1 In the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, son of Uzziah, king of Judah, Rezin the king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah the king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to wage war against it, but could not yet mount an attack against it.
2 When the house of David was told, “Syria is in league with Ephraim,” the heart of Ahaz and the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind.
3 Then the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-jashub your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer’s Field.
4 And say to him, ‘Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint because of these two smoldering stumps of firebrands, at the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria and the son of Remaliah.
5 Because Syria, with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has devised evil against you, saying,
6 Let us go up against Judah and terrify it, and let us conquer it for ourselves, and set up the son of Tabeel as king in the midst of it.
7 Thus says the Lord God: It shall not stand, and it shall not come to pass.
8 For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. And within sixty-five years Ephraim will be shattered from being a people.
9 And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.
10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz,
11 “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.”
12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.”
13 And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also?
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
15 He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.
16 For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted.
17 The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father’s house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria.”
18 In that day the Lord will whistle for the fly that is at the end of the streams of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria.
19 And they will all come and settle in the steep ravines, and in the clefts of the rocks, and on all the thornbushes, and on all the pastures.
20 In that day the Lord will shave with a razor that is hired beyond the River—with the king of Assyria—the head and the hair of the feet, and it will sweep away the beard also.
21 In that day a man will keep alive a young cow and two sheep,
22 In that day a man will keep alive a young cow and two sheep,
23 In that day every place where there used to be a thousand vines, worth a thousand shekels of silver, will become briers and thorns.
24 With bow and arrows a man will come there, for all the land will be briers and thorns.
25 And as for all the hills that used to be hoed with a hoe, you will not come there for fear of briers and thorns, but they will become a place where cattle are let loose and where sheep tread.
The True Meaning of Isaiah 7
The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah, who lived during the reigns of several Judean kings in the 8th century BC. Isaiah was known for his powerful messages of judgment and hope, often delivered in poetic and symbolic language. Isaiah addresses King Ahaz of Judah during a time of political turmoil in this chapter. The Israelite kingdoms of Aram and Israel have formed an alliance and are threatening Judah. Isaiah brings a message from God, offering reassurance and a sign of hope amidst the impending crisis. The chapter foreshadows the birth of a child who will be a symbol of God’s presence and the eventual restoration of the Davidic dynasty. Isaiah’s words connect to broader themes in Scripture, such as the promise of a Messiah and the importance of trusting in God’s plan, even in the midst of uncertainty and fear, as we examine this passage.
Isaiah 7:1-9
The verse in Isaiah 7:1-9 starts with the setting in the reign of King Ahaz of Judah. The kings of Aram and Israel, Rezin and Pekah respectively, formed an alliance against Ahaz because they wanted to replace him with a puppet king who would align with their interests. This political situation was a direct threat to the stability of the kingdom of Judah.
Ahaz and the people of Judah were filled with fear when they received news of this alliance and the impending invasion. The hearts of both King Ahaz and his people shook as trees of the forest shake before the wind. This image portrays the great terror and uncertainty that gripped them at the prospect of war and invasion.
The Lord, through the prophet Isaiah, sent a message of reassurance to Ahaz, encouraging him not to be afraid or dismayed. The Lord was aware of the threats posed by the kings of Aram and Israel, referring to them as burnt stubs of firebrands. This imagery suggests that their power and influence were fading and would soon be extinguished. It was a reminder that no matter how powerful earthly kings may seem, they are ultimately subject to the supremacy of God’s will and authority.
Isaiah then prophesied that the plans of Israel and Aram would not succeed. Before the child Immanuel reaches maturity, the lands of the kings Ahaz feared would be laid waste. The name “Immanuel” means “God is with us,” signifying divine presence and protection. This prophecy was not only a message of deliverance for Ahaz and Judah but also pointed to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies the presence of God among His people (Matthew 1:23).
The significance of this passage lies in the assurance that God is in control even in the midst of political turmoil and imminent threats. It reminds us that God’s plans and promises will prevail over the schemes of man. The call to Ahaz to stand firm in faith serves as a timeless message for believers to trust in God’s protection and sovereignty in the face of adversity. The story of Ahaz also serves as a cautionary tale, showing the consequences of relying on alliances with earthly powers rather than trusting in the Lord. Readers can draw inspiration to stand firm in their faith, even in challenging times, by understanding the historical context and the deeper spiritual truths embedded in these verses. The promise of Immanuel reminds us that God is always with us, providing comfort, guidance, and ultimate victory over the trials we face.
Isaiah 7:10-17
Isaiah and King Ahaz of Judah have a significant prophetic interaction in Isaiah 7:10-17. The section begins with Isaiah approaching King Ahaz, who is deeply distressed due to the threat of invasion by the kings of Syria and Israel. Isaiah instructs Ahaz to ask for a sign from the Lord, either in the depths of Sheol or the heights above. However, Ahaz, in an act of false piety, refuses to ask for a sign, citing religious reasons. Interestingly, Ahaz’s refusal to seek a sign reflects his lack of faith and trust in God’s ability to deliver Judah from its enemies. This lack of faith is a recurring theme in the Bible, as disobedience and disbelief often lead to negative consequences.
King Ahaz’s refusal to ask for a sign reveals his wavering faith and his intent to rely on political alliances rather than on God’s intervention. The prophet Isaiah then gives a sign to Ahaz regardless of his lack of faith. Isaiah foretells the birth of a child whose symbolic name, Immanuel, means “God is with us.” This child, who scholars believe to be a reference to the eventual birth of Jesus Christ, serves as a sign of God’s continued presence and protection over His people. The prophecy of Immanuel carries a message of hope, emphasizing the assurance of God’s presence even in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty.
The subsequent verses in this section highlight both God’s judgment and mercy. Isaiah prophesies that before the child Immanuel is old enough to choose right from wrong, the lands of the kings Ahaz fears will be laid waste. This dual prophecy signals the imminent destruction of the invading forces and the eventual restoration of Judah through the promise of Immanuel. It underscores the idea that God’s judgment on the wicked is swift and certain, while His mercy and salvation are extended to those who trust in Him.
The prediction of the child Immanuel in Isaiah is echoed in the New Testament in Matthew 1:23, where the birth of Jesus is confirmed as the fulfillment of this prophecy. This linkage demonstrates the continuity of God’s plan throughout history and the fulfillment of His promises through the birth of Jesus Christ. The significance of Immanuel, “God with us,” resonates in the foundational belief of Christianity that Jesus is the embodiment of God’s presence and salvation among His people. Isaiah 7:10-17 conveys a powerful message about faith, trust, and the fulfillment of divine promises. It serves as a reminder to seek signs not out of doubt or skepticism but out of a desire to align with God’s will. The prophecy of Immanuel points to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through the birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the theme of God’s abiding presence and deliverance for His people. It encourages believers to place their trust in God’s promises, even in the face of daunting circumstances, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His word.
Isaiah 7:18-25
A prophetic message concerning the impending judgment on the nation of Judah is seen in Isaiah 7:18-25. Let’s break down this passage and explore its significance in the broader context of Isaiah’s ministry.
- The Lord will whistle for flies from the distant streams of Egypt and for bees from the land of Assyria in that day. The imagery of flies and bees being summoned by the Lord in this verse serves as a metaphor for the foreign nations that will come as a scourge upon Judah. This is a warning of the imminent invasion and conquest that Judah will face due to their disobedience and turning away from God. The use of these creatures symbolizes the swift and overwhelming nature of the impending judgment.
This verse underscores the recurring theme in the Bible that obedience to God brings blessings, while disobedience leads to consequences. Throughout the Old Testament, we see how the Israelites faced judgment when they strayed from God’s commands. It serves as a reminder for us today to remain faithful and obedient to God, lest we also face the repercussions of our actions.
- The Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates River—the king of Assyria—to shave your head and private parts, and to cut off your beard also on that day.” (Isaiah 7:20)
Here, the symbolism of shaving represents the humiliation and shame that Judah will suffer at the hands of the Assyrian king whom God will use as a tool of judgment. The shaving of the head, beard, and private parts was a sign of degradation and loss of dignity in ancient cultures.
The mention of the king of Assyria as the instrument of God’s judgment is significant. Throughout the Bible, Assyria is portrayed as a powerful and ruthless nation used by God to punish the disobedient Israelites. This aligns with the broader theme of God’s sovereignty over the nations and His use of even pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes.
This verse also highlights the importance of humility and dependence on God. When we stray from His path, we are vulnerable to the consequences of our actions. It serves as a reminder for us to seek repentance and restoration in times of disobedience.
- A person will keep alive a young cow and two goats in that day.” (Isaiah 7:21)
This verse depicts a scene of desolation and scarcity brought about by the invasion and devastation of Judah. The mention of a single cow and two goats as a means of sustenance reflects the dire circumstances that the people will find themselves in.
Throughout the Bible, scarcity and famine are often used as consequences of disobedience and unfaithfulness. This verse serves as a vivid reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in our relationship with God, as straying from His path can lead to deprivation and hardship. Isaiah 7:18-25 serves as a powerful warning to Judah about the consequences of disobedience and the impending judgment that they will face. The vivid imagery and symbolic language used in these verses convey the severity of God’s impending judgment and the need for repentance and reliance on Him. This passage is a timeless reminder for us today to remain faithful, obedient, and humble before God to avoid the consequences of straying from His will.
After Isaiah 7
The chapter concluded with a message of hope and reassurance. Despite the threats and challenges facing the kingdom, the Lord promised to provide a sign – a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son, Emmanuel, God with us. This child would be the fulfillment of God’s promise, the one who would bring salvation and peace. We will see how this prophecy unfolds and the impact it has on the people of Judah as we move into the next chapter. The birth of this child will mark a pivotal moment in the history of God’s people, a turning point that will shape the course of their future. We will continue to walk with them, witness the unfolding of this divine plan, and find our own hope in the promise of Emmanuel, God with us.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.