Definition: And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and [as] his rod [was] upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from Isaiah 10:26. It's a really dense passage, but we can understand its core meaning bit by bit. Here’s what it says in simpler terms: Essentially, this verse speaks about God’s judgment on someone who is trying to be powerful and dominant. Let’s unpack it: “Isaiah 10:26”: This is a prophecy from the Old Testament book of Isaiah. It's a message about the future. “And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him…” – This means God is going to deliver someone who is trying to be powerful and forceful. "The Lord of Hosts" refers to God himself, but it’s also referring to a powerful leader or person. It's saying that someone is about to face a significant punishment. “according to the slaughter of Midian…” – This is a crucial part. “Midian” was a large and wealthy kingdom in ancient Israel. The word "slaughter" here isn’t literal violence, but rather defeat . It suggests a devastating loss of power and prosperity. It means someone will be utterly defeated and brought to their knees. “at the rock of Oreb…” – “Oreb” was a very important and strategically significant mountain location in ancient Israel. It symbolized a place of strength and control. “…so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.” – This is where it gets really symbolic. The phrase "after the manner of Egypt" is the key. Egypt was a powerful nation, known for its wealth, vastness, and control over the Nile River. God’s judgment will be similar to what happened to Egypt. Here's what that means: “After the manner of Egypt” suggests a process of being humiliated and brought low – similar to how Egypt was brought to its knees by Moses. It implies a period of significant loss and suffering, but ultimately, a shift in power. So, putting it all together: Isaiah 10:26 is saying that God will intervene when someone tries to dominate or control others with their strength and influence. He's going to punish them severely by bringing them to a point of defeat and humiliation – just like Egypt was humbled by the Israelites. It’s about a powerful force trying to impose itself, and God’s judgment to bring about a change in that power. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning against tyranny and ambition. It's not necessarily about a specific person but rather about the potential for anyone who tries to dominate others to face ultimate consequence. --- To help me explain it better to you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand more about this verse? (e.g., its historical context, its theological meaning?)