Question 1

What does “woe to them that decree unrighteous decrees” mean?

Accepted Answer

This line is God’s warning to leaders who use their power to write bad laws. Instead of protecting the weak, they pass rules that hurt the poor, widows, and orphans. These laws twist what is right, take away justice, and let the rich and strong take more from those who have little. God is saying He sees this and will not ignore it. Those in power who use their position to crush others will face His judgment first, because they were supposed to guard the weak, not devour them.

Question 2

Who are the poor, widows, and fatherless mentioned here?

Accepted Answer

The poor, widows, and fatherless are the people with least protection in society. They have few resources, no powerful friends, and often no one to speak up for them in court. God cares deeply for them and expects rulers and judges to defend them. In this passage, the leaders do the opposite: they turn them away from justice and even use them to gain riches. By calling out how these vulnerable people are treated, God shows His heart for them and warns that harming them brings serious judgment.

Question 3

Why does God call Assyria the rod of His anger?

Accepted Answer

God calls Assyria the rod of His anger because He is using that nation as a tool to punish His own people for their sin and hypocrisy. The Assyrian army thinks it is winning by its own strength and wisdom, but in reality God has allowed its victories. Assyria wants to destroy and plunder many nations, but God’s purpose is to correct His people and then stop Assyria’s pride. This shows that even harsh events are not random; God can use a foreign power to discipline, yet still hold that power accountable later.

Question 4

What does the image of the axe and the one who swings it teach?

Accepted Answer

The picture of the axe and the one who swings it shows that Assyria is just a tool in God’s hand. An axe cannot brag about cutting wood, because it only works when someone uses it. In the same way, Assyria should not claim that its own strength and wisdom brought victory. God is the one allowing its success for a time. This reminds us that no ruler or nation is truly in control on its own. All power is borrowed from God, and pride in human strength will be brought low.

Question 5

What is meant by the remnant of Israel in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The remnant of Israel is the small group of people who survive God’s judgment and truly turn back to Him. Even though the people are many, like sand by the sea, only a portion returns to the mighty God in sincere trust. After the burden of Assyria is lifted, this remnant will no longer lean on the nation that hurt them, but will lean on the Lord in truth. This shows both God’s justice, in cutting down widespread sin, and His mercy, in keeping and restoring those who cling to Him.

Question 6

Why does God say not to be afraid of the Assyrian?

Accepted Answer

God tells His people in Zion not to be afraid of the Assyrian because the suffering he brings will not last forever. Assyria will strike them, like Egypt once did, but God will also strike Assyria in return. He reminds them of past rescues, like the defeat of Midian and the parting of the sea, to show that He can again break the enemy’s power. In time, the burden and yoke will be taken off their shoulders. So they are called to endure, trust God’s timing, and not let fear rule them.

Question 7

What does this chapter show about God’s character and justice?

Accepted Answer

This chapter shows that God hates unjust laws and oppression, cares deeply for the weak, and holds leaders to account. He does not ignore sin among His own people, and He is willing to use hard discipline to bring them back. At the same time, He also judges the proud nation He uses as His tool, proving that no one is above His rule. God’s justice cuts down pride and cruelty, yet He keeps a remnant who truly trust Him. His anger is real, but so is His mercy and faithfulness.

Question 8

How can this passage guide believers and leaders today?

Accepted Answer

This passage urges anyone with influence to use it to protect, not to crush. Leaders should check whether their decisions harm the poor or make it harder for the weak to find justice. It also warns against pride, reminding us that any power or success we have comes from God, not ourselves. For all believers, it calls us to trust God, not human strength, and to remember that He sees injustice. Even when things look dark, He still rules over nations and keeps a faithful remnant for Himself.

Isaiah 10:1

Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;

Woe to Tyrants

Judgment on Assyria

A Remnant Shall Return

Woe to Tyrants

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Isaiah 10:1

Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;

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Woe to Tyrants

Judgment on Assyria

A Remnant Shall Return

Woe to Tyrants

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