NOTES for Isa 10:1-34
Assyria, which destroyed the Northern Kingdom of Israel, also threatens the Southern Kingdom. Yet it is clear to the prophet that although Assyria has become an instrument of God's wrath against Israel, its days are numbered. Judah too is nevertheless threatened with downfall, because failure to carry out God's will as expressed in the Law removes the people from their relationship with God. Trust in God becomes the criterion by which the Remnant will be chosen—the small part of the people that has kept the faith. This trust will appear with particular force in the hour of trial, amid Assyrian military raids and turmoil in the kingdom. But those who believe in the Creator of heaven and earth know that He will not abandon His people. How terrible that the remnant will be so small! Yet, in the end, everything depends on each individual heart.