God will preserve a faithful few who trust in Him, restoring and strengthening them for His divine purpose.
The prophet Isaiah declares that “Now in that day the remnant of Israel, and those of the house of Jacob, will never again rely on the one who struck them, but will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.” (Isa. 10:20) This foreshadows a time when God’s people will no longer place their trust in human powers or oppressive alliances, but will instead put their confidence in the Lord alone. Israel was historically located in the region of Canaan, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, at a crossroads of ancient civilizations. The mention of “Jacob” points back to the patriarch who lived circa 2006-1859 BC, and from whom the nation of Israel traced its lineage. By using the phrase “the Holy One of Israel,” Isaiah underscores the Lord’s position as the true protector and covenant-keeper, a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament and finds its fulfillment in the New Testament, when faith is placed in Jesus as the Messiah (Romans 9:27-28).
This verse highlights the idea that, despite great tribulation, a portion of God’s people—often called the “remnant”—will return to single-hearted devotion and dependence on Him. In the broader context of Isaiah 10, the people of Judah had leaned on foreign nations for security, only to be chastised severely. Yet this experience will refine and purify them, drawing them back to the true source of their salvation. In the messianic narrative, this “remnant” illustrates how God continually preserves a faithful group who hold fast to His promises, despite prevailing cultural or political pressures (Romans 11:5). Thus, Isaiah 10:20 extends hope to readers across centuries, reminding them that no matter the turmoil, the Lord is always prepared to receive those who rely on Him.
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Isaiah 10:20 meaning
The prophet Isaiah declares that “Now in that day the remnant of Israel, and those of the house of Jacob, will never again rely on the one who struck them, but will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.” (Isa. 10:20) This foreshadows a time when God’s people will no longer place their trust in human powers or oppressive alliances, but will instead put their confidence in the Lord alone. Israel was historically located in the region of Canaan, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, at a crossroads of ancient civilizations. The mention of “Jacob” points back to the patriarch who lived circa 2006-1859 BC, and from whom the nation of Israel traced its lineage. By using the phrase “the Holy One of Israel,” Isaiah underscores the Lord’s position as the true protector and covenant-keeper, a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament and finds its fulfillment in the New Testament, when faith is placed in Jesus as the Messiah (Romans 9:27-28).
This verse highlights the idea that, despite great tribulation, a portion of God’s people—often called the “remnant”—will return to single-hearted devotion and dependence on Him. In the broader context of Isaiah 10, the people of Judah had leaned on foreign nations for security, only to be chastised severely. Yet this experience will refine and purify them, drawing them back to the true source of their salvation. In the messianic narrative, this “remnant” illustrates how God continually preserves a faithful group who hold fast to His promises, despite prevailing cultural or political pressures (Romans 11:5). Thus, Isaiah 10:20 extends hope to readers across centuries, reminding them that no matter the turmoil, the Lord is always prepared to receive those who rely on Him.