King James Version

What Does Isaiah 7:1 Mean?

Isaiah 7:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syri... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.

Isaiah 7:1 · KJV


Context

1

And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.

2

And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind. is confederate: Heb. resteth on

3

Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field; Shearjashub: that is, The remnant shall return highway: or, causeway


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Syro-Ephraimite crisis (735-732 BC) where Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel besieged Jerusalem represents covenant brothers attacking Judah for refusing anti-Assyrian alliance. The phrase 'could not prevail' foreshadows God's protection despite military pressure. This crisis provided context for the Immanuel prophecy (7:14), demonstrating that God preserves His Davidic line through which Messiah would come, showcasing divine sovereignty over geopolitical threats.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Syria and Israel sought to force Judah into anti-Assyrian coalition. When Ahaz refused, they attempted to replace him with a puppet king, threatening Davidic succession.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's preservation of Judah despite siege demonstrate His commitment to covenant promises?
  2. What modern 'coalitions' pressure God's people to compromise covenant faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיְהִ֡י1 of 25
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בִּימֵ֣י2 of 25

And it came to pass in the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אָ֠חָז3 of 25

of Ahaz

H271

achaz, the name of a jewish king and of an israelite

בֶּן4 of 25

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יוֹתָ֨ם5 of 25

of Jotham

H3147

jotham, the name of three israelites

בֶּן6 of 25

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עֻזִּיָּ֜הוּ7 of 25

of Uzziah

H5818

uzzijah, the name of five israelites

מֶֽלֶךְ8 of 25

king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֗ה9 of 25

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

עָלָ֣ה10 of 25

went up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

רְצִ֣ין11 of 25

that Rezin

H7526

retsin, the name of a syrian and of an israelite

מֶֽלֶךְ12 of 25

king

H4428

a king

אֲ֠רָם13 of 25

of Syria

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

וּפֶ֨קַח14 of 25

and Pekah

H6492

pekach, an israelite king

בֶּן15 of 25

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

רְמַלְיָ֤הוּ16 of 25

of Remaliah

H7425

remaljah, an israelite

מֶֽלֶךְ17 of 25

king

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙18 of 25

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם19 of 25

toward Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה20 of 25

to war

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

עָלֶ֑יהָ21 of 25
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְלֹ֥א22 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָכֹ֖ל23 of 25

against it but could

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לְהִלָּחֵ֥ם24 of 25

not prevail

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

עָלֶֽיהָ׃25 of 25
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 7:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 7:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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