Isaiah 7-9

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:1

In the days of Ahaz - Ahaz began to reign about 738 years before Christ. By a comparison of 2 Kings 16:5, ..., with 2 Chronicles 28:5, etc., it will be seen that Judea was twice invaded by Rezin and Pekah in the reign of Ahaz; see the Analysis of the chapter.That Rezin ... - This confederacy was formed in the time of Jotham; 2 Kings 15:37. But it was not carried into execution during his reign. It is evident from this place, that it was executed in the early part of the reign of Ahaz; probably... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:2

And it was told the house of David - That is, the royal family; or the king and princes; the government. Ahaz was the descendant and successor of David.Syria is confederate with Ephraim - Ephraim was one of the tribes of Israel, and the kingdom of Israel was often called “Ephraim,” or the kingdom of Ephraim; in the same way as the tribes of Judah and Benjamin were called the kingdom of Judah. The phrase, ‘is confederate with,’ is in Hebrew ‘resteth on;’ see the margin. The meaning is, that... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:3

Then said the Lord - In regard to the purposes for which Isaiah was sent to meet Ahaz, and the reason why this place was selected, see the Analysis of the chapter.Thou and Shear-ashub - The meaning of the name “Shear-jashub” is, ‘the remnant shall return.’ The names which Isaiah gave to his sons were significant or emblematic of some important events which were to occur to the Jews. They were for “signs” to the people, and had been given in order to keep before the nation the great truth that... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:4

Take heed - Hebrew ‘Keep thyself;’ that is, from fear.Neither be fainthearted - Hebrew, ‘Let not thy heart be tender;’ that is, let it not be easily moved; be strong, fearless.For the tails ... - There is much beauty and force in this comparison. The “design” of Isaiah is to diminish the fear of Ahaz. Instead, therefore, of calling them “firebrands” - burning and setting on fire everything in their way - he calls them the “tails, that is, the ends,” or remains of firebrand - almost consumed... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:6

And vex it - Margin, ‘Weaken it.’ Probably the word means to throw into consternation or fear, by besieging it - “Gesenius.”And let us make a breach therein - Let us break down the walls, etc.And set a king - Subdue it, and make it tributary to the allied kingdoms of Syria and Ephraim.The son of Tabeal - Nothing more is known of this person. He might have been some disaffected member of the royal family of David, who had sought the aid of Rezin and Pekah, and who would be allied to them, or... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:8

For the head of Syria - The “capital.” The “head” is often used in this sense.Is Damascus - For an account of this city, see the notes at Isaiah 17:1; compare the notes at Acts 9:2. The sense of this passage is, ‘Do not be alarmed as if Rezin was about to enlarge his kingdom, by taking Judea and making Jerusalem his capital. The revolution which these kings contemplate cannot be accomplished. The kingdoms of Syria and Israel shall not be enlarged by the conquest of Judah. The center of their... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:9

And the head of Ephraim - The capital city of Ephraim, or of Israel.Is Samaria - This was long the capital of the kingdom of Israel. For a description of this city, see the notes at Isaiah 28:1. The meaning of the prophet is, that Samaria should continue to be the head of Ephraim; that is, Jerusalem should not be made its capital.If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established - There is considerable variety in the interpretation of these words, though the general sense is evident.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:11

Ask thee - Ask for “thyself;” ask a sign that shall be convincing to “thyself,” since thou dost not fully credit the words of the prophet. It is evident that the words of the prophet had made no impression on the mind of Ahaz. God, therefore, proposes to him to ask any “proof or demonstration” which he might select; anything that would be an indication of divine power that should put what the prophet had said beyond doubt. Had Ahaz put confidence in God, he would have believed what the prophet... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:12

I will not ask - In this case Ahaz assumed the appearance of piety, or respect for the command of God. In Deuteronomy 6:16, it is written, ‘Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God;’ and Ahaz perhaps had this command in his eye. It was a professed reverence for God. But the true reason why he did not seek this sign was, that he had already entered into a negotiation with the king of Assyria to come and defend him; and that he was even stripping the temple of God of its silver and gold, to secure... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:13

O house of David - Isaiah 7:2. By this is to be understood not only the king himself, but the princes and rulers. Perhaps in addressing him thus, there was implied no small irony and reproach. David confided in God. But “Ahaz,” his descendant, feared to “tempt” God! As if God could not aid him! Worthy descendant he of the pious and devoted David!Is it a small thing - You are not satisfied with wearying people, but you would also fatigue and wear out the patience of God.Weary - Exhaust their... read more

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:1

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:6

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:8

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:9

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:11

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:12

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 7:13

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