Isaiah 10:4

"What will you do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth?"

Key Reflection

In Isaiah 10:4, the prophet addresses the impending judgment that would befall Israel due to their rebellion and idolatry. The original audience would understand this as a direct challenge, asking them where they would seek refuge or safety when the Assyrian invasion, which seemed distant but was inevitably approaching, brought destruction upon the land. This verse underscores the urgency of repentance and faithfulness to God, as no earthly stronghold could offer true protection against divine judgment.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Without me -בלתיbiltı̂y. There has been a great variety of interpretation affixed to this expression. The sense in which our translators understood it was, evidently, that they should be forsaken of God; and that, as the effect of this, they should bow down under the condition of captives, or among the slain. The Vulgate and the Septuagint, however. and many interpreters understand the word bore as a simple negative. ‘Where will you flee for refuge? Where will you deposit your wealth so as not to bow down under a chain?’ Vulgate,Ne incurvemini sub vinculo.

More from Isaiah 10

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