The remaining trees of its forestsThis phrase refers to the aftermath of God's judgment on Assyria, symbolizing the once-great power reduced to insignificance. In biblical context, trees often symbolize strength and prosperity (e.g.,
Psalm 1:3). The forests of Assyria, representing its military might and resources, will be decimated. This imagery is consistent with the prophetic theme of divine retribution against nations that oppose God's people, as seen in other prophetic books like Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
will be so few
The emphasis here is on the drastic reduction of Assyria's power and resources. Historically, Assyria was a dominant empire known for its vast armies and wealth. The prophecy indicates a complete reversal of fortune, aligning with the biblical principle that pride and oppression lead to downfall (Proverbs 16:18). This serves as a warning to all nations and individuals about the consequences of arrogance and injustice.
that a child could count them
This hyperbolic expression underscores the extent of Assyria's downfall. In ancient cultures, children were often seen as lacking the capacity for complex tasks, so the imagery of a child counting the remaining trees highlights the ease with which the remnants can be numbered. This connects to the broader biblical theme of God using the weak and humble to confound the strong and wise (1 Corinthians 1:27). It also foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, where the seemingly insignificant will prevail through divine intervention.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA 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.
AssyriaA dominant empire during Isaiah's time, known for its military prowess and conquests. Assyria is often depicted as an instrument of God's judgment against Israel and other nations.
3.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which Isaiah primarily addressed. Judah faced threats from surrounding nations, including Assyria.
4.
The RemnantA recurring theme in Isaiah, referring to the small group of Israelites who remain faithful to God and survive His judgments.
5.
The ForestSymbolically represents the strength and multitude of a nation, in this context, Assyria. The imagery of a forest being reduced to a few trees signifies a drastic reduction in power and influence.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over NationsIsaiah 10:19 illustrates God's control over the rise and fall of empires. No nation is beyond His reach or judgment.
The Power of God's JudgmentThe imagery of a forest reduced to a few trees serves as a stark reminder of the severity of God's judgment against pride and arrogance.
Hope for the Faithful RemnantEven in judgment, God preserves a remnant. This offers hope and assurance to those who remain faithful amidst trials.
The Futility of Human PrideAssyria's downfall is a cautionary tale against pride and self-reliance. True security is found in humility and dependence on God.
Counting the Cost of DisobedienceThe reduction of the forest to a countable number of trees symbolizes the consequences of turning away from God. It encourages self-examination and repentance.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 10:19?
2.How does Isaiah 10:19 illustrate God's judgment on prideful nations?
3.What lessons can we learn from God's power in Isaiah 10:19?
4.How does Isaiah 10:19 connect to God's sovereignty in other scriptures?
5.How should Isaiah 10:19 influence our view of worldly power and success?
6.What practical steps can we take to avoid pride, as warned in Isaiah 10:19?
7.What does Isaiah 10:19 reveal about God's judgment on the Assyrian empire?
8.How does Isaiah 10:19 reflect God's sovereignty over nations?
9.What historical events align with the prophecy in Isaiah 10:19?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 10?
11.Why are gold, frankincense, and myrrh significant?
12.What defines a druid?
13.Isaiah 57:5: Is there credible archaeological evidence that child sacrifice was widespread among Israelites, or is this an exaggerated polemic?
14.How does Jesus fulfill Old Testament prophecies and teachings?What Does Isaiah 10:19 Mean
The remaining trees• Throughout Isaiah, Assyria is pictured as a vast forest of lofty cedars (Isaiah 10:33-34;Ezekiel 31:3-5). What will “remain” are the stumps—survivors of a judgment already in motion.
• By highlighting “remaining,” God signals that His pruning is deliberate and complete; nothing mighty can withstand His axe (Isaiah 14:8;Psalm 29:5).
• Yet even in wrath He preserves a remnant for His own purposes (2 Kings 19:30-31;Romans 9:27).
of its forests• “Its” ties the scene specifically to Assyria, the tool that boasted against its Maker (Isaiah 10:5-12).
• A “forest” evokes the empire’s vast manpower and resources (Isaiah 37:24) that once seemed endless to Judah.
• The Lord alone owns every forest (Psalm 50:10); therefore He can thin Assyria’s ranks at will, displaying His sovereignty to all nations.
will be so few• The phrase points to literal decimation: 185,000 soldiers fell in one night (2 Kings 19:35), leaving only a handful.
• “So few” echoes earlier oracles of scarcity (Isaiah 13:12) and reminds us that human might evaporates when God decrees an end (Isaiah 54:17).
• The drastic reduction proves that judgment is not partial; it leaves no doubt that the Lord, not chance, brought it about (Deuteronomy 32:39).
that a child could count them• The once-unstoppable power is now so diminished that even a child—untrained and easily distracted—can tally the survivors.
• The picture highlights humiliation following pride (Proverbs 16:18); Assyria’s glory is reduced to something laughably small.
• God routs enemies in a way future generations can retell (Exodus 10:2;Psalm 78:4), cementing faith in His deliverance.
summaryIsaiah 10:19 foretells God’s decisive pruning of Assyria: the mighty empire will be hacked down until only a handful remain, so few that a child can number them. The verse assures believers that every proud power opposing the Lord will meet the same fate, and it underscores His absolute control over nations, armies, and outcomes.
(19)
And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few.--To number the host of an army, to count killed and wounded after a battle, was commonly the work of the royal scribe, who appears so often as in that employment in Assyrian sculptures. Here the survivors (the "remnant" as before) were to be so few (literally,
a number) that even the boy who could hardly count but on his fingers would be skilled enough to number them.
Verse 19. -
The rest of the trees;
i.e. these that escape the burning - shall be few; literally,
a number;
i.e. so few that their number shall be apparent.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The remainingוּשְׁאָ֥ר(ū·šə·’ār)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7605:Rest, residue, remnanttreesעֵ֛ץ(‘êṣ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6086:Tree, trees, woodof its forestsיַעְר֖וֹ(ya‘·rōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3293:A copse of bushes, a forest, honey in the combwill beיִֽהְי֑וּ(yih·yū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beso fewמִסְפָּ֣ר(mis·pār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4557:A number, definite, indefinite, narrationthat a childוְנַ֖עַר(wə·na·‘ar)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288:A boy, lad, youth, retainercould count them.יִכְתְּבֵֽם׃(yiḵ·tə·ḇêm)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3789:To grave, to write
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 10:19 The remnant of the trees of his (Isa Isi Is)