Isaiah 7:2

KJV

And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was told {H5046} the house {H1004} of David {H1732}, saying {H559}, Syria {H758} is confederate {H5117} with Ephraim {H669}. And his heart {H3824} was moved {H5128}, and the heart {H3824} of his people {H5971}, as the trees {H6086} of the wood {H3293} are moved {H5128} with {H6440} the wind {H7307}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was told to the house of David that Aram and Efrayim had become allies. Achaz's heart began to tremble, as did the hearts of his people, like forest trees shaken by the wind.

Berean Standard Bible

When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind.

American Standard Version

And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart trembled, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the forest tremble with the wind.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:2 vividly captures the profound national crisis faced by the Kingdom of Judah. Upon receiving the alarming intelligence that Syria (Aram) has formed a powerful military alliance with Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel), King Ahaz and his entire populace are plunged into overwhelming panic and instability. This formidable confederacy, poised to invade Judah, triggers a visceral reaction likened to trees violently swaying in a strong wind, setting the stage for God's subsequent intervention through the prophet Isaiah, who challenges Ahaz's fear and calls him to trust in divine sovereignty rather than human alliances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of the Syro-Ephraimite War in [Isaiah 7:1](/isaiah/7-1 "Isaiah 7:1 - Introduction to the Syro-Ephraimite War"), which establishes the critical historical backdrop for the unfolding events. The devastating news of the alliance in [Isaiah 7:2](/isaiah/7-2 "Isaiah 7:2 - Ahaz's Fear and the Syro-Ephraimite Alliance") directly precipitates the pivotal divine encounter between the prophet Isaiah and King Ahaz, detailed in the subsequent verses. The profound fear vividly described here is precisely the human emotion that God addresses through Isaiah's message of assurance and the iconic prophecy of Immanuel in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Immanuel Prophecy"), highlighting the stark contrast between human panic and divine steadfastness. The entire chapter, indeed, revolves around the central theme of faith versus fear in the face of overwhelming political and military threats, with this verse serving as the emotional anchor of Judah's crisis.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Isaiah 7 unfolded around 735-732 BC, a period of immense geopolitical upheaval in the ancient Near East, dominated by the relentless expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-Pileser III. King Ahaz ruled the southern kingdom of Judah. To counter the Assyrian threat, King Rezin of Syria (Aram) and King Pekah of Israel (Ephraim) formed an anti-Assyrian coalition and sought to compel Judah to join their ranks. When Ahaz, perhaps fearing Assyria more than his neighbors, refused, they launched an invasion, aiming to depose him and install a puppet ruler, the "son of Tabeel" ([Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - Plan to Replace Ahaz")). The news of this powerful alliance, coming from two immediate and formidable neighbors, would have been culturally understood as an existential threat to Judah's sovereignty and survival, especially given its smaller size and military vulnerability. The imagery of trees shaking in the wind would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society intimately familiar with the devastating and uncontrollable force of natural elements like storms.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme vividly emerging from [Isaiah 7:2](/isaiah/7-2 "Isaiah 7:2 - Ahaz's Fear") is **Profound Fear and Panic**, which is powerfully depicted by the simile of shaking trees, illustrating the overwhelming human response to crisis. This visceral human reaction directly contrasts with the divine call to **Trust in God's Sovereignty**, which Isaiah immediately conveys to Ahaz in [Isaiah 7:4](/isaiah/7-4 "Isaiah 7:4 - God's Assurance to Ahaz") and the verses that follow. The verse also implicitly introduces the enduring theme of **God's Covenant with David**, as the news is specifically delivered to "the house of David." This phrasing serves as a subtle yet potent reminder to the reader of God's unwavering promises to David's lineage ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), even when his descendants, like Ahaz, falter in faith. This sets the theological foundation for the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant through the Immanuel prophecy later in the chapter, demonstrating God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This term (H1004) refers not merely to a physical dwelling but, in this crucial context, to the royal dynasty of David, encompassing King Ahaz and his lineage, and by extension, the entire kingdom of Judah. It signifies the continuity of God's covenant with David, even as the current king faces a profound crisis of faith and leadership. The news affects the very foundation, identity, and promised future of the nation, making the "house of David" a critical recipient of this alarming information.
* **moved (Hebrew, _nûwaʻ'_):** The verb (H5128) means "to waver," "to shake," or "to tremble." Its powerful repetition in the verse ("his heart was moved... as the trees... are moved") profoundly emphasizes the involuntary, uncontrollable, and pervasive nature of the fear gripping Ahaz and his people. It suggests a complete loss of composure, stability, and inner peace, akin to being tossed about by an overwhelming external force, highlighting their deep emotional and psychological distress.
* **wind (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This word (H7307) denotes "wind," "breath," or "spirit." In this evocative simile, "wind" represents the overwhelming, unseen, and uncontrollable external force of the Syro-Ephraimite alliance, against which Ahaz and Judah feel utterly helpless. The imagery vividly portrays their fear as a natural, almost instinctual reaction to a powerful, unseen, and uncontrollable threat, underscoring their profound vulnerability and lack of control over their circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim."**: The verse opens with the critical and devastating intelligence reaching the royal court of Judah. "The house of David" signifies King Ahaz and the entire royal line, representing the nation's leadership and, by extension, the people. The news is catastrophic: the powerful northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) has allied with their formidable northern neighbor, Syria (Aram), forming a united and hostile front against Judah. The term "confederate" (H5117, _nûwach_, meaning "to rest" or "settle down" in alliance) indicates a firm, established, and deliberate pact, not merely a temporary skirmish, implying a long-term threat.
* **"And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people,"**: This clause describes the immediate, visceral, and profound reaction to the alarming news. "His heart" refers specifically to King Ahaz, while "the heart of his people" indicates that this fear was widespread, gripping the entire nation from the king down to the common citizen. The repetition of "heart" (H3824, _lêbâb_, the seat of emotion, intellect, and will in Hebrew thought) underscores the depth of their terror, affecting their very core being and capacity for rational thought or courageous action. The verb "moved" (H5128) signifies a profound and uncontrollable shaking or trembling, indicating a loss of inner stability.
* **"as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind."**: This powerful and memorable simile illustrates the intensity and uncontrollability of their fear. Just as trees (H6086, _ʻêts_) in a forest (H3293, _yaʻar_) are helplessly swayed, bent, and tossed by a strong, unseen wind (H7307, _rûwach_), so too were Ahaz and his people overwhelmed by panic. The imagery conveys a vivid sense of instability, vulnerability, and a complete loss of steadfastness in the face of an external threat, emphasizing their lack of inner peace, resolve, and control over their circumstances, highlighting their profound helplessness.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent and impactful literary device in [Isaiah 7:2](/isaiah/7-2 "Isaiah 7:2 - Ahaz's Fear and the Syro-Ephraimite Alliance") is a vivid **Simile**, comparing the trembling hearts of King Ahaz and his people to "the trees of the wood... moved with the wind." This comparison masterfully conveys the overwhelming, involuntary, and uncontrollable nature of their fear and panic, emphasizing their vulnerability and lack of steadfastness in the face of a perceived existential threat, much like trees are helpless against a powerful gale. The deliberate **Repetition** of the verb "moved" (Hebrew _nûwaʻ_) further underscores the pervasive and profound impact of the news on both the king and the populace, highlighting the widespread nature of their terror. This powerful imagery also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the dramatic stage for Isaiah's subsequent prophetic message that calls for unwavering faith in God, contrasting sharply with the depicted human instability and setting up the divine antidote to their fear.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:2 starkly portrays the human tendency to succumb to overwhelming fear and anxiety when confronted with seemingly insurmountable threats. The widespread panic of King Ahaz and the people of Judah highlights a fundamental theological tension: whether to trust in human strength, political maneuvering, and strategic alliances, or to rely solely on God's sovereign protection and covenant faithfulness. This fear, though a natural human response to danger, is implicitly presented as a spiritual failing, setting the stage for God's compassionate yet firm call to faith through the prophet Isaiah. The passage profoundly underscores that true security and stability are found not in military might, geopolitical alliances, or human ingenuity, but in the steadfastness and unwavering sovereignty of the Lord, who remains in control even amidst national turmoil and perceived chaos. It challenges believers across all ages to critically examine the ultimate source of their stability and peace in times of crisis, pointing towards divine assurance as the ultimate and enduring antidote to fear.

* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalm/46-1-3 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man")
* [2 Timothy 1:7](/2_timothy/1-7 "2 Timothy 1:7 - Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Control")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound fear experienced by King Ahaz and the people of Judah in Isaiah 7:2 serves as a powerful and timeless mirror for our own lives. In a world often shaken by economic instability, political unrest, social upheaval, or deeply personal crises, our natural inclination can be to react with the same overwhelming panic, feeling like trees helplessly tossed by an uncontrollable wind. This verse reminds us that such fear, while an understandable human emotion, can paralyze us, cloud our judgment, and ultimately lead us away from trusting in God's unwavering character and promises. The subsequent narrative in Isaiah 7 reveals that God's response to this fear is not condemnation but a compassionate and firm call to "be quiet, do not fear" ([Isaiah 7:4](/isaiah/7-4 "Isaiah 7:4 - God's Assurance to Ahaz")). For believers today, this passage profoundly underscores the critical importance of anchoring our hearts in God's unchanging nature and His unfailing word, rather than being swayed by the shifting winds of circumstance or the alarming headlines of the day. It challenges us to cultivate a faith that finds deep peace and unshakeable stability in God's sovereignty, even when the world around us seems to be in utter chaos, reminding us that He is our ultimate refuge, our strength, and our ever-present help in trouble.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "winds" or perceived threats in your life currently cause your heart to be "moved" with fear and anxiety?**
* **How does the imagery of trees shaking in the wind resonate with your own experiences of panic, instability, or feeling overwhelmed?**
* **In what practical and intentional ways can you choose to anchor your heart in God's promises and His character when faced with overwhelming news or circumstances?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's unwavering sovereignty, even amidst profound crisis, challenge your natural inclination to fear or to seek purely human solutions?**

### FAQ
**What was the "house of David" and why was this news significant to them?**

Answer: The "house of David" refers to the royal dynasty of King David, specifically King Ahaz and his descendants who ruled the southern kingdom of Judah. This news was profoundly significant because the alliance between Syria and Ephraim directly threatened the very existence of Judah as an independent nation and, crucially, the continuation of the Davidic line. Their stated goal was not merely to conquer territory but to depose Ahaz and install a new king, which would have been a direct assault on God's covenant promises to David that his throne would be established forever ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")). Thus, the fear was not just for national security but for the perceived failure of a divine promise itself.

**Why did Syria and Ephraim form an alliance against Judah?**

Answer: Syria (Aram) and Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel) formed an alliance against Judah because they were attempting to create a united front against the rising and aggressive power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. When King Ahaz of Judah refused to join their anti-Assyrian coalition, they decided to invade Judah, depose him, and install a puppet ruler (the "son of Tabeel") who would comply with their plans and join their alliance. This conflict is historically known as the Syro-Ephraimite War, the immediate context for the events detailed at the beginning of [Isaiah chapter 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Syro-Ephraimite War").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 7:2 vividly describes the fear of an earthly king and his people in the face of a military threat, it ultimately points to the greater reality of God's steadfastness and the coming of the true, unshakable King, Jesus Christ. The panic of Ahaz and Judah foreshadows humanity's inherent instability and inability to stand firm without divine intervention, a fallen condition that the Messiah would perfectly address. The "house of David" was shaken to its core by fear, but God's covenant with David found its ultimate and unshakable fulfillment not in Ahaz, but in Jesus, the Son of David, whose throne is eternal and whose kingdom will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Throne")). Where Ahaz's heart was "moved" by fear and sought human alliances, Jesus, facing the ultimate threat of sin and death, remained perfectly steadfast, even in the agony of Gethsemane, submitting to the Father's will ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Submission in Gethsemane")). He is the true Immanuel, "God with us," whose coming was prophesied later in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Immanuel Prophecy"), offering perfect peace and security to all who trust in Him, unlike the temporary and ultimately futile relief Ahaz sought from Assyria. In Christ, believers find a refuge and a stability that the world's "winds" of trouble, fear, or chaos cannot shake, for He has definitively overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")), offering a profound peace that surpasses all human understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")).

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 8:12

Say ye not, A confederacy, to all [them to] whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

Isaiah 7:13

And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; [Is it] a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?

Proverbs 28:1

¶ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Isaiah 9:9

And all the people shall know, [even] Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,

Isaiah 37:27

Therefore their inhabitants [were] of small power, they were dismayed and confounded: they were [as] the grass of the field, and [as] the green herb, [as] the grass on the housetops, and [as corn] blasted before it be grown up.

1 Kings 13:2

And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.

Isaiah 6:13

But yet in it [shall be] a tenth, and [it] shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance [is] in them, when they cast [their leaves: so] the holy seed [shall be] the substance thereof.