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As if a rod were to wield the person who lifts it up, or a club brandish the one who is not wood! <a href="/nlt/isaiah/10.htm">New Living Translation</a> But can the ax boast greater power than the person who uses it? Is the saw greater than the person who saws? Can a rod strike unless a hand moves it? Can a wooden cane walk by itself? <a href="/esv/isaiah/10.htm">English Standard Version</a> Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it, or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it? As if a rod should wield him who lifts it, or as if a staff should lift him who is not wood! <a href="/bsb/isaiah/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it? Does a saw boast over him who saws with it? It would be like a rod waving the one who lifts it, or a staff lifting him who is not wood! <a href="/kjv/isaiah/10.htm">King James Bible</a> Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood. <a href="/nkjv/isaiah/10.htm">New King James Version</a> Shall the ax boast itself against him who chops with it? Or shall the saw exalt itself against him who saws with it? As if a rod could wield itself against those who lift it up, Or as if a staff could lift up, as if it were not wood! <a href="/nasb_/isaiah/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it? Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it? That would be like a club wielding those who lift it, Or like a rod lifting the one who is not wood. <a href="/nasb/isaiah/10.htm">NASB 1995</a> Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it? Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it? That would be like a club wielding those who lift it, Or like a rod lifting him who is not wood. <a href="/nasb77/isaiah/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it? Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it? That would be like a club wielding those who lift it, Or like a rod lifting him who is not wood. <a href="/lsb/isaiah/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it? Is the saw to magnify itself over the one who wields it? That would be like a rod wielding those who lift it, Or like a staff lifting him who is not wood. <a href="/amp/isaiah/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Is the axe able to lift itself over the one who chops with it? Is the saw able to magnify itself over the one who wields it? That would be like a club moving those who lift it, Or like a staff raising him who is not [made of] wood [like itself]! <a href="/csb/isaiah/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Does an ax exalt itself above the one who chops with it? Does a saw magnify itself above the one who saws with it? It would be like a rod waving the ones who lift it! It would be like a staff lifting the one who isn’t wood! <a href="/hcsb/isaiah/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Does an ax exalt itself above the one who chops with it? Does a saw magnify itself above the one who saws with it? It would be like a staff waving the one who lifts it! It would be like a rod lifting a man who isn&#8217t wood! <a href="/asv/isaiah/10.htm">American Standard Version</a> Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? shall the saw magnify itself against him that wieldeth it? as if a rod should wield them that lift it up, or as if a staff should lift up him that is not wood. <a href="/cev/isaiah/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> King of Assyria, can an ax or a saw overpower the one who uses it? Can a wooden pole lift whoever holds it? <a href="/erv/isaiah/10.htm">English Revised Version</a> Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if a rod should shake them that lift it up, or as if a staff should lift up him that is not wood. <a href="/gwt/isaiah/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Can an ax attack the person who cuts with it? Can a saw make itself greater than the person who saws with it? A rod cannot move the person who lifts it. A wooden stick cannot pick up a person. <a href="/gnt/isaiah/10.htm">Good News Translation</a> But the LORD says, "Can an ax claim to be greater than the one who uses it? Is a saw more important than the one who saws with it? A club doesn't lift up a person; a person lifts up a club." <a href="/isv/isaiah/10.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Does the ax exalt itself over the one who swings it? Or does the saw magnify itself in opposition to the one who wields it? As if a rod were to wield those who lift it, or as if a club were to brandish the one who is not wood! <a href="/msb/isaiah/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it? Does a saw boast over him who saws with it? It would be like a rod waving the one who lifts it, or a staff lifting him who is not wood! <a href="/net/isaiah/10.htm">NET Bible</a> Does an ax exalt itself over the one who wields it, or a saw magnify itself over the one who cuts with it? As if a scepter should brandish the one who raises it, or a staff should lift up what is not made of wood! <a href="/nheb/isaiah/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Should an axe brag against him who chops with it? Should a saw exalt itself above him who saws with it? As if a rod should lift those who lift it up, or as if a staff should lift up someone who is not wood. <a href="/wbt/isaiah/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Shall the ax boast itself against him that heweth with it? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that moveth it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it, or as if the staff should lift itself, as if it were no wood. <a href="/web/isaiah/10.htm">World English Bible</a> Should an ax brag against him who chops with it? Should a saw exalt itself above him who saws with it? As if a rod should lift those who lift it up, or as if a staff should lift up someone who is not wood. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/isaiah/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Does the axe glorify itself "" Against him who is hewing with it? Does the saw magnify itself "" Against him who is shaking it? As a rod waving those lifting it up! As a staff lifting up that which is not wood! <a href="/ylt/isaiah/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> -- Doth the axe glorify itself Against him who is hewing with it? Doth the saw magnify itself Against him who is shaking it? As a rod waving those lifting it up! As a staff lifting up that which is not wood! <a href="/slt/isaiah/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Shall the axe vaunt itself against him hewing with it? shall the saw magnify itself against him moving it up and down? as the rod moving up and down with those lifting it up; as the lifting up of the rod not wood.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/isaiah/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Shall the axe boast itself against him that cutteth with it? or shall the saw exalt itself against him by whom it is drawn? as if a rod should lift itself up against him that lifteth it up, and a staff exalt itself, which is but wood. <a href="/cpdv/isaiah/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Should the axe glorify itself over him who wields it? Or can the saw exalt itself over him who pulls it? How can a rod lift itself up against him who wields it, or a staff exalt itself, though it is only wood? <a href="/nabre/isaiah/10.htm">New American Bible</a> Will the ax boast against the one who hews with it? Will the saw exalt itself above the one who wields it? As if a rod could sway the one who lifts it, or a staff could lift the one who is not wood! <a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Shall the ax vaunt itself over the one who wields it, or the saw magnify itself against the one who handles it? As if a rod should raise the one who lifts it up, or as if a staff should lift the one who is not wood!<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Shall the ax boast itself over him who hews with it? Or shall the saw magnify itself over him who saws with it? Or shall a rod exalt itself over him who lifts it up? <a href="/hpbt/isaiah/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Is the axe boasting over him who cuts with it, or is a saw exalted over him who saws with it, or does a rod lift itself up over him who raises it?<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/isaiah/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Should the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? Should the saw magnify itself against him that moveth it? As if a rod should move them that lift it up, Or as if a staff should lift up him that is not wood. <a href="/sep/isaiah/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Shall the axe glorify itself without him that hews with it? or shall the saw lift up itself without him that uses it, as if one should lift a rod or staff? but it shall not be so; <a href="/parallel/isaiah/10-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=2246" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/isaiah/10.htm">Judgment on Assyria</a> …14My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’ ” 15<a href="/hebrew/1631.htm" title="1631: hag·gar·zen (Art:: N-ms) -- An axe. From garaz; an axe.">Does an axe</a> <a href="/hebrew/6286.htm" title="6286: hă·yiṯ·pā·’êr (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to gleam, i.e. embellish; figuratively, to boast; also to explain oneself; denominative from p'orah, to shake a tree.">raise itself</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">above</a> <a href="/hebrew/2672.htm" title="2672: ha·ḥō·ṣêḇ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- Or chatseb; a primitive root; to cut or carve, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave.">the one who swings</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">it?</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">Does</a> <a href="/hebrew/4883.htm" title="4883: ham·maś·śō·wr (Art:: N-ms) -- A saw. From an unused root meaning to rasp; a saw.">a saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/1431.htm" title="1431: yiṯ·gad·dêl (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- To grow up, become great. A primitive root; properly, to twist, i.e. To be large.">boast</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over him</a> <a href="/hebrew/5130.htm" title="5130: mə·nî·p̄ōw (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-msc:: 3ms) -- To move to and fro, wave, sprinkle. A primitive root; to quiver; used in a great variety of applications.">who saws with it?</a> <a href="/hebrew/7626.htm" title="7626: šê·ḇeṭ (N-ms) -- Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe. From an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, i.e. a stick Or a clan.">It would be like a rod</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5130.htm" title="5130: kə·hā·nîp̄ (Prep-k:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To move to and fro, wave, sprinkle. A primitive root; to quiver; used in a great variety of applications.">waving</a> <a href="/hebrew/7311.htm" title="7311: mə·rî·māw (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-mpc:: 3ms) -- To be high or exalted, rise. A primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise.">the one who lifts it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4294.htm" title="4294: maṭ·ṭeh (N-ms) -- Or mattah; from natah; a branch; figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising, ruling, throwing, or walking.">or a staff</a> <a href="/hebrew/7311.htm" title="7311: kə·hā·rîm (Prep-k:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To be high or exalted, rise. A primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise.">lifting him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">who is not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6086.htm" title="6086: ‘êṣ (N-ms) -- Tree, trees, wood. From atsah; a tree; hence, wood.">wood!</a> 16Therefore the Lord GOD of Hosts will send a wasting disease among Assyria’s stout warriors, and under his pomp will be kindled a fire like a burning flame.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/jeremiah/51-20.htm">Jeremiah 51:20-23</a> “You are My war club, My weapon for battle. With you I shatter nations; with you I bring kingdoms to ruin. / With you I shatter the horse and rider; with you I shatter the chariot and driver. / With you I shatter man and woman; with you I shatter the old man and the youth; with you I shatter the young man and the maiden. ... <a href="/daniel/4-35.htm">Daniel 4:35</a> All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” <a href="/romans/9-20.htm">Romans 9:20-21</a> But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” / Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? <a href="/isaiah/29-16.htm">Isaiah 29:16</a> You have turned things upside down, as if the potter were regarded as clay. Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “He did not make me”? Can the pottery say of the potter, “He has no understanding”? <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Isaiah 45:9</a> Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker—one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’? <a href="/isaiah/37-26.htm">Isaiah 37:26-29</a> Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it; in days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass, that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble. / Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown. / But I know your sitting down, your going out and coming in, and your raging against Me. ... <a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10-11</a> I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ / I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it. <a href="/job/12-9.htm">Job 12:9-10</a> Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? / The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind. <a href="/job/38-4.htm">Job 38:4-5</a> Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. / Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? <a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1-4</a> Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: / “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.” ... <a href="/psalms/33-10.htm">Psalm 33:10-11</a> The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. / The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations. <a href="/psalms/115-3.htm">Psalm 115:3</a> Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases. <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Proverbs 21:1</a> The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. <a href="/acts/17-24.htm">Acts 17:24-28</a> The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. / Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. / From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-29</a> But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Shall the ax boast itself against him that hews therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shakes it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.the axe<a href="/isaiah/10-5.htm">Isaiah 10:5</a> O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.<a href="/psalms/17-13.htm">Psalm 17:13,14</a> Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: … <a href="/jeremiah/51-20.htm">Jeremiah 51:20-23</a> Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; … itself, as if it were no wood.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm">Ax</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm">Axe</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/james/4-16.htm">Brag</a> <a href="/psalms/35-3.htm">Brandish</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-11.htm">Chops</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-5.htm">Club</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-6.htm">Exalt</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Heweth</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-8.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-26.htm">Lift</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-20.htm">Magnify</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Move</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-31.htm">Moveth</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-9.htm">Raise</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-5.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-3.htm">Saws</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-2.htm">Shake</a> <a href="/psalms/99-1.htm">Shaketh</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-5.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Uses</a> <a href="/psalms/74-5.htm">Wield</a> <a href="/psalms/74-5.htm">Wielding</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-16.htm">Wields</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-2.htm">Wood</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/10-34.htm">Ax</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-34.htm">Axe</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-5.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/amos/4-5.htm">Brag</a> <a href="/ezekiel/32-10.htm">Brandish</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-11.htm">Chops</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-27.htm">Club</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-2.htm">Exalt</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-16.htm">Heweth</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-14.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-24.htm">Lift</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-21.htm">Magnify</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-28.htm">Move</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-9.htm">Moveth</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-26.htm">Raise</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-24.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-31.htm">Saws</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-32.htm">Shake</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-32.htm">Shaketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-11.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-24.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-25.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm">Uses</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-26.htm">Wield</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-32.htm">Wielding</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-16.htm">Wields</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-19.htm">Wood</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 10</div>1. <a href="/isaiah/10-1.htm">The woe of tyrants</a> 5. <a href="/isaiah/10-5.htm">Assyria, the rod of hypocrites, for its pride shall be broken</a> 20. <a href="/isaiah/10-20.htm">A remnant of Israel shall be saved</a> 23. <a href="/isaiah/10-23.htm">Judah is comforted with promise of deliverance from Assyria</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it? This phrase emphasizes the absurdity of a tool claiming superiority over its user. In the context of <a href="/isaiah/10.htm">Isaiah 10</a>, God is addressing the arrogance of Assyria, which He used as an instrument of judgment against Israel. The axe symbolizes Assyria, and the one who swings it represents God. This imagery underscores the sovereignty of God over nations and leaders, reminding us of similar themes in <a href="/jeremiah/51-20.htm">Jeremiah 51:20-23</a>, where Babylon is described as God's war club. Theologically, it highlights human pride and the folly of assuming autonomy from God, echoing the message of <a href="/proverbs/21.htm">Proverbs 21:1</a>, where the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord.Does a saw boast over him who saws with it? The saw, like the axe, is a tool that cannot function independently. This rhetorical question further illustrates the foolishness of Assyria's pride. Historically, Assyria was a dominant military power, often boasting of its conquests. However, this passage reminds us that their success was permitted by God for His purposes. The imagery of the saw connects to the broader biblical theme of God using nations as instruments of His will, as seen in <a href="/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Habakkuk 1:5-11</a>, where God raises the Chaldeans for judgment. It also serves as a warning against self-reliance and arrogance, aligning with <a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a>, which states that God opposes the proud.It would be like a rod waving the one who lifts it, The rod is another metaphor for Assyria, emphasizing the absurdity of an instrument acting independently of its wielder. In biblical times, a rod was often a symbol of authority and discipline, as seen in <a href="/exodus/4-2.htm">Exodus 4:2-4</a> with Moses' staff. This phrase suggests the reversal of roles, highlighting the ridiculousness of a tool attempting to control its master. It reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's control over history and His use of nations to accomplish His purposes, as seen in <a href="/daniel/4-35.htm">Daniel 4:35</a>, where God's sovereignty over the kingdoms of men is affirmed.or a staff lifting him who is not wood! The staff, like the rod, is a symbol of support and guidance. This phrase underscores the impossibility of an inanimate object exerting power over a living being. It serves as a final rebuke to Assyria's arrogance, reminding them of their role as mere instruments in God's hands. The reference to "him who is not wood" highlights the distinction between the Creator and His creation, echoing themes from <a href="/psalms/115-3.htm">Psalm 115:3-8</a>, where idols are contrasted with the living God. This imagery also points to the ultimate authority of God, who alone is worthy of glory and honor, as seen in <a href="/revelation/4-11.htm">Revelation 4:11</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a> A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book that bears his name. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Judah and is known for his messages of judgment and hope. 2. <a href="/topical/a/assyria.htm">Assyria</a> A powerful empire during Isaiah's time, Assyria was used by God as an instrument of judgment against Israel and Judah. However, Assyria's pride and arrogance led to its own downfall. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The sovereign Lord who uses nations and people as instruments to fulfill His divine purposes. In this context, God is the one who wields the "ax" or "saw," symbolizing His control over Assyria. 4. <a href="/topical/j/judah_and_israel.htm">Judah and Israel</a> The divided kingdoms of God's chosen people. They faced judgment due to their disobedience and idolatry, with Assyria being one of the instruments of that judgment. 5. <a href="/topical/k/king_of_assyria.htm">King of Assyria</a> The ruler of the Assyrian Empire, who is depicted as arrogant and boastful, failing to recognize that he is merely an instrument in God's hands.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Recognize that God is in control of all events and rulers. No matter how powerful a nation or leader may seem, they are ultimately under God's authority. <a href="/topical/h/humility_before_god.htm">Humility Before God</a> Just as the ax cannot boast over the one who wields it, we must remain humble, acknowledging that our abilities and successes are granted by God. <a href="/topical/i/instrument_of_god's_purpose.htm">Instrument of God's Purpose</a> Understand that God can use anyone or anything to accomplish His purposes. We should seek to be willing instruments in His hands, aligning our actions with His will. <a href="/topical/w/warning_against_pride.htm">Warning Against Pride</a> The passage serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. We must guard against the arrogance that leads us to forget our dependence on God. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_plan.htm">Trust in God's Plan</a> Even when circumstances seem dire, trust that God is working through them for His greater purpose. Our role is to remain faithful and obedient.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 10</a> <a href="/q/does_god_using_flawed_empires_contradict_omnipotence.htm">Isaiah 10:15–16: Does it contradict divine omnipotence to use flawed human empires to accomplish God’s will, then punish them for their actions? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_isaiah_50_10_fit_with_trust_in_god.htm">How does Isaiah 50:10 reconcile with the broader biblical narrative on trust in God, given that many faithful individuals still faced dire outcomes?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_assyria's_use_morally_consistent.htm">Isaiah 10:5-6: How does using a ruthless nation like Assyria as an instrument of punishment align with moral consistency?</a> <a href="/q/does_zech._1_14-15_align_with_other_biblical_judgments.htm">How does the promised divine judgment in Zechariah 1:14-15 align with or contradict other biblical accounts of God's dealings with foreign nations?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) Shall the ax boast itself . . .?--The words spoken by the prophet as the mouthpiece of Jehovah remind us of the way in which Christian writers of the fifth century spoke of Attila as "the scourge of God." There was comfort in that thought for the nations that were scourged. The man's lust for power might be limitless, but there was the limit of the compassion and longsuffering of God.As if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up.--Better, As if the rod should shake them. The plural is used either as generalising the comparison, or more probably as suggesting the thought that Elohim (God) is the true wielder of the rod. (Comp. <a href="/isaiah/10-5.htm" title="O Assyrian, the rod of my anger, and the staff in their hand is my indignation.">Isaiah 10:5</a>.)As if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.--The multiplied italics show that the translators found the clause difficult. Better and more simply, As if the staff should lift that which is not wood, i.e., the living arm that holds it. Was it for the king of Assyria to assume that he could alter and determine the purposes of Jehovah? Did the man wield the rod, or the rod the man?<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - Shall the axe boast itself? Here the prophet takes the word, and rebukes Assyria for her folly in forgetting, or not perceiving, that she is a mere instrument, like an axe, a saw, a rod, or a stuff. The saw... him that shaketh it; rather, him that moveth it to and fro. The action of sawing is alluded to. As if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up; rather, as if a rod were to move them to and fro that lift it up. For Assyria to assert herself as if she were independent of God is like a rod attempting to sway the hand that holds it. It is a complete inversion of the natural order of things. Or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood. Translate, or as if d staff should lift up that which is not wood; i.e. "as if a staff should take action and lift up its holder, who is not wood, but flesh and blood." <a href="/commentaries/isaiah/10-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Does an ax הַגַּרְזֶ֔ן (hag·gar·zen) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1631.htm">Strong's 1631: </a> An axe raise itself הֲיִתְפָּאֵר֙ (hă·yiṯ·pā·’êr) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6286.htm">Strong's 6286: </a> To gleam, embellish, to boast, to explain, oneself, to shake a, tree above עַ֖ל (‘al) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the one who swings it? הַחֹצֵ֣ב (ha·ḥō·ṣêḇ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2672.htm">Strong's 2672: </a> To cut, carve, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave Does a saw הַמַּשּׂוֹר֙ (ham·maś·śō·wr) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4883.htm">Strong's 4883: </a> A saw boast יִתְגַּדֵּ֤ל (yiṯ·gad·dêl) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1431.htm">Strong's 1431: </a> To grow up, become great over him עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against who saws with it? מְנִיפ֔וֹ (mə·nî·p̄ōw) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5130.htm">Strong's 5130: </a> To move to and fro, wave, sprinkle It would be like a staff שֵׁ֙בֶט֙ (šê·ḇeṭ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7626.htm">Strong's 7626: </a> Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe waving כְּהָנִ֥יף (kə·hā·nîp̄) Preposition-k | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5130.htm">Strong's 5130: </a> To move to and fro, wave, sprinkle the one who lifts it! מְרִימָ֔יו (mə·rî·māw) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7311.htm">Strong's 7311: </a> To be high actively, to rise, raise It would be like a staff מַטֶּ֖ה (maṭ·ṭeh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4294.htm">Strong's 4294: </a> A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe lifting כְּהָרִ֥ים (kə·hā·rîm) Preposition-k | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7311.htm">Strong's 7311: </a> To be high actively, to rise, raise him who is not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no wood! עֵֽץ׃ (‘êṣ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6086.htm">Strong's 6086: </a> Tree, trees, wood <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/10-15.htm">Isaiah 10:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/isaiah/10-15.htm">Isaiah 10:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/isaiah/10-15.htm">Isaiah 10:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/isaiah/10-15.htm">Isaiah 10:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/isaiah/10-15.htm">Isaiah 10:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/10-15.htm">Isaiah 10:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/10-15.htm">Isaiah 10:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/10-15.htm">Isaiah 10:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/10-15.htm">Isaiah 10:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/isaiah/10-15.htm">Isaiah 10:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-15.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 10:15 Should an axe brag against him who (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/10-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 10:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 10:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/10-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 10:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 10:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>