Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed {h} his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart {i} of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.

(h) When he has sufficiently chastised his people (for he begins at his own house) then will he burn the rods.

(i) Meaning of Sennacherib.

Wesley's Notes

10:12 Wherefore - Because of this impudent blasphemy. His work - Of chastising his people so long as he sees fit. Looks - His insolent words and carriage.

King James Translators' Notes

punish: Heb. visit upon

stout...: Heb. greatness of the heart

Scofield Reference Notes

[1] that when

A permanent method in the divine government of the earth. Israel is always the centre of the divine counsels earthward Dt 32:8. The Gentile nations are permitted to afflict Israel in chastisement for her national sins, but invariably and inevitably retribution falls upon them. See Gen 15:13,14 Dt 30:5-7 Isa 14:1,2 Joel 3:1-8 Mic 5:7-9 Mt 25:31-40.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

12. whole work-His entire plan is regard to the punishment of the Jews (Isa 10:5-7).

Zion-the royal residence, the court, princes and nobles; as distinguished from "Jerusalem," the people in general.

fruit-the result of, that is, the plants emanating from.

stout-Hebrew, "greatness of," that is, pride of.

glory-haughtiness.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

10:5-19 See what a change sin made. The king of Assyria, in his pride, thought to act by his own will. The tyrants of the world are tools of Providence. God designs to correct his people for their hypocrisy, and bring them nearer to him; but is that Sennacherib's design? No; he designs to gratify his own covetousness and ambition. The Assyrian boasts what great things he has done to other nations, by his own policy and power. He knows not that it is God who makes him what he is, and puts the staff into his hand. He had done all this with ease; none moved the wing, or cried as birds do when their nests are rifled. Because he conquered Samaria, he thinks Jerusalem would fall of course. It was lamentable that Jerusalem should have set up graven images, and we cannot wonder that she was excelled in them by the heathen. But is it not equally foolish for Christians to emulate the people of the world in vanities, instead of keeping to things which are their special honour? For a tool to boast, or to strive against him that formed it, would not be more out of the way, than for Sennacherib to vaunt himself against Jehovah. When God brings his people into trouble, it is to bring sin to their remembrance, and humble them, and to awaken them to a sense of their duty; this must be the fruit, even the taking away of sin. When these points are gained by the affliction, it shall be removed in mercy. This attempt upon Zion and Jerusalem should come to nothing. God will be as a fire to consume the workers of iniquity, both soul and body. The desolation should be as when a standard-bearer fainteth, and those who follow are put to confusion. Who is able to stand before this great and holy Lord God?