Isaiah 10:8

8 They ask, 'Aren't all our commanders kings?

Isaiah 10:8 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 10:8

For he saith, [are] not my princes altogether kings?
] Meaning either the kings which he had conquered, which were become his princes and subjects; or rather, such were the greatness and glory of his nobles, that they were equal in their riches and dominions to kings, and so were able to furnish him with men and money for such an expedition he had in his heart to undertake, even to conquer and subdue all the nations of the earth: and this he said either to his people, boasting of his grandeur; or in his heart, as Kimchi observes, to encourage himself; or rather more openly before others, in order to discourage and inject terror into the nations he meant to destroy, and particularly the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 10:8 In-Context

6 I send them against a godless nation. In my fury I order them against the people to take their belongings, loot them, and trample on them like mud in the streets.

7 But that's not what they intend to do. Their minds don't work that way. Their purpose is to destroy and put an end to many nations.

8 They ask, 'Aren't all our commanders kings?

9 Isn't Calno like Carchemish? Isn't Hamath like Arpad? Isn't Samaria like Damascus?'

10 My power has reached kingdoms which have idols. They had more carved statues than Jerusalem or Samaria.