Isaiah 10:20

"The remnant of the trees of his forest shall be few, so that a child could write their number."

Key Reflection

Isaiah 10:20 speaks to the severe judgment coming upon Israel, yet assures that even amidst this devastation, a remnant will remain. The imagery of "a child writing down the few remaining trees" highlights just how drastically the land and its inhabitants will be reduced, emphasizing the completeness of God's wrath while preserving hope for a future restoration through this small remnant.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

And it shall come to pass -The prophet proceeds to state the effect on the Jews, of the judgment that would overtake the army of the Assyrian. One of those effects, as stated in this verse, would be, that they would be led to see that it was in vain to look to the Assyrians any more for aid, or to form any further alliance with them, but that they should trust in the Lord alone. The remnant of Israel -Those that would be left after the Assyrian had invaded and desolated the land. Shall no more again stay -Shall no more depend on them. Alliances had been formed with the Assyrians for aid, and they had resulted as all alliances formed between the friends and the enemies of God do.

More from Isaiah 10

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