Isaiah 7:4
Isaiah 7:4 in Multiple Translations
and say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Do not be afraid or disheartened over these two smoldering stubs of firewood—over the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah.
And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.
and say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither let thy heart be faint, because of these two tails of smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.
And say to him, Take care and be quiet; have no fear, and do not let your heart be feeble, because of these two ends of smoking fire-wood, because of the bitter wrath of Rezin and Aram, and of the son of Remaliah.
Tell him, ‘Calm down and keep quiet. Don't be afraid or scared over a couple of smoldering bits of firewood, over the burning anger of Rezin and Aram, and of Remaliah's son.
And say vnto him, Take heede, and be still: feare not, neither be faint hearted for the two tailes of these smoking firebrands, for the furious wrath of Rezin and of Aram, and of Remaliahs sonne:
and thou hast said unto him: 'Take heed, and be quiet, fear not, And let not thy heart be timid, Because of these two tails of smoking brands, For the fierceness of the anger of Rezin and Aram, And the son of Remaliah.
Tell him, ‘Be careful, and keep calm. Don’t be afraid, neither let your heart be faint because of these two tails of smoking torches, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.
And say to him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be faint-hearted for the two tails of these smoking fire-brands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.
And thou shalt say to him: See thou be quiet: fear not, and let not thy heart be afraid of the two tails of these fire brands, smoking with the wrath of the fury of Rasin king of Syria, and of the son of Romelia.
Tell Ahaz to stop worrying [DOU]. Tell him that he does not need to be afraid of those two kings, Rezin and Pekah. They are very angry with Judah, but they are unable to harm his country any more than completely burned-out coals can harm him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 7:4
BAB
Word Study
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Isaiah 7:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣
אֵ֠לָי/ו
הִשָּׁמֵ֨ר
וְ/הַשְׁקֵ֜ט
אַל
תִּירָ֗א
וּ/לְבָבְ/ךָ֙
אַל
יֵרַ֔ךְ
מִ/שְּׁנֵ֨י
זַנְב֧וֹת
הָ/אוּדִ֛ים
הָ/עֲשֵׁנִ֖ים
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
בָּ/חֳרִי
אַ֛ף
רְצִ֥ין
וַ/אֲרָ֖ם
וּ/בֶן
רְמַלְיָֽהוּ
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֵ֠לָי/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
הִשָּׁמֵ֨ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
וְ/הַשְׁקֵ֜ט
shâqaṭ
H8252
to quiet
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּירָ֗א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
וּ/לְבָבְ/ךָ֙
lêbâb
H3824
heart
Conj | N-ms | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
יֵרַ֔ךְ
râkak
H7401
be tender
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
מִ/שְּׁנֵ֨י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Prep | Adj
זַנְב֧וֹת
zânâb
H2180
tail
N-mp
הָ/אוּדִ֛ים
ʼûwd
H181
firebrand
Art | N-mp
הָ/עֲשֵׁנִ֖ים
ʻâshên
H6226
smoking
Art | Adj
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
בָּ/חֳרִי
chŏrîy
H2750
burning
Prep | N-ms
אַ֛ף
ʼaph
H639
face
DirObjM
רְצִ֥ין
Rᵉtsîyn
H7526
Rezin
N-proper
וַ/אֲרָ֖ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
Aram
Conj | N-proper
וּ/בֶן
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-ms
רְמַלְיָֽהוּ
Rᵉmalyâhûw
H7425
Remaliah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 7:4
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵ֠לָי/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הִשָּׁמֵ֨ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Niphal-Impv-2ms
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
וְ/הַשְׁקֵ֜ט
shâqaṭ
H8252
"to quiet"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To quiet or be at peace is what this Hebrew word means, like the stillness after a storm, as described in Psalm 107:30.
Definition: 1) to be quiet, be tranquil, be at peace, be quiet, rest, lie still, be undisturbed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be quiet, be undisturbed 1a1a) to be at peace (of land) 1a2) to be quiet, be inactive 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to show quietness 1b1a) quietness, display of quietness (subst) 1b2) to quiet, be quiet 1b3) to cause quietness, pacify, allay
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: appease, idleness, (at, be at, be in, give) quiet(-ness), (be at, be in, give, have, take) rest, settle, be still. See also: Joshua 11:23; Psalms 76:9; Psalms 83:2.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּירָ֗א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
וּ/לְבָבְ/ךָ֙
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
יֵרַ֔ךְ
râkak
H7401
"be tender"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
To be tender means to be soft or weak, often describing a heart that is penitent or fearful. In the Bible, it is used to describe a person who is timid or soft-hearted. The KJV translates it as faint-hearted or soft.
Definition: 1) to be tender, be soft, be weak 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be tender, be weak (of heart) 1a1a) to be timid, be fearful 1a1b) to be softened, be penitent 1a2) to be soft (of treacherous words) 1b) (Pual) to be softened 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be weak 1d) (Niphal) tender
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: (be) faint(-hearted), mollify, (be, make) soft(-er), be tender. See also: Deuteronomy 20:3; Psalms 55:22; Isaiah 1:6.
מִ/שְּׁנֵ֨י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Prep | 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.
זַנְב֧וֹת
zânâb
H2180
"tail"
N-mp
This word refers to the tail of an animal, and can also mean the end or stump of something. It is used literally and figuratively in the Bible.
Definition: tail, end, stump
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: tail. See also: Exodus 4:4; Job 40:17; Isaiah 7:4.
הָ/אוּדִ֛ים
ʼûwd
H181
"firebrand"
Art | N-mp
A firebrand is a stick used to stir or gather embers in a fire. It is also a symbol of something that is burning or fiery. The word is used in the Bible to describe a burning stick.
Definition: brand, fire brand
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: (fire-) brand. See also: Isaiah 7:4; Amos 4:11; Zechariah 3:2.
הָ/עֲשֵׁנִ֖ים
ʻâshên
H6226
"smoking"
Art | Adj
This word describes something that is smoky, giving off vapor or fumes. It is used to picture a place or situation that is filled with smoke, like a burning city in Isaiah. The smoke is often a sign of destruction or judgment.
Definition: smoking
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: smoking. See also: Exodus 20:18; Isaiah 7:4.
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
בָּ/חֳרִי
chŏrîy
H2750
"burning"
Prep | N-ms
This word describes intense anger or burning fury, often used to convey a strong sense of passion or outrage. It is used in the Bible to describe fierce emotions, such as the heat of anger or great passion.
Definition: heat (of anger), burning (of anger)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: fierce, [idiom] great, heat. See also: Exodus 11:8; 2 Chronicles 25:10; Isaiah 7:4.
אַ֛ף
ʼaph
H639
"face"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
רְצִ֥ין
Rᵉtsîyn
H7526
"Rezin"
N-proper
Rezin means firm and refers to a king of Damascus and an Israelite who lived during the Exile and Return, mentioned in Ezra 2:48. He was a contemporary of kings Jotham and Ahaz of Judah. Rezin was also the name of a family of temple slaves.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.48 § Rezin = "firm" 1) king of Damascus during the reigns of kings Jotham and Ahaz of Judah 2) the progenitor of a family of temple slaves who returned from captivity with Zerubbabel
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Rezin. See also: 2 Kings 15:37; Nehemiah 7:50; Isaiah 7:1.
וַ/אֲרָ֖ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
"Aram"
Conj | N-proper
Aram refers to a region in the Bible, also known as Syria, and its people, the Arameans. The grandson of Nahor, an ancestor of Jesus, was also named Aram. The prophet Isaiah wrote about Aram and its relationship with Israel in Isaiah 7:1-9.
Definition: Aram or Arameans = "exalted" Aram or Syrian nation Another name of pad.dan (פַּדָּן "Paddan" H6307)
Usage: Occurs in 118 OT verses. KJV: Aram, Mesopotamia, Syria, Syrians. See also: Genesis 10:22; 2 Kings 8:28; Isaiah 7:1.
וּ/בֶן
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
רְמַלְיָֽהוּ
Rᵉmalyâhûw
H7425
"Remaliah"
N-proper
Remaliah was an Israelite whose name means protected by Jehovah, and he was the father of King Pekah of Israel, as mentioned in 2 Kings 15:25. He lived during the Divided Monarchy.
Definition: A man of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.15.25; father of: Pekah (H6492) § Remaliah = "protected by Jehovah" father of king Pekah of the northern kingdom of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Remaliah. See also: 2 Kings 15:25; 2 Kings 16:5; Isaiah 7:1.
Study Notes — Isaiah 7:4
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- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 7:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 7:4
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- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 7:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 7:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 7:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 7:4
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 7:4
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 7:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 7:4
- Sermons on Isaiah 7:4
Context — A Message to Ahaz
2When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind.
3Then the LORD said to Isaiah, “Go out with your son Shear-jashub to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct that feeds the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field,
4and say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Do not be afraid or disheartened over these two smoldering stubs of firewood—over the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah.
5For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted your ruin, saying: 6‘Let us invade Judah, terrorize it, and divide it among ourselves. Then we can install the son of Tabeal over it as king.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 35:4 | Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” |
| 2 | Lamentations 3:26 | It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 20:3 | saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them. |
| 4 | Isaiah 30:15 | For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence— but you were not willing.” |
| 5 | Matthew 24:6 | You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. |
| 6 | Exodus 14:13–14 | But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” |
| 7 | Zechariah 3:2 | And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?” |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 20:17 | You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’” |
| 9 | Isaiah 51:12–13 | “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You live in terror all day long because of the fury of the oppressor who is bent on destruction. But where is the fury of the oppressor? |
| 10 | Amos 4:11 | “Some of you I overthrew as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a firebrand snatched from a blaze, yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD. |
Isaiah 7:4 Summary
[Isaiah 7:4 tells us that even when we face big problems or scary situations, God wants us to be calm and trust Him, just like He told King Ahaz to do when Aram and Ephraim were threatening Judah. This means we don't have to be controlled by our fears, but instead, we can choose to be quiet and still before God, as Psalm 37:7 suggests. God sees our enemies or problems as 'two smoldering stubs of firewood', which means they are not as powerful as they seem. By trusting in God's power and love, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28, we can find peace and courage in the midst of any challenge.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of Isaiah 7:4?
The verse is set in a time when Aram and Ephraim were forming an alliance against Judah, causing King Ahaz and his people to be fearful, as seen in Isaiah 7:2. This fear is addressed by God through Isaiah in Isaiah 7:4.
What do the 'two smoldering stubs of firewood' represent in Isaiah 7:4?
The 'two smoldering stubs of firewood' symbolize the weakened states of Aram and Ephraim, despite their fierce anger, emphasizing that they are not as powerful as they seem, much like the remnants of a fire that has mostly burned out, similar to the idea in Isaiah 10:16-19 where God reduces the strength of the nations to nothing.
How does God want Ahaz to respond to the threat of Aram and Ephraim?
God instructs Ahaz to 'Calm down and be quiet. Do not be afraid or disheartened' over the threats, trusting in God's sovereignty and protection, as also encouraged in Psalm 46:10 and Isaiah 30:15.
What is the significance of Isaiah's son Shear-jashub being present in this encounter?
Isaiah's son Shear-jashub, whose name means 'a remnant shall return', serves as a living sign of God's promise to Judah, reinforcing the message of hope and return, as mentioned in Isaiah 7:3, and highlighting God's faithfulness to His people, similar to the concept in Genesis 17:1-14 where God's covenant with Abraham is sealed.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond to threats or fears in my life, and what does it mean for me to 'calm down and be quiet' before God?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and protection, even when faced with overwhelming circumstances, as seen in Daniel 3:16-18 and Matthew 10:28-31?
- What are the 'smoldering stubs of firewood' in my life that I need to stop fearing, and how can I see them from God's perspective, as in Isaiah 55:8-9?
- How does the presence of God's promises and signs in my life, like Isaiah's son Shear-jashub, encourage me to trust in His faithfulness, as in Hebrews 11:1-40?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 7:4
And say unto him, take heed, and be quiet,.... Or "keep" thyself, not within the city, and from fighting with his enemies, but from unbelief, fear, and dread; or, as the Septuagint version, "keep"
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 7:4
And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 7:4
Take heed, and be quiet; see that thou be quiet, abandon thy fears, and settle thy mind by the belief of that joyful message and promise which I am now to deliver thee from the Lord. Smoking fire-brands; they are not whole firebrands burning in the fire, but small pieces or ends of them, taken out of the fire, in which there is more smoke than fire, and the fire will be speedily extinguished. They have more of show and terror than of strength. The son of Remaliah; Pekah king of Israel, , whom here, and in the next verse, he calls only the son of Remaliah, to intimate that he was unworthy of the name of king, as having got that title and power by usurpation, and the murder of his master and king Pekahiah, .
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 7:4
Isaiah 7:4 And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.Ver. 4. Take heed, and be quiet.] Cave et quiesce; or as others render it, Vide ut sileas, see that thou say nothing; fret not, faint not, send no message to the Assyrian, rest by faith upon the Lord of hosts, get a blessed Sabbath of spirit, a well composed frame of soul, for in quietness and confidence consisteth thy safety, as Isaiah 30:15. Fear not, neither be fainthearted.] See on Isaiah 7:2. For the two tails of these smoking firebrands.] By a most elegant metaphor, he nameth not one of these two potentates as not worth naming, but calleth them in contempt a couple of firebrands, such as would do mischief but cannot, because but smoking and not burning, and but the tails of smoking firebrands neither, such as are smoking their last, and shall shortly be utterly extinct. In a word, they have more pride than power, being a mere flash.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 7:4
(4) Take heed, and be quiet . . .—The prophet meets the fears of the king by words of comfort. The right temper for such a time was one of calm courage, waiting on the Lord (Isaiah 30:15). Neither be fainthearted.—Literally, let not thine heart be soft.For the two tails of these smoking fire brands.—The two powers that Ahaz dreaded were, in the prophet’s eyes, but as the stumps of two smoking torches. Their flame was nearly out. It would soon be extinguished. The son of Remaliah.—There is a touch of scorn in the omission of the king’s name. So men spoke scornfully of Saul as “the son of Kish” (1 Samuel 10:11), and Saul himself of David as “the son of Jesse” (1 Samuel 20:30). It pointed out the fact that Pekah was after all but an upstart adventurer, who had made his way to the throne by rebellion and murder.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 7:4
Verse 4. The Syriac omits וארם vearam, "and Syria;" the Vulgate reads מלך ארם melech aram, "king of Syria:" one or the other seems to be the true reading. I prefer the former: or, instead of וארם ובן vearam uben, read ופקח בן vepekach ben, and pekah son, MS.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 7:4
4. The message to Ahaz begins with an exhortation to composure and presence of mind (cf. ch. Isaiah 30:15). The prophet does not deprecate reasonable forethought for the safety of the city, but only the excessive alarm which might drive the court into a false and dangerous policy. Take heed, and be quiet] The first verb might be subordinate to the second: “See that thou keep calm.” But it is better to take them independently: “ut et exterius contineat sese, et intus pacato sit animo” (Calvin). the two tails … firebrands] Render, with R.V. these two tails of smoking firebrands. This enterprise is but the last flicker of two expiring torches. Syria and Israel have both suffered severely from the Assyrians and their national independence will speedily be extinguished. Fire is the emblem of war (ch. Isaiah 42:25). the son of Remaliah] Pekah was a usurper, a novus homo, and Isaiah never condescends to utter his name. Cf.
Isaiah 7:5; Isaiah 7:9.
Barnes' Notes on 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.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 7:4
4. Fear not — Words calculated to soothe the perturbation of David’s house and heart. Had there been faith there would also have been firmness.
Sermons on Isaiah 7:4
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Receiving Suffering by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of maintaining a calm and unwavering spirit in the face of trials and suffering, finding delight in God's presence and His will. She |
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Dvd 11 - the Set Time to Favor Zion by Art Katz | This sermon delves into the deep spiritual journey of surrendering all to God, even the best virtues and spirituality that we hold dear, in order to attain a union with God that tr |
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The Glory of the Last Days by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a biblical story where the Israelites were trapped at the Red Sea with the enemy army behind them. He compares this situation to the challeng |
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(Beginning a New Year) Looking in Three Directions by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a servant of the Lord who faced opposition from a high official because his family members had embraced a simple lifestyle. The off |
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Living a Life of Being Unoffended by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of obedience and faith in following God's plan. He shares a personal story of how he had to obey and take a leap of faith in or |
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The Discipline of Disease - 24 by Jack Hibbs | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the training of Navy SEALs and the bond that is formed between partners through intense and life-threatening experiences. He draws a paralle |
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K-448 Israel's Future Expulsion by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the insignificance of our worldly accomplishments and knowledge in the eyes of God. He describes a terrifying wilderness where one is strippe |