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

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this powerful verse from Isaiah 10:5. It’s a really striking image! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes God’s intense anger and power against a powerful enemy – Assyria. It suggests that God is deliberately choosing to punish them, rather than just letting things continue as they are. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Isaiah 10:5” : This is a specific passage from the Old Testament book of Isaiah. It’s considered one of the most dramatic and symbolic passages in the Bible. “O Assyrian…” : This refers to the Assyrian Empire, a large and powerful military state that dominated the Near East at the time of this verse. They were known for their vast armies and conquests. “…the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand” : This is where it gets really interesting. The "rod of mine anger" is like a weapon – a symbol of God's fury and power. The “staff in their hand” represents their authority and ability to control things. Basically, they’re wielding a significant amount of strength and influence. “is mine indignation.” : This is the crucial part. "Indignation" means a feeling of righteous anger or displeasure. So, God is claiming this anger as his own – it's not just a feeling; it's a deliberate choice to punish them. What does it mean practically? This verse speaks to a time of great conflict and judgment. It suggests that God isn’t going to let the Assyrians remain unchallenged or continue their oppressive rule for long. It’s a clear statement that God is taking action to bring about a significant shift in their power and influence. In short, it's a powerful image of divine wrath and a deliberate choice by God to punish those who oppose him. --- Important Note: This verse often gets misinterpreted as a prediction of the end times. However, its primary message is about God’s righteous judgment against evil. It’s a reminder that justice will ultimately prevail over injustice. Do you want me to: Explain another passage from Isaiah? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger narrative of the Old Testament?