Old Testament
Isaiah 10:16
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Therefore, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, will send leanness among his fat ones; and beneath his glory, he will kindle a burning like a fire.
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Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.
What Isaiah 10:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is addressing the leaders and powerful people of Israel, referred to as the 'fat ones.' These individuals are seen as complacent and indulgent, relying on their wealth and status rather than on God. The 'leanness' symbolizes a loss of strength and vitality, indicating that God will bring judgment upon them. The imagery of a burning fire suggests that God's glory will reveal their shortcomings and lead to their downfall. This serves as a warning that reliance on earthly power and wealth can lead to spiritual emptiness and destruction. The verse emphasizes that God's judgment is inevitable and that those who are proud and self-sufficient will face consequences for their actions. It calls for humility and dependence on God rather than on material possessions or status.
How to apply Isaiah 10:16 to your life
This verse reminds us to avoid complacency and pride in our lives. We should not rely solely on our achievements or status but instead seek a humble relationship with God. Regular self-reflection and dependence on God can help us maintain spiritual vitality and avoid the pitfalls of arrogance.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 10:16 mean?
Isaiah 10:16 means that God will bring judgment upon the complacent leaders of Israel, referred to as 'fat ones.' Their reliance on wealth and power will lead to their downfall, symbolized by 'leanness' and a burning fire that reveals their shortcomings.
What is the significance of 'fat ones' in Isaiah 10:16?
In Isaiah 10:16, 'fat ones' refers to the powerful and complacent leaders of Israel who are indulgent and self-reliant. This term highlights their spiritual emptiness and the consequences of their pride.
What does 'leanness' symbolize in Isaiah 10:16?
In Isaiah 10:16, 'leanness' symbolizes a loss of strength and vitality, indicating that God will strip away the false security of the complacent leaders. It represents the judgment that will come upon those who rely on their status rather than on God.
What is the warning in Isaiah 10:16?
The warning in Isaiah 10:16 is that reliance on earthly power and wealth can lead to spiritual emptiness and destruction. It emphasizes the need for humility and dependence on God to avoid the consequences of pride.
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