Isaiah 33:10
“Now I will arise,” says the LORD, “now I will lift myself up; now I will be exalted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The repetition of "now" isn't just about timing; it emphasizes God's active decision to intervene at the precise moment of deepest need, personally stepping in when all human hope is gone. It's His own power and glory that will be on full display, not merely a passive response.
The prophet has described the terrifying advance of an invading army, which has laid waste the land and instilled despair in God's people. In this moment of seemingly insurmountable crisis, when all hope of human intervention or negotiation has failed, God declares His intention to step in personally and decisively. This declaration marks a turning point, shifting from the description of destruction to the announcement of divine intervention and vindication.
Ever feel like God is asleep when disaster strikes? This verse speaks directly to that feeling with powerful emphasis.
The word "now" repeats three times in this verse, like a drumbeat underscoring a pivotal moment. It signifies God's decisive action when His people are at their lowest, and their enemies are at their most arrogant.
The Crisis Point
This isn't just any intervention; it's an intervention at the perfect time. It's when human efforts have failed, when the situation seems hopeless, and when the enemy feels invincible.
God's Undelayed Action
The threefold "now" declares that God is not distant or indifferent. He is about to act, and He's not waiting any longer. This is His moment to step in, to show His power, and to make it undeniable that He is the one bringing deliverance.
When all human strength fails, who steps in? This verse points to a singular, powerful actor.
The emphasis on "I" in this verse is crucial. It's not "Now we will arise" or "Now someone will arise." It is God Himself declaring, "I will arise, I will lift myself up, I will be exalted."
God's Sovereignty
This highlights God's absolute sovereignty. He is not relying on human armies or political maneuvering. When His people are facing overwhelming odds, it is God Himself who steps onto the stage of history. He demonstrates that deliverance comes not from human might, but from His divine power.
Exaltation Through Action
The purpose of His rising is to be "exalted." This means He will display His superiority over the enemies of His people and His own glory. The impossible situation becomes the platform for God to reveal how truly great and powerful He is.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant God of Israel. The term signifies His self-existent, eternal, and personal nature as the one who keeps His promises to His people.
rum · Hebrew Verb
To be raised up or set on high. It implies supreme greatness, sovereign authority, and majesty, signifying God’s ultimate victory and recognition as Ruler over all.
This powerful declaration from Isaiah comes at a moment of extreme crisis, when the mighty Assyrian army under Sennacherib is poised to destroy Jerusalem. It's God's promise to intervene decisively when all human hope seems lost.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Empire's Expansion
Under rulers like Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II, the Assyrian Empire aggressively expanded its territory, often demanding heavy tribute from neighboring kingdoms, including Judah.
705-701 BC
Hezekiah's Revolt and Sennacherib's Campaign
King Hezekiah of Judah allied with other Levantine states in a revolt against Assyrian rule. In response, the Assyrian king Sennacherib launched a brutal campaign, devastating much of Judah.
701 BC— this verse
Siege of Jerusalem
Sennacherib's forces besieged Jerusalem, surrounding the city and demanding Hezekiah's surrender. The prophet Isaiah delivered God's message of assurance to Hezekiah and the people.
701 BC
Assyrian Defeat and Withdrawal
During the siege, a devastating plague struck the Assyrian army, leading to their sudden and inexplicable withdrawal from Jerusalem. This event was seen as a miraculous intervention by the LORD.
When Israel was trapped by the Red Sea, God declared His intention to 'lift himself up' by defeating Pharaoh's army, just as He does here in Isaiah to defeat the Assyrians.
Psalm 76:10This Psalm speaks of God's wrath being restrained and then erupting, stating, 'Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain,' echoing the powerful intervention described in Isaiah.
Jeremiah 51:11In the prophecy against Babylon, God declares, 'Now shall the LORD of hosts prepare to battle, to take and to divide the spoil,' showing a similar divine uprising against an oppressive force.
Joel 2:27Joel promises that God's people will know He is among them, and that He will 'lift up myself' by bringing salvation and judgment, paralleling the action and exaltation described in Isaiah.
Luke 1:49Mary's Magnificat echoes this sentiment, proclaiming 'For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name,' reflecting God's powerful acts of exaltation on behalf of His people.
barnesIsaiah 33:10: "Now will I rise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself."
Now - This verse commences another transition. In the previous verses, the desolation of the land had been described, and the hopelessness of obtaining any terms of favor from Sennacherib, or of binding him to any compact, bad been stated. In this state of things, when inevitable ruin seemed to be coming upon the nation, God said that he would interpose. Will I rise - To vengeance; or to punish th…
bensonIsaiah 33:10: "Now will I rise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself."
Isaiah 33:10-13 . Now will I rise — In this extremity I will appear on the behalf of my people and land. Ye shall bring forth stubble — Instead of solid corn. Your great hopes and designs, O ye Assyrians, shall be utterly disappointed. Your breath, as fire, shall devour you — Your rage against my people shall bring ruin upon yourselves. Or, the arrogance, pride, wrath, and blasphemies which you ve…
The repetition of "now" isn't just about timing; it emphasizes God's active decision to intervene at the precise moment of deepest need, personally stepping in when all human hope is gone. It's His own power and glory that will be on full display, not merely a passive response.
The prophet has described the terrifying advance of an invading army, which has laid waste the land and instilled despair in God's people. In this moment of seemingly insurmountable crisis, when all hope of human intervention or negotiation has failed, God declares His intention to step in personally and decisively. This declaration marks a turning point, shifting from the description of destruction to the announcement of divine intervention and vindication.
The prophet has described the terrifying advance of an invading army, which has laid waste the land and instilled despair in God's people. In this moment of seemingly insurmountable crisis, when all hope of human intervention or negotiation has failed, God declares His intention to step in personally and decisively. This declaration marks a turning point, shifting from the description of destruction to the announcement of divine intervention and vindication.
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"“Now I will arise,” says the LORD, “now I will lift myself up; now I will be exalted." — The repetition of "now" isn't just about timing; it emphasizes God's active decision to intervene at the precise moment of deepest need, personally stepping in when all human hope is gone. It's His…
