Isaiah 7:16

KJV

For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.

KJV (with Strong's)

For before the child {H5288} shall know {H3045} to refuse {H3988} the evil {H7451}, and choose {H977} the good {H2896}, the land {H127} that thou abhorrest {H6973} shall be {H6440} forsaken {H5800} of both {H8147} her kings {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, before the child knows enough to refuse evil and choose good, the land whose two kings you dread will be left abandoned.

Berean Standard Bible

For before the boy knows enough to reject evil and choose good, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.

American Standard Version

For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land whose two kings thou abhorrest shall be forsaken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:16 delivers a precise and immediate prophetic assurance to King Ahaz of Judah, promising the swift downfall of his adversaries, the kingdoms of Syria (Aram) and Israel (Ephraim). This declaration, given in the midst of the Syro-Ephraimitic War, specifies that before a young child reaches an age of moral discernment, the lands of Judah's feared enemies will be utterly devastated and their kings removed, thereby confirming God's sovereign control over nations and His unwavering commitment to protect His covenant people, even despite their leader's lack of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 7:16 is a crucial component of the "Book of Immanuel" (Isaiah 7-12), specifically following the pronouncement of the sign of Immanuel in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel"). The chapter opens with King Ahaz of Judah facing an existential threat from the Syro-Ephraimitic coalition, led by King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of Israel, who sought to depose him and install a puppet ruler ([Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - The Plot Against Judah")). Ahaz and his people were gripped by fear, likened to "trees of the wood... moved with the wind" ([Isaiah 7:2](/isaiah/7-2 "Isaiah 7:2 - Ahaz's Fear")). God, through the prophet Isaiah, repeatedly urged Ahaz to trust Him and not fear ([Isaiah 7:4](/isaiah/7-4 "Isaiah 7:4 - God's Command Not to Fear")). When Ahaz stubbornly refused to ask for a sign from God, the Lord Himself declared the sign of Immanuel. Verse 16 then provides the critical timeline for the fulfillment of the immediate aspect of this prophecy, assuring Ahaz that the threat would be neutralized very quickly.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Syro-Ephraimitic War (c. 735-732 BC). Syria (Aram) and the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) formed an alliance to resist the rising power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-pileser III. When Judah, under King Ahaz, refused to join their anti-Assyrian coalition, Syria and Israel launched a punitive invasion to force Judah's compliance and replace Ahaz with a more pliable ruler, the "son of Tabeel" ([Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - The Plot Against Judah")). Jerusalem was besieged, causing immense panic. Culturally, the concept of a "sign" (Hebrew: _'oth_) was significant, serving as a divine confirmation of a prophetic message. The reference to a child's development was a common way to indicate a short, measurable period, making the prophecy tangible and immediate for Ahaz's generation. The "land that thou abhorrest" refers to the territories of Syria and Israel, which were seen as immediate and despised threats to Judah's security and sovereignty.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over the rise and fall of nations, even mighty empires and threatening coalitions. Despite Ahaz's lack of faith, God's plan for Judah and His covenant promises would prevail. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Faith vs. Fear**, contrasting Ahaz's terror and reliance on human alliances (which he later pursued with Assyria against God's will, as seen in [2 Kings 16:7-9](/2_kings/16-7 "2 Kings 16:7-9 - Ahaz's Alliance with Assyria")) with God's call to trust in His deliverance. Thirdly, it illustrates the **Nature of Prophecy**, showcasing how a single prophecy can have both an immediate, historical fulfillment (the swift defeat of Syria and Israel by Assyria, detailed in [2 Kings 15:29](/2_kings/15-29 "2 Kings 15:29 - Assyrian Conquest of Israel") and [2 Kings 16:9](/2_kings/16-9 "2 Kings 16:9 - Fall of Damascus")) and a deeper, long-range, eschatological fulfillment (the ultimate coming of the Messiah, Immanuel).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **child (Hebrew, _naʻar'_):** This term refers to a young boy, ranging from infancy to adolescence, or even a servant. In this context, it signifies a child who is still relatively young, not yet having reached full maturity or complex moral reasoning. The use of "child" underscores the immediacy of the prophecy's fulfillment, indicating a short timeframe.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This verb is rich in meaning, encompassing not just intellectual understanding but also experiential knowledge, recognition, and discernment. Here, it refers to the development of a child's capacity to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil, implying a stage of moral accountability and personal choice.
* **land (Hebrew, _ʼădâmâh'_):** While often referring to "soil" or "earth," in this context, it denotes a specific "country" or "territory." "The land that thou abhorrest" is a metonymy for the nations of Syria and Israel, emphasizing their geographical and political entities that were perceived as hostile and detestable by King Ahaz.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good":** This clause establishes the precise and imminent timing of the prophecy's fulfillment. The phrase "know to refuse the evil, and choose the good" describes a developmental stage in a child's life, typically understood as the onset of moral discernment or the ability to make conscious ethical choices, usually around the age of two to five years old. It signifies that the events prophesied would occur within a very short period, certainly within a few years, providing immediate reassurance to Ahaz.
* **"the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings":** This second clause specifies the outcome of the prophecy. "The land that thou abhorrest" refers directly to the combined territories of Syria (Aram) and the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim), which were Judah's immediate and hated enemies. "Forsaken of both her kings" means that these two kingdoms would be stripped of their leadership and effectively rendered powerless. This was fulfilled historically when the Assyrian Empire conquered Damascus (Syria) and then parts of Israel, removing their kings, Rezin and Pekah, respectively, within a few years of this prophecy.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 7:16 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Prophetic Foreshadowing**, as the verse, while immediately relevant to Ahaz's situation, points to a broader divine plan. The phrase "before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good" functions as a form of **Chronological Marker** or **Temporal Metaphor**, using a common developmental milestone to signify a very short and certain timeframe for the prophecy's fulfillment. This also carries an element of **Irony**, as Ahaz, who lacked faith, is given a sign based on a child's development, perhaps subtly contrasting his immature faith with the child's natural progression. The "land that thou abhorrest" is a **Metonymy** for the nations of Syria and Israel, allowing the text to refer to the territories as shorthand for their political and military power. The entire passage serves as a powerful instance of **Divine Assurance**, where God's word acts as a guarantee against human fear and political machinations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:16 serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous providence and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people, or their leaders, demonstrate a profound lack of faith. It underscores the truth that God's plans are not contingent upon human righteousness but are rooted in His own sovereign will and character. The swift and decisive judgment against Judah's enemies, foretold with such specificity, highlights God's control over the course of history and the destinies of nations. This immediate fulfillment was meant to build Ahaz's trust, demonstrating that the God who could predict such near-term events was also capable of fulfilling the grander, long-term prophecies concerning the Messiah. It teaches us that God's timing is perfect, and His deliverance is certain, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

* [2 Kings 15:29](/2_kings/15-29 "2 Kings 15:29 - Assyrian Conquest of Israel")
* [2 Kings 16:9](/2_kings/16-9 "2 Kings 16:9 - Fall of Damascus")
* [Isaiah 8:3-4](/isaiah/8-3 "Isaiah 8:3-4 - Prophecy of Maher-shalal-hash-baz's Birth and Assyrian Conquest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 7:16 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers facing their own "Syro-Ephraimitic" threats, whether they be personal crises, societal anxieties, or global uncertainties. The core message is an invitation to radical trust in God's sovereign control and His perfect timing. Like Ahaz, we often find ourselves paralyzed by fear when circumstances appear overwhelming, tempted to rely on human strategies or despair. This verse reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of His creation, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes. It calls us to shift our gaze from the magnitude of our problems to the infinitude of God's power and faithfulness. Our fears, though real, are often short-sighted, failing to account for God's imminent intervention. We are encouraged to rest in the assurance that before our "abhorred lands" can truly triumph, God's decree will stand, and His deliverance will manifest, often in ways and at times we least expect, but always perfectly aligned with His divine timetable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lands" or threats do I currently "abhor" in my life, causing me fear and anxiety?**
* **How does the specific timing ("before the child shall know...") in this prophecy challenge my impatience or desire for immediate answers?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to rely on my own "Ahaz-like" strategies rather than trusting in God's sovereign intervention?**
* **How can remembering God's control over history and nations strengthen my faith amidst current global or personal turmoil?**

### FAQ

**Who is "the child" mentioned in Isaiah 7:16?**

Answer: The identity of "the child" in Isaiah 7:16 is a subject of scholarly discussion, often interpreted in two main ways, both of which can be true simultaneously due to the nature of biblical prophecy. The immediate fulfillment likely referred to a child born in Isaiah's time, possibly his own son, Maher-shalal-hash-baz, whose birth and rapid development are described in [Isaiah 8:3-4](/isaiah/8-3 "Isaiah 8:3-hal-hash-baz's Birth and Assyrian Conquest"). This child served as a tangible, near-term sign for Ahaz. However, in its broader prophetic context, particularly given its connection to [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel") (the Immanuel prophecy), "the child" also foreshadows the ultimate, miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, the true Immanuel, hundreds of years later.

**What does "know to refuse the evil, and choose the good" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase describes a child reaching a stage of early moral discernment, typically understood as the age when a child begins to distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad, and can make conscious choices based on that understanding. This is generally considered to be around two to five years old. The phrase is not about perfect moral innocence or full adult accountability, but rather the development of basic cognitive and moral faculties. Its purpose in the verse is to provide a clear, short, and observable timeframe for the fulfillment of the prophecy, assuring King Ahaz that the downfall of his enemies would occur very quickly.

**Who are "both her kings" and what happened to them?**

Answer: "Both her kings" refer to King Rezin of Syria (Aram) and King Pekah of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim). These were the two monarchs who had formed an alliance to attack Judah and depose King Ahaz. The prophecy in Isaiah 7:16 declared that their lands would be "forsaken" or abandoned by them. This was historically fulfilled within a few years by the Assyrian Empire. Tiglath-pileser III, the Assyrian king, conquered Damascus, the capital of Syria, and killed Rezin around 732 BC ([2 Kings 16:9](/2_kings/16-9 "2 Kings 16:9 - Fall of Damascus")). Shortly thereafter, Pekah of Israel was assassinated in a conspiracy, and Assyria deported many Israelites, significantly weakening the Northern Kingdom ([2 Kings 15:29-30](/2_kings/15-29 "2 Kings 15:29-30 - Assyrian Conquest and Pekah's Assassination")). Thus, both kings were indeed removed from their thrones, and their power was broken.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 7:16 provided immediate historical reassurance to King Ahaz regarding the swift demise of his enemies, its deeper theological resonance finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "child" of this prophecy, whether immediately referring to Maher-shalal-hash-baz or more broadly to the Immanuel of [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel"), points forward to the miraculous birth of God with us. Christ, as the true Immanuel, did not merely signify the defeat of earthly kings, but the triumph over the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. His coming, foretold centuries in advance, marked the decisive turning point in cosmic history, fulfilling the promise of a divine King who would establish an everlasting kingdom. Just as the temporal marker of a child's discernment signaled the end of Ahaz's immediate fears, so too the incarnation of Christ signaled the beginning of the end for all spiritual darkness. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), definitively "refused the evil" of sin and "chose the good" of obedience unto death, ultimately forsaking the dominion of Satan and establishing His reign, a kingdom that "shall have no end" ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Christ")). He is the King who ultimately conquers all "lands" of opposition, bringing salvation and eternal peace to all who believe.

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 8:4

For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.

Deuteronomy 1:39

Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.

Hosea 5:9

Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke: among the tribes of Israel have I made known that which shall surely be.

2 Kings 16:9

And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried [the people of] it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.

Isaiah 9:11

Therefore the LORD shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him, and join his enemies together;

Amos 1:3

¶ Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron:

Amos 1:5

I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD.