Isaiah 2:7

KJV

Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither [is there any] end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither [is there any] end of their chariots:

KJV (with Strong's)

Their land {H776} also is full {H4390} of silver {H3701} and gold {H2091}, neither is there any end {H7097} of their treasures {H214}; their land {H776} is also full {H4390} of horses {H5483}, neither is there any end {H7097} of their chariots {H4818}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Their land is full of silver and gold; They have no end of treasures. Their land is full of horses; They have no end of chariots.

Berean Standard Bible

Their land is full of silver and gold, with no limit to their treasures; their land is full of horses, with no limit to their chariots.

American Standard Version

And their land is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land also is full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 2:7 vividly portrays the nation of Judah's profound material prosperity and formidable military strength, depicting a land overflowing with "silver and gold" and an endless supply of "horses" and "chariots." This verse serves as a stark counterpoint to the preceding prophetic vision of God's future kingdom, immediately highlighting the present reality of Judah's misplaced trust. Instead of relying on the Lord, the people had placed their confidence in accumulated wealth and military might, setting the stage for the divine judgment that Isaiah prophesies will inevitably follow such spiritual apostasy and self-sufficiency.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 2:7 is strategically placed within a pivotal section of Isaiah's prophecy. It immediately follows a glorious vision of the future Messianic age (Isaiah 2:1-5), where Jerusalem will become the spiritual center of the world, and nations will stream to learn God's ways. This idyllic picture of divine peace and universal worship is sharply contrasted by the present reality of Judah's spiritual state in verses 6-9. Verse 6 introduces Judah's reliance on foreign practices, while verse 7 details their excessive material wealth and military power, which are presented not as blessings, but as symptoms of their deep-seated idolatry and self-reliance. This accumulation of earthly power and riches is directly linked to the pervasive idolatry described in [Isaiah 2:8](/isaiah/2-8 "Isaiah 2:8 - Idolatry in Judah"), all of which collectively provoke the Lord's impending judgment, culminating in the humbling of human pride in [Isaiah 2:10-22](/isaiah/2-10 "Isaiah 2:10-22 - The Day of the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During Isaiah's ministry (late 8th century BCE), Judah, particularly under kings Uzziah and Jotham, experienced periods of significant economic prosperity and military expansion. Uzziah, for instance, was known for strengthening Judah's defenses and promoting agricultural development, leading to considerable wealth (cf. [2 Chronicles 26:6-15](/2_chronicles/26-6 "2 Chronicles 26:6-15 - Uzziah's Reign and Prosperity")). This era also saw increased trade and interaction with surrounding nations, which, while bringing riches, also introduced foreign religious practices and an over-reliance on alliances and military might rather than divine protection. The mention of "horses" and "chariots" is particularly significant, as Israel and Judah were historically cautioned against accumulating these, which were symbols of military power and often acquired from Egypt or other foreign powers, signifying a trust in human strength over God (cf. [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Prohibition against Multiplying Horses")).
* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored by Isaiah 2:7 is the pervasive **misplaced trust** of the nation. Judah had shifted its reliance from the covenant-keeping God to its own material abundance and military prowess. This confidence in earthly resources fostered a false sense of security and led to profound spiritual arrogance. The verse also highlights the **dangers of materialism and military might** when they become ultimate objects of trust, rather than tools to be stewarded under God's sovereignty. The "endless" nature of their treasures and chariots emphasizes a limitless pursuit of self-sufficiency, leading to **pride and self-exaltation**. This pride, born from perceived invincibility, directly contradicts the humility and dependence on God called for in the earlier vision of Zion, setting the stage for God's judgment against all human haughtiness, a theme powerfully developed throughout [Isaiah 2](/isaiah/2 "Isaiah 2 - The Day of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **full (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** From H4390, a primitive root meaning to fill or be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively). In Isaiah 2:7, its repetition ("Their land also is full... their land is also full") emphasizes the overwhelming, overflowing abundance of silver, gold, horses, and chariots. It conveys a sense of saturation, indicating that these material and military assets were not merely present but constituted the very essence and defining characteristic of the land's condition, leaving no room for divine presence or trust.
* **treasures (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** From H214, meaning a depository, armory, cellar, garner, store(-house), treasure(-house) (-y). This word refers to stored wealth, accumulated riches, and valuable possessions. In the context of Isaiah 2:7, it signifies not just the presence of silver and gold, but their systematic accumulation and hoarding in vast quantities, implying a deliberate focus on material security and a deep-seated attachment to worldly possessions.
* **end (Hebrew, _qâtseh'_):** From H7097, meaning an extremity, border, brink, edge, or limit. The phrase "neither is there any end" (וְאֵין קֵצֶה, _wə'ein qetsēh_) emphatically conveys boundlessness and limitless accumulation. It highlights the insatiable nature of Judah's pursuit of wealth and military power, suggesting an unending desire for more and a perceived invincibility that knows no bounds, reinforcing their self-sufficiency and rejection of divine limits or dependence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Their land also is full of silver and gold,"**: This clause immediately establishes the immense material prosperity of Judah. The land is not just prosperous, but "full," indicating an overwhelming abundance of precious metals. This wealth, while potentially a blessing, is presented here as a source of misplaced trust, a substitute for reliance on God.
* **"neither [is there any] end of their treasures;"**: This phrase amplifies the previous statement, emphasizing the boundless nature of their accumulated wealth. The word "end" (qâtseh) suggests a limitless, inexhaustible supply, underscoring the extent of their material security and the pride derived from it. It implies an insatiable desire for accumulation and a perceived invincibility based on their riches.
* **"their land is also full of horses,"**: This clause shifts focus from material wealth to military might. Horses were a crucial component of ancient warfare, symbolizing strength, speed, and formidable military power. The repetition of "full" underscores the overwhelming presence of these military assets, highlighting Judah's reliance on its own armed forces rather than on divine protection.
* **"neither [is there any] end of their chariots:"**: This final clause further emphasizes their military strength, specifically mentioning chariots, which were the ultimate symbol of ancient military dominance and technological superiority. The reiteration of "neither is there any end" reinforces the idea of limitless military capacity, completing the picture of a nation that believed itself self-sufficient and impregnable due to its vast resources and formidable army.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 2:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is prominent, with the phrase "Their land also is full" and "neither [is there any] end" appearing twice. This rhetorical device emphasizes the overwhelming abundance of Judah's wealth and military power, underscoring the extent of their self-reliance and the pervasive nature of their misplaced trust. **Hyperbole** is also evident in the declaration that there is "no end" to their treasures, horses, and chariots. While not literally limitless, this exaggerated language vividly portrays the nation's perception of its own boundless resources and perceived invincibility, highlighting their spiritual arrogance. Finally, **Symbolism** is at play, where "silver and gold" symbolize immense material prosperity and luxury, and "horses" and "chariots" represent formidable military might and self-defense capabilities. These symbols collectively represent the nation's complete reliance on human strength and worldly possessions, rather than on the Lord, setting the stage for the divine judgment that will expose the hollowness of such trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 2:7 serves as a profound theological statement on the dangers of misplaced trust and the spiritual peril of idolatry, even when the idols are material wealth and military power. The prophet exposes the nation's fundamental error: believing that security and prosperity derive from accumulated riches and armed might rather than from the sovereign God who provides and protects. This reliance on created things over the Creator is a form of idolatry, leading to pride and a departure from the covenant relationship. The verse implicitly critiques the human tendency to seek ultimate security in finite resources, reminding us that true and lasting peace comes only from humble dependence on the infinite and unchanging God.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trusting in the Lord vs. Chariots") declares, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."
* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trusting in Riches Leads to Fall") warns, "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but as the branch shall flourish."
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Trust in Horses") pronounces, "Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 2:7 offers a timeless and piercing challenge to individuals and nations alike. It compels us to honestly examine the true source of our security, confidence, and identity. In a world that often measures success by material accumulation and military might, this verse serves as a powerful corrective, reminding us that such things, while not inherently evil, become dangerous idols when they usurp God's rightful place in our lives. For the individual, this means discerning whether our hope is rooted in our financial portfolios, career achievements, social status, or personal strength, or whether it rests firmly in the living God. For communities and nations, it prompts a critical reflection on whether economic prosperity and national defense are pursued as ends in themselves, overshadowing justice, compassion, and a humble reliance on divine principles. The call is to cultivate a radical dependence on God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate provider and protector, and to steward all resources for His glory, recognizing that true peace and lasting security are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "silver and gold," "horses," and "chariots" in my own life that I might be trusting in more than God?**
* **How does my pursuit of financial security or personal strength sometimes overshadow my dependence on God?**
* **In what ways might our society, or even the Church, be tempted to place its confidence in worldly resources rather than divine provision?**
* **What practical steps can I take to reorient my trust from temporal securities to the eternal God?**

### FAQ
**Why is Judah's wealth and military strength presented as a negative thing in this verse?**

Answer: While wealth and strength are not inherently evil, Isaiah 2:7 portrays them negatively because they had become objects of Judah's misplaced trust and a source of their spiritual pride. Instead of acknowledging God as the ultimate provider and protector, Judah had come to rely on its own accumulated riches and formidable military, believing itself self-sufficient and invincible. This self-reliance led to a turning away from God and a pervasive idolatry, as detailed in [Isaiah 2:8](/isaiah/2-8 "Isaiah 2:8 - Idols in Judah"). The verse highlights that when material blessings and power replace God in our hearts, they become idols that provoke divine judgment, as seen in the warnings throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy") against trusting in anything other than the Lord.

**Does this verse mean that all wealth and military power are condemned by God?**

Answer: No, the verse does not condemn wealth or military power in themselves. The issue is one of **ultimate trust and allegiance**. Throughout Scripture, God blesses His people with prosperity (e.g., [Genesis 13:2](/genesis/13-2 "Genesis 13:2 - Abraham's Wealth")) and provides for their defense (e.g., [Psalm 144:1](/psalms/144-1 "Psalm 144:1 - God as My Strength")). However, when these blessings become the *source* of security and pride, leading to a neglect of God, they become problematic. The sin is not in having riches or strength, but in trusting in them more than in the living God (cf. [1 Timothy 6:17](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17 - Trust in God, Not Riches")). Isaiah 2:7 serves as a warning against the spiritual complacency and idolatry that can accompany abundant resources when God is no longer preeminent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 2:7, with its depiction of Judah's misplaced trust in earthly wealth and military might, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human self-sufficiency and the absolute dependence embodied by Jesus Christ. While Judah sought security in "silver and gold" and "horses" and "chariots," Christ, though "rich, yet for your sakes he became poor" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")), demonstrating that true power and lasting treasure are not found in worldly possessions. He did not come riding on a warhorse but on a humble donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - King Coming on a Donkey"), proclaiming a kingdom not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World")). His power was not in chariots, but in His divine authority to cast out demons, heal the sick, and forgive sins, culminating in the ultimate victory over sin and death through His sacrifice on the cross. The "endless treasures" Judah sought are found in Christ, who offers "unsearchable riches" ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - Unsearchable Riches of Christ")) and eternal life, a security that transcends all earthly vulnerabilities. In Him, the human tendency to trust in created things is exposed as futile, and the call to place all hope and trust in the living God, perfectly exemplified by the Son, is profoundly affirmed.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 17:16

But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.

Deuteronomy 17:17

Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.

Isaiah 30:16

But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.

Isaiah 31:1

¶ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Psalms 20:7

Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Micah 5:10

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots:

Jeremiah 5:27

As a cage is full of birds, so [are] their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.