Isaiah 7:16
Isaiah 7:16 in Multiple Translations
For before the boy knows enough to reject evil and choose good, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.
For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.
For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land whose two kings thou abhorrest shall be forsaken.
For before the child is old enough to make a decision between evil and good, the land whose two kings you are now fearing will have become waste.
For before the boy knows to refuse evil and choose the good, the land of the two kings you're afraid of will be deserted.
For afore the childe shall haue knowledge to eschew the euill, and to chuse the good, the land, that thou abhorrest, shalbe forsaken of both her Kings.
For before the youth doth know To refuse evil, and to fix on good, Forsaken is the land thou art vexed with, because of her two kings.
For before the child knows to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you abhor shall be forsaken.
For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken by both her kings.
For before the child know to refuse the evil, and to choose the good, the land which thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of the face of her two kings.
And before that child is old enough to do that, the lands of the two kings that you(sg) are very ◄afraid of/worried about► will be deserted.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 7:16
BAB
Word Study
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Isaiah 7:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֠י
בְּ/טֶ֨רֶם
יֵדַ֥ע
הַ/נַּ֛עַר
מָאֹ֥ס
בָּ/רָ֖ע
וּ/בָחֹ֣ר
בַּ/טּ֑וֹב
תֵּעָזֵ֤ב
הָ/אֲדָמָה֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אַתָּ֣ה
קָ֔ץ
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
שְׁנֵ֥י
מְלָכֶֽי/הָ
כִּ֠י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בְּ/טֶ֨רֶם
ṭerem
H2962
before
Prep | Adv
יֵדַ֥ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הַ/נַּ֛עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-ms
מָאֹ֥ס
mâʼaç
H3988
to reject
V-Qal-Ptc
בָּ/רָ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | Adj
וּ/בָחֹ֣ר
bâchar
H977
to choose
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
בַּ/טּ֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Prep | Adj
תֵּעָזֵ֤ב
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
הָ/אֲדָמָה֙
ʼădâmâh
H127
land
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
קָ֔ץ
qûwts
H6973
to loathe
V-Qal
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
שְׁנֵ֥י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
מְלָכֶֽי/הָ
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 7:16
כִּ֠י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בְּ/טֶ֨רֶם
ṭerem
H2962
"before"
Prep | Adv
This word indicates something has not happened yet, or it happened before something else. It is used to show timing or sequence of events, translated as before, ere, or not yet in the KJV.
Definition: before, not yet, before that
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: before, ere, not yet. See also: Genesis 2:5; 2 Kings 6:32; Psalms 5:6.
יֵדַ֥ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
הַ/נַּ֛עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Art | N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
מָאֹ֥ס
mâʼaç
H3988
"to reject"
V-Qal-Ptc
To spurn or reject something is what this Hebrew word means. In Genesis 37:35, it is used to describe how Jacob felt when his sons told him Joseph had died.
Definition: 1) to reject, despise, refuse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to reject, refuse 1a2) to despise 1b) (Niphal) to be rejected
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, [idiom] utterly, vile person. See also: Leviticus 26:15; Psalms 106:24; Psalms 15:4.
בָּ/רָ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
וּ/בָחֹ֣ר
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
בַּ/טּ֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
תֵּעָזֵ֤ב
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
הָ/אֲדָמָה֙
ʼădâmâh
H127
"land"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.
Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
קָ֔ץ
qûwts
H6973
"to loathe"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to feel disgusted or anxious, like when the Israelites loathed the manna in Numbers 21:5. It can also mean to be grieved or abhor something, as in Psalm 119:163. It's about strong feelings of dislike.
Definition: 1) to be grieved, loathe, abhor, feel a loathing or abhorrence or sickening dread 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel a loathing at, abhor 1a2) to feel a sickening dread 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause sickening dread 1b2) to cause loathing
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: abhor, be distressed, be grieved, loathe, vex, be weary. See also: Genesis 27:46; Numbers 22:3; Proverbs 3:11.
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
שְׁנֵ֥י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
מְלָכֶֽי/הָ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Study Notes — Isaiah 7:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 7:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 7:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 7:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 7:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 7:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 7:16
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 7:16
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 7:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 7:16
- Sermons on Isaiah 7:16
Context — The Sign of Immanuel
14Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.
15By the time He knows enough to reject evil and choose good, He will be eating curds and honey.
16For before the boy knows enough to reject evil and choose good, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.
17The LORD will bring on you and on your people and on the house of your father a time unlike any since the day Ephraim separated from Judah—He will bring the king of Assyria.” 18On that day the LORD will whistle to the flies at the farthest streams of the Nile and to the bees in the land of Assyria.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 8:4 | For before the boy knows how to cry ‘Father’ or ‘Mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 1:39 | And the little ones you said would become captives—your children who on that day did not know good from evil—will enter the land that I will give them, and they will possess it. |
| 3 | Isaiah 9:11 | The LORD has raised up the foes of Rezin against him and joined his enemies together. |
| 4 | Jonah 4:11 | So should I not care about the great city of Nineveh, which has more than 120,000 people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well?” |
| 5 | 2 Kings 15:29–30 | In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and he took the people as captives to Assyria. Then Hoshea son of Elah led a conspiracy against Pekah son of Remaliah. In the twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah, Hoshea attacked Pekah, killed him, and reigned in his place. |
| 6 | Isaiah 17:1–3 | This is the burden against Damascus: “Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins. The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be left to the flocks, which will lie down with no one to fear. The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the sovereignty from Damascus. The remnant of Aram will be like the splendor of the Israelites,” declares the LORD of Hosts. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 16:9 | So the king of Assyria responded to him, marched up to Damascus, and captured it. He took its people to Kir as captives and put Rezin to death. |
| 8 | Hosea 5:9 | Ephraim will be laid waste on the day of rebuke. Among the tribes of Israel I proclaim what is certain. |
| 9 | Amos 1:3–5 | This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron. So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael to consume the citadels of Ben-hadad. I will break down the gates of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler of the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir,” says the LORD. |
Isaiah 7:16 Summary
[This verse is saying that before a young boy is old enough to know right from wrong, the lands of the two kings that the people of Judah are afraid of will be destroyed. This is a promise from God that He will take care of His people and protect them from harm, as seen in verses like Psalm 23:4 or Jeremiah 29:11. It's a reminder that God is in control and that we can trust in His timing and plan, even when things seem uncertain or scary. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have peace and confidence, just like the prophet Isaiah encourages us to do in Isaiah 26:3-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a boy to 'know enough to reject evil and choose good' in Isaiah 7:16?
This phrase refers to the age of moral awareness and accountability, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 1:39, where children are not held accountable for their actions until they reach a certain age of understanding.
Who are the two kings that the people of Judah dread in Isaiah 7:16?
The two kings are likely Rezin of Aram and Pekah of Israel, as mentioned in Isaiah 7:1-2, who formed an alliance to attack Judah, prompting King Ahaz to seek an alliance with Assyria.
What is the significance of the land being 'laid waste' in Isaiah 7:16?
The land being laid waste refers to the destruction and devastation that will come upon the territories of the two kings, as a result of God's judgment, similar to what is described in Isaiah 6:11-12, where God's judgment brings desolation and emptiness.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter, particularly the sign of the virgin in Isaiah 7:14?
This verse serves as a time frame for the fulfillment of the sign given to King Ahaz, indicating that before the child mentioned in Isaiah 7:14-15 reaches moral awareness, the threat from the two kings will be removed, much like the prophecy in Micah 5:2-5, which also speaks of a future time of peace and security for God's people.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to 'reject evil and choose good' in my own life, and how can I seek God's guidance in making wise decisions?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when faced with threats or uncertainties, like King Ahaz in this passage?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's promise of protection and provision, just like the people of Judah needed to trust in God's promise of deliverance from their enemies?
- How can I apply the principle of waiting on God's timing, as seen in this verse, to my own life and circumstances, and what are some Scriptures that encourage me to do so, such as Psalm 27:14 or Isaiah 40:31?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 7:16
For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good,.... This may be understood of Isaiah's child, Shearjashub, he had along with him, he was bid to take with him; and who
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 7:16
For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 7:16
For; or, yea; for so this particle is used by way of amplification or addition, ,18. So the sense is, Not only this land of thine shall be preserved until the virgin’ s Son be born, but thine enemy’ s land shall be sorely scourged, and these two kings destroyed, within a very little time. The child, Heb. this child; not the virgin’ s Son, but the prophet’ s child, Shear-jashub, whom in all probability the prophet, to prevent mistakes, pointed at, and who was brought hither by God’ s special command, , and that for this very use; for otherwise his presence was wholly insignificant. The land; the lands, to wit, of Syria and Israel, as is evident from the next words. It is an enallage of the singular for the plural. That thou abhorrest, for its cruel designs and practices against time. Or, which vexeth or molesteth thee, as this word is used, , &c. Shall be forsaken of both her kings; so far shall Pekah and Rezin be from conquering thy land, that they shall lose their own lands, and their lives too; which they did within two years after this time, being both slain by the king of Assyria, ,30 16:9.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 7:16
Isaiah 7:16 For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.Ver. 16. For before the child.] Hannagnar, this child Shear-jashub here present, the proper sign of this present deliverance made so by occasion of the mention of Immanuel, that was to be born, many years after, of a virgin. The land that thou abhorrest.] Or, By which thou art vexed. Confer Exodus 1:12 Numbers 22:3. So the Danes were abhorred by the English, the French by the Sicilians, as appeared by those bloody vespers. Shall be left of both her kings.] Who shall be cut off by a seasonable vengeance. See this fulfilled within a year or two of this prophecy.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 7:16
(16) For before the child shall know . . .—The words imply the age of approaching manhood, and predict the downfall of Pekah and Rezin, as the longer period of Isa 7:8 predicted the entire downfall and annihilation of one of the two kingdoms which they represented. The words “good and evil” are better taken of moral choice (Genesis 3:5; Deuteronomy 1:39) rather than (with some critics, who appeal to 2 Samuel 19:35) of the child’s discernment of food as pleasant or the reverse. (See Genesis 2:9; 1 Kings 3:9.) The land that thou abhorrest.—The words imply the “horror” of fear as well as of dislike. The prediction was fulfilled in the siege of Samaria by Salmaneser, and its capture by Sargon (1 Kings 16:9; 1 Kings 17:6), a fulfilment all the more remarkable in that it was preceded by what seemed an almost decisive victory over Judah (2 Chronicles 28:5-15), of which the prophet makes no mention.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 7:16
16. The “for” seems to go back to Isaiah 7:14 : he shall be called “God with us,” because whilst he is yet in infancy a signal deliverance shall be wrought. the land that thou abhorrest … kings] Render: the land before whose two kings thou cowerest shall be deserted. The two “tails of smoking firebrands” shall have burned out. Ephraim and Syria are treated as one territory, ruled by the two allied kings. 17 gives the other aspect, the threatening aspect, of the sign Immanuel, interpreting Isaiah 7:15. A calamity involving the king, the dynasty, and the nation, is the retribution appointed for the unbelief of Ahaz. from the day … Judah] The revolt of the ten tribes under Jeroboam was the heaviest disaster that had ever befallen the house of David. The last words, the king of Assyria, may as many think be a gloss, but they are at least a correct gloss.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 7:16
The land that thou abhorrest - The land concerning which thou art so much “alarmed or distressed;” that is, the united land of Syria and Ephraim.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 7:16
16. Before the child — The Incarnate ideally present. In briefer time than his growth requires. Land that thou abhorrest — The combined territory of both Israel and Syria.
Sermons on Isaiah 7:16
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Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding Isaiah's prophecies in the context of the surrounding nations that influenced Israel's history. He explains how Judah and |
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Isaiah Chapter 5 Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding the geopolitical context of Isaiah's prophecies, particularly the neighboring nations that influenced Israel and Judah. He |
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Discouragement (Letting the Fire Go Out) by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of discouragement and its impact on our faith. He highlights how God warned Joshua not to be discouraged before entering the land, |
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How to Save a City by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jonah and the city of Nineveh. He highlights the incredible missionary miracle that occurred when the entire city, possibly cons |
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Jonah #4: How God Makes Us Into a Sign by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah and how God turned him into a sign. Jonah initially resisted God's commission to go to Nineveh and fled from His presence |
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The Message of Jonah by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound lessons from the story of Jonah, focusing on God's mercy towards Nineveh and the responsibilities of His messengers. He highlights God's |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 17:1 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He emphasizes the need for young adults to abstain from the immorali |