Isaiah 7:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in the days {H3117} of Ahaz {H271} the son {H1121} of Jotham {H3147}, the son {H1121} of Uzziah {H5818}, king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, that Rezin {H7526} the king {H4428} of Syria {H758}, and Pekah {H6492} the son {H1121} of Remaliah {H7425}, king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}, went up {H5927} toward Jerusalem {H3389} to war {H4421} against it, but could {H3201} not prevail {H3898} against it.

Complete Jewish Bible

During the days of Achaz the son of Yotam, the son of 'Uziyahu, king of Y'hudah, Retzin the king of Aram and Pekach the son of Remalyah, king of Isra'el, advanced on Yerushalayim to attack it but were unable to conquer it.

Berean Standard Bible

Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city.

American Standard Version

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 to Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:1 meticulously establishes the historical and political backdrop for one of the most significant prophetic encounters in Judah's history, setting the stage for the Syro-Ephraimitic War. During the turbulent reign of King Ahaz, a direct descendant of the Davidic line, Jerusalem faced an existential threat from a formidable northern coalition led by Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah, king of Israel. Their strategic objective was to besiege the city, depose Ahaz, and install a puppet ruler to force Judah into their anti-Assyrian alliance. Crucially, the verse concludes with a powerful declaration: despite their aggressive advance and combined might, the allied kings "could not prevail against it," immediately signaling divine protection over Jerusalem and foreshadowing the deeper theological messages of trust and God's sovereign faithfulness that Isaiah is about to unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 7:1 serves as a pivotal narrative and thematic transition, shifting from the general pronouncements of judgment and calls to repentance in chapters 1-6 to a specific historical crisis that grounds and illuminates the subsequent prophecies. The preceding chapters, particularly Isaiah's profound call and commission in [Isaiah 6](/isaiah/6 "Isaiah 6 - Isaiah's Commission"), establish the prophet's role as God's messenger to a spiritually resistant people. This verse immediately plunges the reader into the geopolitical turmoil of the Syro-Ephraimitic War, providing the concrete setting for the famous "Immanuel" prophecy and the urgent call for King Ahaz to place his trust in the Lord rather than in human alliances. The immediate declaration that the invading kings "could not prevail" against Jerusalem sets a crucial theological tone, contrasting human fear and political maneuvering with God's ultimate sovereign control and protective hand over His covenant city and dynasty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Isaiah 7:1 transpired around 735-734 BC, a period of intense geopolitical instability across the Ancient Near East. The burgeoning Neo-Assyrian Empire, under the aggressive expansion of Tiglath-Pileser III, posed an existential threat to the smaller kingdoms of Syria (Aram) and Israel (Ephraim). In a desperate attempt to forge a united front against Assyrian subjugation, King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of Israel formed a defensive coalition. They sought to compel Judah, strategically positioned on vital trade routes and possessing significant resources, to join their alliance. When King Ahaz of Judah, perhaps leaning towards an alliance with Assyria or pursuing a policy of neutrality, refused their demands, Rezin and Pekah launched a punitive invasion. Their stated aim was to besiege Jerusalem, overthrow the Davidic monarchy, and install a more compliant, pro-Syro-Ephraimitic ruler, likely "the son of Tabeel" mentioned in [Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - The Plan to Replace Ahaz"). The designation of Ahaz as "king of Judah" and Pekah as "king of Israel" highlights the enduring political division of the once-united Israelite kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse introduces and reinforces several critical themes that permeate the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Protection of Jerusalem and the Davidic Dynasty**. Despite the formidable military threat and Ahaz's subsequent lack of faith, God's covenant promises to David, particularly concerning the enduring nature of his throne and the security of Jerusalem (see [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")), ensured the city's immediate preservation. The enemies' inability to conquer Jerusalem directly demonstrates that God's plan for the Davidic line and the future Messiah was inviolable. Secondly, the verse highlights the profound **Contrast Between Human Fear and Divine Faithfulness**. Ahaz's subsequent panic and his disastrous decision to seek an alliance with Assyria (as detailed in [2 Kings 16:7-9](/2_kings/16-7-9 "2 Kings 16:7-9 - Ahaz's Alliance with Assyria")) stand in stark opposition to Isaiah's consistent message of trusting solely in God's power and promises. The initial failure of the invasion serves as a tangible, immediate demonstration of God's sovereign control over historical events, even when human leaders fail to acknowledge or respond to it in faith. This sets the stage for the book's overarching emphasis on God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **days (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** Derived from an unused root meaning "to be hot," this term refers to a "day" in various temporal contexts—literal (from sunrise to sunset), figurative (a defined period of time), or adverbial (daily, continually). In Isaiah 7:1, the phrase "in the days of Ahaz" functions as a precise chronological marker, anchoring the prophetic narrative to a specific historical era. This grounding emphasizes the real-world, tangible context of God's divine message, demonstrating that His word is actively engaged with and relevant to the concrete political and military struggles faced by Judah.
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** Originating from a root meaning "to rule," this word denotes a monarch or sovereign ruler. The repeated application of "king" to Ahaz, Rezin, and Pekah highlights the significant political power dynamics and military might wielded by these human leaders. This emphasis on earthly authority implicitly sets up a contrast with the ultimate divine sovereignty that would ultimately determine the outcome of the conflict. Furthermore, the title "king of Judah" for Ahaz implicitly connects him to the Davidic covenant, underscoring the profound theological significance of his reign and the divine promise attached to his lineage, despite his personal shortcomings and lack of faith.
* **prevail (Hebrew, _yâkôl'_ / _lâcham'_):** The phrase "could not prevail against it" is a powerful combination of two Hebrew verbs: _yâkôl_ (H3201), meaning "to be able," and _lâcham_ (H3898), meaning "to feed on, consume, battle, fight, overcome." The conjunction of these terms signifies an inherent, divinely imposed inability to conquer or overcome through military action. This is not merely a temporary tactical failure but a definitive, divinely ordained limitation on the invaders' power. It points to God's active intervention in protecting Jerusalem, ensuring that the combined military might of Syria and Israel was utterly insufficient to achieve their ultimate objective of overthrowing the Davidic king and capturing the holy city. This linguistic nuance underscores the absolute and divinely guaranteed nature of their failure, transcending mere human strategy or military prowess.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah,"**: This opening clause precisely dates the events, firmly rooting the prophecy in a specific historical and dynastic context. It identifies King Ahaz, meticulously tracing his lineage through Jotham and Uzziah, thereby connecting him directly to the established Davidic dynasty and its foundational covenant promises, which form a central pillar of Isaiah's prophetic message. The phrase "king of Judah" clearly delineates his realm and authority.
* **"that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it,"**: This clause introduces the primary antagonists and articulates their hostile objective. Rezin, the formidable king of Aram (Syria), and Pekah, the king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (often referred to as Ephraim), formed a powerful and aggressive alliance. Their clear intention was to march upon Jerusalem and engage in warfare, undoubtedly with the strategic aim of besieging and capturing the city, and subsequently overthrowing the reigning King Ahaz.
* **"but could not prevail against it."**: This concluding clause delivers the immediate and decisive outcome of the invasion. Despite the combined military might of the Syrian and Israelite armies and their aggressive, determined intent, they were utterly unable to conquer Jerusalem. This declaration is pivotal, serving as an immediate signal of divine protection and setting the theological stage for Isaiah's subsequent prophecies, which emphasize God's unwavering faithfulness amidst human fear, political maneuvering, and a profound lack of trust. It highlights God's sovereign and ultimate control over historical events.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 7:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to establish the narrative, convey immediate impact, and subtly foreshadow future divine action. The verse functions as a concise yet potent **Narrative Introduction**, providing the essential historical and geopolitical context that is indispensable for understanding the profound prophecies that unfold throughout the chapter. It is a factual, almost journalistic statement that immediately immerses the reader in the dire crisis confronting Judah. Furthermore, the verse utilizes powerful **Foreshadowing** by immediately declaring the enemies' inability to prevail. This outcome, stated upfront, hints at a powerful, unseen divine hand at work, preparing the reader for Isaiah's subsequent messages of God's sovereign protection and the ultimate futility of human plots against His divine purposes. Finally, there is an implicit yet striking **Contrast** established between the formidable human power and combined military might of the allied kings and their ultimate impotence against Jerusalem, subtly pointing to a greater, transcendent power at play—the sovereignty of God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:1 serves as a foundational text for comprehending God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those made to David concerning an eternal dynasty and the perpetual security of Jerusalem. Even when the human king, Ahaz, demonstrates a profound lack of faith and later seeks alliances with pagan nations rather than trusting in the Lord, God's larger redemptive plan remains inviolable. The immediate failure of the Syro-Ephraimitic alliance to conquer Jerusalem is a tangible demonstration of divine sovereignty, signaling that no human force, however formidable, can thwart God's ultimate purposes for His people and the coming Messiah. This historical account underscores the profound theological principle that God's promises are not contingent solely on human merit or faithfulness, but on His own steadfast character, immutable word, and sovereign will. It sets the stage for the profound prophetic word of Immanuel, a sign of God's "with us" presence even in the darkest and most fearful times.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Enduring Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 46:5](/psalm/46-5 "Psalm 46:5 - God is in the midst of her")
* [Isaiah 37:33-35](/isaiah/37-33-35 "Isaiah 37:33-35 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical account in Isaiah 7:1 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers navigating a world often characterized by uncertainty and fear. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming external threats—whether political upheaval, economic instability, personal crises, or societal pressures—and even when leaders or circumstances seem to falter, God remains utterly sovereign and faithfully committed to His overarching purposes. Ahaz's fear and his subsequent reliance on human alliances, rather than divine trust, stand as a poignant cautionary tale. Our natural inclination is often to strategize, manipulate, or seek worldly solutions when confronted with seemingly insurmountable challenges. However, this verse, by highlighting the enemies' immediate and definitive inability to prevail, calls us to remember that God's power transcends all human limitations and machinations. It encourages a posture of profound faith, reminding us that true security and lasting peace are found not in military might, political maneuvering, or self-reliance, but in resting in God's protective hand and His unfailing promises. Just as Jerusalem was divinely safeguarded for a greater redemptive purpose, so too can we find refuge, strength, and unwavering hope in Him amidst the battles and uncertainties of life, trusting that His ultimate plan for us will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What current "threats" or "invasions" in your personal life, community, or the broader world tempt you to rely on human strategies and resources rather than divine trust?**
* **How does the immediate outcome in Isaiah 7:1—that the enemies "could not prevail" against Jerusalem—challenge your natural inclination to fear or panic in difficult or seemingly overwhelming circumstances?**
* **In what specific ways does this verse encourage you to reflect on God's absolute sovereignty over seemingly uncontrollable events, both in the grand sweep of history and in the intimate details of your personal life?**

### FAQ

**What was the Syro-Ephraimitic War, and why is it significant for Isaiah 7?**

Answer: The Syro-Ephraimitic War was a significant geopolitical conflict that occurred around 735-734 BC. It involved an alliance between Aram (Syria), led by King Rezin, and the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim), led by King Pekah. Their primary objective was to resist the rapidly encroaching Neo-Assyrian Empire. When King Ahaz of Judah refused to join their anti-Assyrian coalition, they launched a punitive attack on Judah, intending to depose Ahaz and install a more compliant, pro-alliance puppet king. Isaiah 7:1 introduces this critical historical event, which serves as the immediate and essential context for Isaiah's profound prophetic messages to Ahaz, particularly the sign of Immanuel in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Prophecy of Immanuel"). The war underscored the urgent need for King Ahaz to place his faith in God rather than in political alliances or military strength.

**Why did Rezin and Pekah "not prevail" against Jerusalem?**

Answer: The verse explicitly states that Rezin and Pekah "could not prevail against it," implying a divine intervention and protection rather than merely a military stalemate or a tactical failure on their part. While they did besiege Jerusalem, they were ultimately unable to capture it or successfully overthrow King Ahaz. This outcome was a direct manifestation of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David, which promised an enduring dynasty and the preservation of Jerusalem as His holy city. Their failure demonstrated God's sovereign control over historical events and His protective hand over His people, even when their human king, Ahaz, lacked faith and sought ungodly alliances. This divine protection is a recurring theme in Isaiah, further elaborated in later chapters, such as [Isaiah 37](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - Hezekiah's Prayer and Sennacherib's Defeat"), where God miraculously delivers Jerusalem from the Assyrian army under Sennacherib.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 7:1, with its powerful declaration that the combined forces of Syria and Israel "could not prevail" against Jerusalem and the Davidic king, sets a crucial historical and theological stage for the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. The preservation of Ahaz's throne and the city of Jerusalem, despite the overwhelming threat, was not merely a fortunate historical anomaly but a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David, which promised an eternal dynasty (see [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). This divine protection ensured the unbroken lineage through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would eventually come. The "Immanuel" prophecy, delivered immediately after this historical introduction in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Prophecy of Immanuel"), points directly to Christ as the ultimate "God with us," the true Son of David who would establish an everlasting kingdom. The inability of human powers to thwart God's plan for Jerusalem in Isaiah 7:1 foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ's spiritual kingdom, against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")). Jesus, the true and eternal King of Judah, fulfilled the promise of a secure and eternal reign, not through military might or earthly conquest, but through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, establishing a spiritual kingdom that no earthly power or spiritual adversary can overcome ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). Thus, the historical preservation of Jerusalem in Isaiah 7:1 points forward to the greater, eternal security and salvation found in Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and whose kingdom is forever.

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

2 Kings 15:37

In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah.

2 Kings 16:1

¶ In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.

Isaiah 8:6

Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son;

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.

Isaiah 7:9

And the head of Ephraim [is] Samaria, and the head of Samaria [is] Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.

Isaiah 8:9

¶ Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.

Isaiah 8:10

Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God [is] with us.