Isaiah 30:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Yet, those on whom the Babylonians depended for assistance, after experiencing a complete turn of events, will rejoice with timbrels and lyres, signifying their joy and exultation. This reflects the fate of Satan and the multitude of unclean spirits; they had countless followers in this world, but by the command of the Lord—through the proclamation of Christ—they were vanquished and subdued. Those they once viewed as allies swiftly turned against them, responding to the call of faith and engaging in battle. Altars were desecrated, sacred heights were toppled, and many idols were consumed by fire, as people condemned the ancient ruler and acknowledged as their true King and Lord the One who is eternally and genuinely divine. They began to cherish a life that is honorable and truly distinguished in virtue, turning away from a life of impurity.

In briefly addressing this matter, I aimed to clarify for my readers what I felt was necessary, particularly in reference to the Hebrew text. However, I must also satisfy the enthusiasm of those who view my work as incomplete by discussing the translations of the LXX interpreters. Therefore, I will continue explaining in the sequence I have started. The voice of the Lord and His commandments will be acknowledged by all, and His mighty power will be revealed; when the time of judgment arrives, it will be displayed in great flames, whirlwinds, hail, and heavy stones. This is elaborated on by Ezekiel in his prophecy concerning Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38-39).

When the Lord commands, Asshur will tremble, struck by the rod. This applies not only to wicked individuals or those imitating the hostile nations but signifies that we refer to the devil through Asshur. Next, there will be a strengthening of the rod: the Lord will cause it to remain over him. This indicates that, having struck him with the rod, He will not weaken him again, nor will He, like those who scourge, cease from striking him; instead, He will establish him as one deeply rooted, continually chastising him. If this understanding is correct, the devil's repentance remains unlikely, especially since it is said to the unrepentant, “Go ye into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41).

With drums and harps and in significant battles, the Lord will triumph over them, defeating the demons and all the wicked with joy, for the tofet, a vast and wide Gehenna, has long been prepared by the King of the Lord, where eternal fire will consume them. Its fuel consists of flames and firewood, representing the unending torment of sinners. The prophetic language references a hearth and furnace of fire to convey that it is inflamed by the breath and will of God, intensified by its mingling with sulfur, which amplifies the agonies of punishment.

Furthermore, what is stated in the LXX suggests: “At the voice of the Lord, the Assyrians will be struck down by the pestilence that will afflict them,” along with those around him, who he expected to support him. With drums and cymbals, they will rise against him, signifying that those once under his dominion will rise up against the devil, joyfully opposing him after recognizing their own errors and overthrowing the one who led them astray. It is evident that he was misled from the beginning, believing his reign was everlasting, for which Gehenna and eternal punishment have been prepared.