Question 1

What does “Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass” mean?

Accepted Answer

This line shows God speaking very plainly about His own plans. When He says, “Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass,” He is saying that what He decides in His own mind will really happen in the world. Nothing is random with Him. His thoughts are not passing wishes but firm intentions. For the people hearing this, it meant they could rest on His word. If He has planned to judge their enemies and to free them from oppression, they do not have to guess if it will happen. He ties their hope to His own settled purpose.

Question 2

Who is the Assyrian that God says He will break in His land?

Accepted Answer

The Assyrian is the powerful enemy empire that had threatened and attacked God’s people. This passage points especially to the Assyrian ruler and army that came into God’s land and surrounded His people. God promises that this proud power will not win. He will break the Assyrian in His land and trample him on His mountains. Some readers also see here a picture of later oppressive powers that act like Assyria, but the main idea is that the feared invader will be defeated by God Himself, not by human strength alone.

Question 3

What does it mean that the Assyrian’s yoke and burden will depart?

Accepted Answer

The “yoke” and “burden” picture harsh rule and heavy demands. A yoke is a wooden bar laid on animals’ necks to control them. Here it describes how the Assyrian empire controlled and crushed the people, forcing them into fear, tribute, and service. When God says the yoke and burden will depart from their shoulders, He is promising the end of that oppression. The siege will be lifted, the land will be freed, and His people will no longer carry the weight of this cruel power. It is a very concrete picture of real, outward deliverance.

Question 4

What is the meaning of “This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth”?

Accepted Answer

Here God widens the view beyond one empire. He is not only dealing with one Assyrian king; He is showing His way of dealing with all proud nations that crush others. The “purpose” is His settled plan to bring down arrogant powers and to rescue His people. Saying it is “upon the whole earth” means that no nation is outside His reach. What He does to Assyria is a lesson and a warning to every kingdom that trusts in its own strength and harms His people. It also comforts believers that history is not out of God’s control.

Question 5

What does this passage teach about God’s sovereignty and power?

Accepted Answer

These verses underline that God rules over every plan and power on earth. He swears that what He has thought and purposed will stand. He breaks mighty empires in their pride and frees the weak who cry out to Him. His “hand” being stretched out means He is actively working to carry out His plan, not just watching from far away. The questions, “Who shall disannul it?” and “Who shall turn it back?” show that no ruler, army, or scheme can overturn His will. This view of God is meant to steady His people when they feel small and surrounded.

Question 6

Why does God use an oath in this passage?

Accepted Answer

God does not need to swear in order to keep His word, but He sometimes uses an oath to help His people trust Him. When they see powerful enemies prospering, it is easy to doubt that God will really judge evil and rescue them. By saying it in the strongest way, He stoops to our weak faith and gives added assurance. His oath here is like a firm anchor for fearful hearts. It tells them, in effect, “I am binding My own name to this promise. You can count on Me to do exactly what I have said regarding this oppressor.”

Question 7

How does God’s fixed purpose here bring comfort to believers today?

Accepted Answer

Believers today still face powers that seem stronger than they are, whether that is hostile governments, systems of injustice, or personal situations that feel overwhelming. This passage shows that God’s purposes are not shaky or uncertain. The same God who broke the Assyrian in His land has not lost His authority over history. Knowing that His plans cannot be cancelled helps believers rest, even when they do not see quick change. They can trust that God will not forget oppression forever and that His plan to save and keep His people will stand to the end.

Question 8

What was happening when God spoke about breaking the Assyrian?

Accepted Answer

The people of Judah were living in the shadow of a huge empire that had already crushed many nations. Assyria had marched through lands, taken cities, and come right up to the doorstep of God’s people. It looked like no one could stop them. Into that fear, God spoke this word: He Himself would break the Assyrian in His own land and on His mountains. He pointed to a real act of judgment against that army as both present help and a sign of how He would deal with later oppressors too.

Question 9

Why does the passage ask, “Who shall disannul it?” and “Who shall turn it back?”

Accepted Answer

These questions are not asking for an answer; they are meant to make readers think. The implied answer is “no one.” They highlight how foolish it is for any person or nation to think they can undo what God has planned. If His hand is stretched out in judgment or in rescue, no one can push it away. This sharp way of speaking exposes human pride and gives courage to humble believers. It reminds us that the loudest threats on earth are still under the quiet, firm rule of God.

Isaiah 14:24

¶ The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:

God’s Purpose against Assyria

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Isaiah 14:24

¶ The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:

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God’s Purpose against Assyria

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