O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

ISAIAH 10:5KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 10:5 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 10:5 mean?

Isaiah 10:5 presents Assyria, a powerful empire, as an instrument of God’s anger. God is speaking about using Assyria against those who have stirred his indignation, or strong anger.

The verse pictures a rod and a staff, objects a person can hold and use to strike. In the image, Assyria’s military power is like a tool in God’s hand. The phrase “in their hand” also pictures Assyria holding the staff, linking its actions with God’s purpose.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 10:5

  • “O” — הוֹי (hoy): This is a cry that can call attention or announce trouble. It gives the opening an ominous sound, not merely the tone of an ordinary address.
  • “rod” — שֵׁבֶט (shevet): This can mean a rod or club. The word helps picture Assyria as an object used to strike, rather than simply as a nation acting on its own.

Why Isaiah 10:5 matters

  • Assyria’s role has a target. In verse 6, God sends Assyria against a people he calls “an hypocritical nation,” and tells it to take their goods and trample them.
  • Assyria’s own intentions are different from God’s stated purpose. Verse 7 says the Assyrian ruler does not think that way, but plans to destroy many nations.
  • Being used for this task does not excuse Assyria’s pride. Verse 12 says God will punish the king of Assyria for his proud heart and boastful look.

Where else these words appear

“indignation” Hebrew H2195 · used in 22 verses

  • Psalms 38:3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.
  • Isaiah 30:27 Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire:
  • Ezekiel 22:31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.

“O” Hebrew H1945 · used in 48 verses

  • Ruth 4:1 Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.
  • Isaiah 29:15 Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?
  • Ezekiel 13:18 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?

“Assyrian” Hebrew H804 · used in 138 verses

  • Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
  • 2 Kings 20:6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
  • Isaiah 36:13 Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.