Assyrian monarch.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 10:15
15. The representation next given is that of a most foolish sin. The Assyrian’s bragging is like that of an implement, such as an axe, saw, or stick, against him who uses it.
Sermons on Isaiah 10:15
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The Damnation of Hell - Part 1 (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of rejecting God and living a life of sin. He vividly describes the torment and despair that awaits those who die without r |
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Lessons From the Potters House by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the analogy of God as the potter and us as the clay, emphasizing the importance of yielding to God's shaping and molding in our lives. It highlights how God' |
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Effects of Fall - Problems Arising From the Fall Part 2 by John Murray | In this sermon, the preacher explores the question of why God decrees sin. He acknowledges that we cannot fully understand God's reasons for allowing sin, but emphasizes that the u |
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(Romans) the Explanation of Israel by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the importance of weeping for souls and challenges the audience's understanding of it. He then moves on to explain the connection |
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(Colossians) 10 the Spirit Filled Life by Bob Utley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making choices that align with God's kingdom rather than personal preferences. He highlights the need to act on the truths |
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(Ephesians) Election: Pure and Simple by Jeff Noblit | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not relying solely on the Bible for evangelism. He argues that Christians need to provide creative supporting evidence to |
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K-509 the Children of Promise (2 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a transformative encounter with God. He describes a final showdown where a conniving individual comes to the end of himself and |