Isaiah 7:10

KJV

¶ Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} again {H3254} unto Ahaz {H271}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI spoke again to Achaz; he said,

Berean Standard Bible

Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying,

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake again unto Ahaz, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:10 serves as a pivotal transitional verse within the Syro-Ephraimite War narrative, highlighting God's profound patience and persistent engagement with King Ahaz of Judah. Despite Ahaz's wavering faith and inclination to seek human alliances rather than divine deliverance, this verse records the LORD's renewed initiative to speak to the king, setting the stage for a further divine offer of a sign that would underscore His unwavering faithfulness and sovereign control over the unfolding geopolitical crisis. It emphasizes that God's commitment to His covenant people transcends their immediate doubts and fears.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows God's initial prophetic assurance to Ahaz through Isaiah in [Isaiah 7:1-9](/isaiah/7-1-9 "Isaiah 7:1-9 - God's Promise to Ahaz Amidst War"). In the preceding verses, Judah is under severe threat from the allied forces of Aram (Syria) and Israel (Ephraim). Ahaz is gripped by fear, and God, through Isaiah, commands him to "be quiet, fear not, neither be fainthearted" in [Isaiah 7:4](/isaiah/7-4 "Isaiah 7:4 - God's Command to Ahaz to Not Fear"). God explicitly states that the plans of Rezin and Pekah will not succeed. However, Ahaz's faith remains weak, and he appears to be considering an alliance with Assyria, a move that would demonstrate a profound lack of trust in the LORD. Isaiah 7:10 thus marks a critical turning point, as God, seeing Ahaz's continued unbelief, does not abandon him but "spake again," preparing to offer a tangible sign to bolster the king's faltering faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 734-732 BC), a period of intense geopolitical instability in the Ancient Near East. The northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim), under King Pekah, and Aram (Syria), under King Rezin, formed an anti-Assyrian coalition and attempted to coerce Judah into joining them by attacking Jerusalem. King Ahaz, facing immense pressure, was terrified. In this era, political alliances were common strategies for survival, often involving treaties and tribute to more powerful empires like Assyria. For Judah, a nation whose identity was rooted in a covenant with Yahweh, seeking foreign alliances represented a theological crisis—a betrayal of trust in God's protection. The cultural expectation was for kings to secure their kingdoms, and Ahaz's fear led him toward a pragmatic, human-centered solution rather than a faith-based reliance on the LORD.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 7:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, demonstrating that God is actively involved in human history and remains faithful to His covenant promises, even when His people are unfaithful. The phrase "the LORD spake again" highlights God's persistent initiative. Secondly, it develops the theme of **Trust vs. Unbelief**, presenting Ahaz as a stark example of a leader who struggles to trust God's word despite clear prophetic assurances. This sets the stage for the contrast between human wisdom and divine wisdom. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Authority and Efficacy of the Prophetic Word**, as God chooses to communicate His will and offer guidance through His chosen messenger, Isaiah. This divine communication is not merely informative but transformative, intended to elicit faith and obedience, as seen in God's repeated attempts to reach Ahaz before the famous [Immanuel prophecy](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Immanuel Prophecy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068, refers to the self-Existent or Eternal God, the covenant God of Israel. The use of "the LORD" here emphasizes God's personal, relational, and covenantal commitment to His people, Judah, through King Ahaz. It is not a generic deity but the specific God who has made promises and acts in history to fulfill them, highlighting His active presence and authority in the unfolding crisis.
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** H1696, a primitive root primarily meaning "to arrange," but used figuratively here to mean "to speak." This verb implies a deliberate, intentional, and authoritative communication. It is not a casual utterance but a divine pronouncement, carrying weight and expectation. When God "spake," it signifies His direct engagement and the authoritative nature of the message that follows.
* **again (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** H3254, from a root meaning "to add or augment," often used adverbially to mean "to continue to do a thing" or "yet again." This word is crucial, indicating that this was not God's first attempt to communicate with Ahaz regarding this crisis. It highlights God's extraordinary patience and persistent grace. Despite Ahaz's initial lack of faith and failure to heed the first prophetic word, God chooses to re-engage, offering a further opportunity for trust and a more compelling demonstration of His power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Moreover the LORD spake again":** This clause emphasizes the divine initiative and God's remarkable patience. The introductory "Moreover" (or "And again") links this divine address directly to the preceding narrative, underscoring that God's communication is a continuation, not a new, unrelated event. The verb "spake again" (combining `dâbar` and `yâçaph`) powerfully conveys God's persistent grace. Despite Ahaz's initial fear and lack of faith, God does not abandon him but actively re-engages, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His desire for His people to trust Him. This highlights God's longsuffering and His determination to provide every opportunity for faith.
* **"unto Ahaz, saying,":** This specifies the direct recipient and the immediate purpose of the communication. God's message is personal and targeted directly at King Ahaz, the leader responsible for Judah's direction. The phrase "saying" indicates that the verse serves as an introduction to the subsequent divine message, which will include the offer of a sign. It sets the stage for a crucial dialogue between God and His wavering servant, underscoring the directness and urgency of the divine word.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** and **Emphasis** are evident in the phrase "spake again," which underscores God's persistent and patient nature in dealing with human doubt. This repetition highlights the significance of the upcoming message, indicating it's not a casual utterance but a renewed, determined divine initiative. **Direct Address** is central, as God speaks personally and directly to King Ahaz, lending immediacy and authority to the divine word. This personal engagement contrasts with Ahaz's impersonal political machinations. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful piece of **Foreshadowing**, building tension and anticipation for the profound prophetic sign that God is about to offer, most notably the Immanuel prophecy in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:10 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and patience with His people, even in the face of their unbelief. It reveals a God who does not give up easily but persistently pursues humanity, offering repeated opportunities for trust and obedience. This divine persistence is rooted in His covenantal commitment and His desire for His people to experience His deliverance. The verse sets the stage for the profound truth that God's plans will be accomplished regardless of human doubt, and He often provides signs to bolster faltering faith, culminating in the ultimate sign of His presence.
* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Immanuel Prophecy") - This verse directly precedes the pivotal Immanuel prophecy, where God offers a sign to Ahaz, demonstrating His continued faithfulness despite the king's refusal to ask for one.
* [Jeremiah 7:25](/jeremiah/7-25 "Jeremiah 7:25 - God's Persistent Sending of Prophets") - Echoes the theme of God persistently sending His prophets to His people, even when they are disobedient, highlighting His enduring patience and desire for their repentance.
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Longsuffering Patience") - Affirms God's longsuffering nature, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance, a theological principle clearly demonstrated in God's repeated address to Ahaz.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 7:10 serves as a profound reminder of God's incredible patience and unwavering commitment to us, even when our faith falters. Like Ahaz, we often face situations that incite fear, tempting us to rely on our own strength, wisdom, or worldly alliances rather than fully trusting in God's sovereign power and promises. This verse encourages us to recognize that God often "speaks again" to us—through His written Word, through the counsel of godly individuals, through circumstances, or through the quiet prompting of the Holy Spirit. His repeated communication is not a sign of our failure but of His persistent grace, an invitation to abandon our anxieties and place our complete reliance on Him. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of listening and obedience, understanding that God's faithfulness is not contingent upon our perfect faith, but on His unchanging character and steadfast love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength or worldly solutions rather than trusting God's promises?**
* **How has God "spoken again" to you in times of doubt or fear, offering renewed assurance or a fresh call to trust?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper listening ear to God's persistent voice in your life?**
* **How does God's patience with Ahaz encourage you in your own struggles with faith and obedience?**

### FAQ

**Why did the LORD speak to Ahaz "again" if He had already given him a promise?**

Answer: The phrase "spake again" (Hebrew: _vayyoseph YHWH ledabber_) highlights God's extraordinary patience and persistent grace. Although God had already given Ahaz an initial promise of deliverance from the Syro-Ephraimite threat in [Isaiah 7:1-9](/isaiah/7-1-9 "Isaiah 7:1-9 - God's Initial Promise to Ahaz"), Ahaz remained fearful and seemingly unpersuaded, considering an alliance with Assyria instead of trusting God. God's decision to speak "again" demonstrates His unwillingness to abandon Ahaz to his unbelief. It was a renewed initiative, offering a further opportunity for the king to believe and to receive a tangible sign of God's faithfulness, underscoring God's desire for His people to walk in faith rather than fear.

**What was the significance of God offering a "sign" to Ahaz after this verse?**

Answer: Following God's renewed address in [Isaiah 7:10](/isaiah/7-10 "Isaiah 7:10 - God Speaks Again to Ahaz"), He directly offers Ahaz the opportunity to ask for a sign, "Ask it either in the depth, or in the height above" [Isaiah 7:11](/isaiah/7-11 "Isaiah 7:11 - God Offers a Sign to Ahaz"). This offer was significant because it was an extraordinary act of divine condescension, providing a concrete, undeniable proof of God's power and the truth of His word. Ahaz, however, feigned piety by refusing to ask for a sign [Isaiah 7:12](/isaiah/7-12 "Isaiah 7:12 - Ahaz Refuses a Sign"), indicating his deep-seated unbelief and his preference for his own political strategies. Despite Ahaz's refusal, God still provided a sign—the Immanuel prophecy [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Immanuel Prophecy")—demonstrating that His faithfulness is not dependent on human faith but on His own character and covenant promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 7:10, with its emphasis on God's persistent communication and His patient pursuit of a wavering king, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the LORD "spake again" to Ahaz, offering a renewed word of assurance and a promise of a sign, God has, in the fullness of time, "spoken to us by his Son" [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son"). Jesus is the living Word of God, the ultimate and final revelation of God's character and purposes [John 1:1, 14](/john/1-1 "John 1:1, 14 - The Word Became Flesh"). The sign that Ahaz refused, the prophecy of Immanuel ("God with us") in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Immanuel Prophecy"), is perfectly fulfilled in Christ's miraculous virgin birth and His very name, Jesus, meaning "the LORD saves" [Matthew 1:21-23](/matthew/1-21-23 "Matthew 1:21-23 - The Birth of Jesus and Immanuel"). God's persistent patience with Ahaz foreshadows His boundless grace extended to all humanity through the incarnation, atoning death, and resurrection of Jesus. In Christ, God not only "spoke again" but fully entered into human history, becoming the ultimate demonstration of His faithfulness, His desire to save, and His unwavering presence with His people, even in their deepest fears and unbelief [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love").

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

Isaiah 8:5

The LORD spake also unto me again, saying,

Isaiah 10:20

¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

Isaiah 1:13

Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting.

Hosea 13:2

And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, [and] idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

Isaiah 1:5

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.