Isaiah 10-12   God's Hand is stretched out against Israel.  He takes His rod and His staff, verses 5-6 tell us, " Assyria, the rod of My anger and the staff in whose hands is My indignation."   The rod and staff that bring comfort to the ones who know the Lord as their Shepherd... used for the defense of the sheep.. proclaiming the authority of the Shepherd.. become instruments of judgement and punishment  for the rebellious.  His people have enacted "evil statutes".  They make "unjust decisions".  They "rob the poor of My people" . They oppress the widows and orphans.  They have made God angry with their sin and rebellion.  They have caused Him indignation- a fury and rage that will be poured out by the nation of Assyria.

Assyria will boast of its success in the destruction of Israel.  But, God will cut it down for its arrogance and haughtiness.  It is only an instrument in the Hand of the Almighty to accomplish His purposes.  " Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it?"   Lest we think that any nation is stronger, better, or greater than any other... we need to know that it is only what God has made it to be.  In our day North Korea is strutting itself around like Assyria once did.  The USA is just as guilty.
But, like the nations in the time of Isaiah... judgement comes from the rod and staff of the Lord Most High.. against those who make Him angry with their evil ways.

Israel was punished for enacting evil statutes.  America will be judged for the laws that permit the killing of unborn children and the promotion of those things that are detestable to Him.
Israel was punished for making unjust decisions ; America's justice system is not any better.
Israel was punished for the oppression of God's people, especially widows and orphans.   America is becoming more and more hostile towards those who believe and follow Jesus Christ.

Yet, God is not through with Israel, not is He through with us.  He promises to preserve a remnant.  Those who "will truly rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel."  The remnant that returned from exile, that survived the rod and staff of His anger... produced " a shoot.. from the stem of Jesse."  

Jesus came, as promised.  The "Spirit of the Lord.. " rested on Him. He was filled with wisdom, understanding, counsel, and strength ; with knowledge  and the fear of the Lord.  He acted with righteousness and faithfulness.  King Jesus will rule forever and one day we will see the rest of the prophecy fulfilled.. "and the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion and the falling together; and a little boy will lead them. "  There is coming a time when, " They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." 

Chapter 12 is a song of thanksgiving the that we will gladly sing on that day! " I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord... Praise the Lord is song, for He has done excellent things;"  
Imagine that day!
His anger is completely turned away.
We will draw water "from the springs of salvation". 
And best of all, "We will cry aloud and shout for joy... for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. " 

" One day the trumpet will sound for His coming, One day the skies with His glory will shine; wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing; Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!
Living, He loved me;
dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising He justified freely forever;
One day He's coming - oh, glorious day!"

Father, we long for that glorious day when we will see clearly the glory of Your majesty.  Meanwhile, open our eyes to see You, to know You, and to walk in Your Spirit, in Christ, we pray, amen.