Isaiah 7:17

KJV

¶ The LORD shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father's house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah; [even] the king of Assyria.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} shall bring {H935} upon thee, and upon thy people {H5971}, and upon thy father's {H1} house {H1004}, days {H3117} that have not come {H935}, from the day {H3117} that Ephraim {H669} departed {H5493} from Judah {H3063}; even the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI will bring the king of Ashur on you, your people and your father's house. These will be days worse than any you've known since Efrayim broke loose from Y'hudah." Or: "the virgin." See Introduction, Section XIV, footnote 69.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will bring on you and on your people and on the house of your father a time unlike any since the day Ephraim separated from Judah—He will bring the king of Assyria.”

American Standard Version

Jehovah will bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father’s house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—even the king of Assyria.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:17 delivers a solemn prophetic declaration from the Lord to King Ahaz of Judah, foretelling an unprecedented period of divine judgment. This judgment, described as "days that have not come" since the historic schism between Ephraim (Northern Kingdom of Israel) and Judah, will be brought upon Ahaz, his people, and his royal house by the very power Ahaz sought to ally with: the king of Assyria. The verse underscores the profound and ironic consequences of Ahaz's lack of faith and his reliance on human political maneuvering over divine providence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 7:17 is a pivotal statement within the broader narrative of the Syro-Ephraimitic War (circa 734-732 BC). The preceding verses detail the immediate threat to Judah from the allied forces of Aram (Syria) and the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim), who sought to depose King Ahaz and install a puppet ruler (e.g., [Isaiah 7:1-6](/isaiah/7-1 "Isaiah 7:1-6 - The Syro-Ephraimitic War Threat")). In response, the Lord, through Isaiah, offers Ahaz a sign to bolster his faith and assure him of Judah's deliverance from this immediate threat (e.g., [Isaiah 7:10-12](/isaiah/7-10 "Isaiah 7:10-12 - God Offers a Sign")). However, Ahaz, feigning piety but harboring a deeper distrust in God, refuses to ask for a sign, signaling his intention to pursue a political alliance with Assyria instead of relying on divine protection. Verse 17 then serves as a stark prophetic irony, revealing that the very power Ahaz turned to for help would become the instrument of God's future judgment upon Judah, far surpassing the current threat. This verse sets the stage for the escalating Assyrian threat described in subsequent chapters, highlighting the long-term consequences of Ahaz's unbelief.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the mid-8th century BC, a period of immense geopolitical upheaval in the Ancient Near East. The rising power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, under kings like Tiglath-Pileser III, was rapidly expanding its dominion, threatening smaller kingdoms like Aram, Israel, and Judah. Culturally, Judah, like its neighbors, was prone to seeking political alliances with stronger powers to ensure survival, often at the expense of covenant faithfulness to Yahweh. The phrase "from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah" refers to the historical division of the united monarchy after the reign of Solomon (circa 931 BC), when the ten northern tribes seceded to form the Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim being its dominant tribe) and the two southern tribes formed the Kingdom of Judah ([1 Kings 12:19](/1_kings/12-19 "1 Kings 12:19 - The Division of the Kingdom")). This division marked a significant low point in Israelite history, and the prophecy in Isaiah 7:17 warns that the coming Assyrian judgment would be even more devastating than that foundational schism, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the impending calamity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, illustrating God's active involvement in history, bringing severe judgment upon a disobedient people and their unfaithful king. Ahaz's unbelief and his strategic reliance on human power rather than God's promise lead directly to dire consequences, demonstrating that God's warnings are not idle threats. Another significant theme is **God's Sovereignty and Use of Foreign Nations**. The "king of Assyria" is explicitly named as the instrument of this coming disaster, showcasing God's absolute control over all nations, even using powerful, pagan empires as tools to accomplish His divine purposes, whether in judgment or, at times, in the future, for restoration. The concept of **Unprecedented Calamity** is also central, as the phrase "days that have not come" emphasizes the unparalleled nature of the coming suffering, signifying a new and deeper level of distress for Judah, surpassing even the trauma of the kingdom's initial division. This underscores the severity of God's response to covenant unfaithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often rendered as "Yahweh," emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and personal relationship with His people. In this context, the use of "LORD" highlights that the impending judgment is not a random geopolitical event but a deliberate act initiated by the sovereign God of Israel, who holds ultimate authority over history and nations. It underscores His covenant faithfulness, even when that faithfulness manifests as corrective judgment for His disobedient people.
* **days (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** This word, while literally meaning "day," often refers figuratively to a defined period or space of time. Here, "days that have not come" signifies an era or period of unprecedented suffering and calamity. It emphasizes the unique and severe nature of the impending judgment, indicating that Judah is about to experience a level of distress and devastation unlike anything it has endured since its foundational schism. It's a marker of historical significance and prophetic warning.
* **Assyria (Hebrew, _ʼAshshûwr'_):** Refers to the Neo-Assyrian Empire, a dominant and ruthless superpower of the ancient world. Its inclusion here is crucial as it identifies the specific instrument of God's judgment. The irony is profound: Ahaz sought an alliance with Assyria for protection, but God declares that this very nation will be the source of Judah's greatest affliction. This highlights God's sovereignty over even the most formidable human powers, using them to fulfill His divine will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father's house,"**: This clause establishes the divine origin and scope of the impending judgment. "The LORD" (Yahweh) is the active agent, emphasizing God's direct involvement and sovereign control over historical events. The judgment is comprehensive, targeting King Ahaz ("thee"), the entire nation of Judah ("thy people"), and the royal dynasty ("thy father's house," referring to the Davidic line). This indicates a holistic and far-reaching consequence for the king's unfaithfulness, affecting all levels of society and the future of the kingdom.
* **"days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah;"**: This phrase defines the unprecedented severity and historical significance of the coming calamity. "Days that have not come" signifies a period of distress unparalleled in Judah's history. The benchmark for this comparison is the "day that Ephraim departed from Judah," referring to the schism of the united monarchy (931 BC). This historical reference underscores that the impending suffering will be even worse than the traumatic division of the kingdom, marking a new, profound low point for the nation.
* **"[even] the king of Assyria."**: This final, concise phrase reveals the specific instrument God will use to execute this judgment. The "king of Assyria" is named as the agent, creating a powerful and bitter irony. Ahaz had refused to trust God and instead sought an alliance with Assyria for security. This prophecy declares that the very power he relied upon will be the source of the unprecedented devastation, demonstrating the futility of trusting in human strength over divine faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 7:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Irony** is central, as the very "king of Assyria" whom Ahaz sought as an ally against his immediate enemies is prophesied to become the instrument of God's more severe, long-term judgment. This highlights the folly of human schemes that disregard divine counsel. The phrase "days that have not come" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the unparalleled and devastating nature of the impending calamity, suggesting a suffering greater than any experienced since the kingdom's division. This also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future Assyrian invasions and the eventual exile that would profoundly shape Judah's destiny. The entire verse is an example of **Prophetic Warning**, a common device in Isaiah, where the prophet delivers a divine pronouncement of future judgment to call for repentance and faith. Underlying these devices is the pervasive theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, as the Lord is explicitly stated as the one who "shall bring" these events to pass, asserting His ultimate control over human history and the destinies of nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:17 powerfully illustrates the theological principle that God is sovereign over history, using even pagan nations as instruments of His divine will, particularly in judgment against His disobedient people. Ahaz's refusal to trust God and his subsequent reliance on Assyria demonstrate a profound lack of faith, which, in the biblical worldview, is a grave sin with severe consequences. The unprecedented nature of the coming judgment ("days that have not come") underscores the seriousness of covenant unfaithfulness and the escalating severity of God's discipline when warnings are ignored. This passage serves as a stark reminder that true security and deliverance come only from trusting in the Lord, not from political alliances or human strength. It also highlights God's justice, ensuring that actions, especially those of leaders, have far-reaching implications for an entire nation.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Babylon as God's Instrument")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 7:17 stands as a timeless warning against the dangers of misplaced trust and the futility of relying on human solutions over divine providence. In our own lives, when faced with challenges or threats, it is profoundly tempting to seek security in worldly alliances, financial stability, political power, or our own cleverness, much like King Ahaz sought help from Assyria. This verse reminds us that such reliance, when it displaces trust in God, can ironically lead to greater distress than the original problem. It calls us to cultivate a radical dependence on God, acknowledging His sovereignty over all circumstances and His ability to deliver, even when the path forward seems unclear or counter-intuitive. Taking God's warnings seriously, whether from Scripture or through the discerning counsel of His Spirit, is crucial, as ignoring them can lead to unforeseen and severe consequences. Ultimately, this passage encourages us to remember that God remains in control, working His purposes through various means—even through seemingly negative events—to bring about His ultimate will and to draw His people back to Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on human strength or worldly solutions instead of trusting fully in God's provision and guidance?**
* **How do I respond when God's warnings (from Scripture or through wise counsel) challenge my preferred course of action?**
* **Can I identify times when my attempts to control a situation independently of God led to unintended or worse consequences?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty, even over difficult circumstances, shape my perspective on current challenges?**

### FAQ
**What was the "Syro-Ephraimitic War" and how does it relate to this verse?**

Answer: The Syro-Ephraimitic War (circa 734-732 BC) was a conflict in which the northern kingdom of Israel (often called Ephraim, its dominant tribe) and Aram (Syria) formed an alliance to attack the southern kingdom of Judah. Their goal was to depose King Ahaz of Judah and install a puppet ruler who would join their anti-Assyrian coalition. Isaiah 7:17 is a prophetic warning given to Ahaz during this crisis. While Ahaz was worried about Aram and Israel, God, through Isaiah, warns him that the real, far greater threat would come from the very power Ahaz sought to ally with—Assyria. This highlights the irony and futility of Ahaz's lack of faith and his political maneuvering instead of trusting God for deliverance, as detailed in [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Syro-Ephraimitic War").

**Why is the phrase "from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah" significant?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the historical division of the united monarchy after the death of King Solomon, when the ten northern tribes (including Ephraim) seceded from the southern kingdom of Judah, as recorded in [1 Kings 12:19](/1_kings/12-19 "1 Kings 12:19 - The Division of the Kingdom"). This event was a major national catastrophe and a profound theological setback for the people of Israel. By stating that the coming judgment would be worse than anything experienced "from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah," Isaiah emphasizes the unprecedented and devastating nature of the impending Assyrian invasion. It signifies that Judah was about to face a level of suffering and national humiliation unlike any in its recent history, underscoring the severity of God's judgment on Ahaz's unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 7:17 speaks of a specific historical judgment brought by the Assyrian king upon unfaithful Judah, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound contrast between earthly kings and the divine King, Jesus Christ. King Ahaz sought security in a powerful earthly ruler, only to find that this very "king of Assyria" became the instrument of unprecedented judgment. In stark contrast, God's people find their true security and deliverance not in human alliances or military might, but in the person and work of Jesus, the true King. He is the one who, unlike the destructive Assyrian monarch, comes not to bring judgment upon His faithful people, but to bear judgment *for* them. The "days that have not come" of ultimate judgment for sin were faced by Christ on the cross, where He bore the full wrath of God, a suffering far exceeding any earthly calamity ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, while earthly kings like the king of Assyria bring destruction, Jesus, the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of Christ's Names"), brings true and lasting peace, not through military conquest but through His atoning sacrifice and the establishment of His spiritual kingdom ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Thus, the warning to Ahaz about the futility of trusting in human power ultimately points to the necessity of trusting in the divine Son, who is the only true source of salvation and protection from the ultimate "days" of judgment ([John 3:16-18](/john/3-16 "John 3:16-18 - God So Loved the World")).

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 10:5

¶ O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

Isaiah 10:6

I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

Isaiah 8:7

Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, [even] the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:

Isaiah 8:8

And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach [even] to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

2 Chronicles 10:16

And when all Israel [saw] that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and [we have] none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: [and] now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents.

2 Chronicles 10:19

And Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.

2 Chronicles 33:11

¶ Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.