Isaiah 10 20

Isaiah 10:20 kjv

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

Isaiah 10:20 nkjv

And it shall come to pass in that day That the remnant of Israel, And such as have escaped of the house of Jacob, Will never again depend on him who defeated them, But will depend on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

Isaiah 10:20 niv

In that day the remnant of Israel, the survivors of Jacob, will no longer rely on him who struck them down but will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 10:20 esv

In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

Isaiah 10:20 nlt

In that day the remnant left in Israel,
the survivors in the house of Jacob,
will no longer depend on allies
who seek to destroy them.
But they will faithfully trust the LORD,
the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 10 verses

Isaiah 10 20 meaning

Isaiah 10:20 proclaims a pivotal future moment, "in that day," when the surviving "remnant of Israel" and "escaped of the house of Jacob" will fundamentally alter their allegiance. Instead of relying on their former oppressors—symbolized here by Assyria—they will authentically and truthfully place their trust solely in the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, acknowledging Him as their sole deliverer and support. This verse speaks of a profound spiritual transformation marked by repentance and a steadfast return to God after a period of judgment and scattering.

Isaiah 10 20 Context

Isaiah 10:20 is situated within a larger prophetic section of judgment against Assyria (Isaiah 10:5-34) and a subsequent promise of Israel's future restoration. Chapters 7-10 detail the arrogance of Assyria, whom God used as a tool for disciplining Judah (and previously, the northern kingdom of Israel) due to their unfaithfulness and reliance on foreign powers or their own strength rather than Yahweh. Assyria, however, overstepped its divine commission, aspiring to conquer God's people out of its own pride, not solely to execute divine judgment. This verse appears after the declaration that God will ultimately judge Assyria for its hubris and break its power.

Historically, this period refers to the late 8th century BCE when the Assyrian Empire was the dominant global power. The northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen to Assyria in 722 BCE, and Judah under King Ahaz, then later King Hezekiah, faced constant threat. Ahaz notoriously rejected Isaiah's counsel to trust in God, instead seeking an alliance with Assyria, ironically aligning with "him who smote them." This verse thus looks beyond the immediate crisis to a future time when Israel, humbled and purged, would genuinely repent of such misplaced trust and turn wholly to their God. It provides a stark contrast to Judah's present actions of seeking alliances with or leaning upon powerful but ultimately pagan nations like Egypt or Assyria.

Isaiah 10 20 Word analysis

• And it shall come to pass (וְהָיָה - v'hayah): This is a common prophetic formula introducing a future event, emphasizing its certainty as part of God's plan. It signals a shift from the present, often dire, circumstances to a divine intervention in time.
• in that day (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא - bayyom hahu): A frequent eschatological phrase in prophetic literature, referring not necessarily to a single 24-hour period, but to a significant future epoch initiated by God's direct action, often involving judgment, salvation, or both. It implies a divinely appointed turning point in history.
• that the remnant of Israel (שְׁאָר יִשְׂרָאֵל - sh'ar Yisrael): "Remnant" (sh'ar) is a crucial theological concept in Isaiah, signifying a group preserved through divine judgment, not due to their merit but God's sovereign grace. This surviving portion of the covenant people will be foundational for God's future purposes.
• and such as are escaped (וּפְלֵיטַת - u'phleitat): Literally "and the escaped ones" or "survivors." This is a parallel term to "remnant," reinforcing the idea that this group has survived a catastrophic event. It emphasizes the concept of deliverance from danger or destruction, highlighting God's preserving power.
• of the house of Jacob (בֵּית יַעֲקֹב - beit Ya'akov): A poetic synonym for Israel, referring to the entire covenant people, descending from Jacob. This phrase confirms that "Israel" here encompasses the true spiritual heirs of the patriarch, regardless of tribal division or past apostasy.
• shall no more again (לֹא יוֹסִיף עוֹד - lo yosif od): A strong double negative ("not add anymore"), indicating a complete cessation and decisive break from past behavior. It signals a permanent change in their national character and reliance.
• lean upon him that smote them (לְהִשָּׁעֵן עַל מַכֵּהוּ - l'hisha'en al makkehuhu): "Lean upon" (sha'an) signifies dependence, trust, reliance, often implying support. "Him that smote them" refers to Assyria, the instrument of God's judgment, but also implicitly any earthly power or human strategy that contradicts trusting God. It points to the folly of seeking help from one's oppressor, who is himself limited and antagonistic. This also serves as a polemic against reliance on human strength, military alliances, or idolatry—all "smite" Israel in some form by leading them away from God.
• but shall lean upon the Lord (וְנִשְׁעַן עַל יְהוָה - v'nish'an al Yahweh): This is the counterpoint and the essence of the spiritual transformation. The verb "lean" is repeated, but the object of trust dramatically shifts. "The Lord" (Yahweh) is the personal, covenant God of Israel.
• the Holy One of Israel (קְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל - Kadosh Yisrael): A distinct and frequent title for God in Isaiah, emphasizing His unique transcendence, moral purity, and separation from sin. It underscores the profound theological truth that God alone is worthy of ultimate trust because of His holy character and covenant faithfulness, contrasting sharply with the corruptible and unreliable nature of human powers.
• in truth (בֶּאֱמֶת - be'emet): "In truth" (emet) implies genuine, authentic, steadfast faithfulness and loyalty. It contrasts with superficial, politically motivated, or half-hearted allegiances. It signifies an unreserved, sincere, and enduring commitment born out of true understanding and repentance, aligning their will with God's.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "in that day...remnant of Israel...escaped of the house of Jacob": This conjunction defines the specific context: a future time when a group of survivors, truly representative of the covenant people, will emerge after judgment. This group is chosen by grace for a new beginning.
• "shall no more again lean upon him that smote them": This phrase directly addresses the repeated historical sin of Israel: seeking help and security from powerful nations (like Egypt or Assyria) that eventually proved to be their adversaries or led them further from God. It highlights a definitive end to such strategic and spiritual compromises.
• "but shall lean upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth": This contrasting phrase underscores the total spiritual reversal. The focus shifts entirely to God's identity (Yahweh, the Holy One) and the genuine nature of their reliance ("in truth"). It speaks of a restored covenant relationship built on true faith and integrity. The title "Holy One of Israel" reminds them of God's distinctiveness and His covenant loyalty despite their failings.

Isaiah 10 20 Bonus section

The concept of "leaning" (sha'an) appears frequently in Proverbs and other wisdom literature, consistently warning against leaning on one's own understanding (Prov 3:5) or other human wisdom, while commending leaning on the Lord. Isaiah repeatedly criticizes Judah's inclination to form alliances with foreign powers, which constituted a direct breach of covenant and a lack of faith in Yahweh. This verse directly refutes such behavior by looking forward to a time when such a practice would be permanently abandoned by the transformed remnant. The phrase "Holy One of Israel" appears 25 times in Isaiah, more than in all other Old Testament books combined, making it a distinctive mark of his prophecy. This title not only stresses God's transcendent holiness but also His unique, unchanging relationship with His people, reminding them of who they belong to. The future event described here also points towards the New Covenant understanding where God's law is written on hearts, enabling a truthful and unyielding walk with Him, far beyond superficial obedience.

Isaiah 10 20 Commentary

Isaiah 10:20 captures the theological heart of the remnant concept and Israel's spiritual journey. Following severe judgment, the surviving remnant—purged and humbled—will experience a fundamental shift in allegiance. Their former misplaced trust in human power, exemplified by their reliance on Assyria (their oppressor), will cease. Instead, they will wholeheartedly, genuinely, and consistently trust in the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. This is not merely a change in political strategy but a profound spiritual transformation: turning from the futility of human systems that inflict harm to the sole reliable source of strength and salvation, the sovereign God of their covenant. The emphasis on "truth" signifies a return to genuine worship and faithfulness, unlike past periods of superficial devotion. This verse offers hope for future restoration through sincere repentance and unswerving reliance on God alone.

• Practical Usage Example: When facing overwhelming difficulties (personal or communal), resist the temptation to rely on quick human fixes or compromise ethical/spiritual principles for temporary relief, especially if those "fixes" embody what has caused harm. Instead, commit to prayer, study of God's Word, and seeking His guidance, trusting Him even when the way is unclear.