Isaiah 7:20

KJV

In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, [namely], by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the same day {H3117} shall the Lord {H136} shave {H1548} with a razor {H8593} that is hired {H7917}, namely, by them beyond {H5676} the river {H5104}, by the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}, the head {H7218}, and the hair {H8181} of the feet {H7272}: and it shall also consume {H5595} the beard {H2206}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When that day comes, Adonai will shave - with a razor hired beyond the [Euphrates] River, that is, with the king of Ashur - the head and the hair between the legs, and get rid of the beard as well.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day the Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates—the king of Assyria—to shave your head and the hair of your legs, and to remove your beard as well.

American Standard Version

In that day will the Lord shave with a razor that is hired in the parts beyond the River, even with the king of Assyria, the head and the hair of the feet; and it shall also consume the beard.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:20 delivers a stark prophetic warning to the kingdom of Judah under King Ahaz, declaring that the very power Ahaz sought as an ally—the formidable Assyrian Empire—would become God's instrument of severe judgment. Through vivid imagery of a razor shaving the head, feet, and beard, the verse foretells a complete and humiliating desolation upon Judah, a direct consequence of Ahaz's profound lack of faith in Yahweh and his reliance on worldly alliances instead.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal section of Isaiah (chapters 7-12) known as the "Book of Immanuel," which addresses the Syro-Ephraimite War. King Ahaz of Judah is terrified by the coalition of Aram (Syria) and Israel (Ephraim) threatening Jerusalem. The prophet Isaiah is sent to reassure Ahaz, urging him to trust in God's deliverance and offering a sign (as seen in [Isaiah 7:10-11](/isaiah/7-10 "Isaiah 7:10-11 - God Offers a Sign to Ahaz")). However, Ahaz defiantly refuses to ask for a sign, feigning piety but revealing his true intention to rely on Assyria (as recorded in [Isaiah 7:12](/isaiah/7-12 "Isaiah 7:12 - Ahaz Refuses to Ask for a Sign")). In response to Ahaz's unbelief, God gives the sign of Immanuel ([Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel")), which carries both a promise of deliverance and a warning of impending judgment. Isaiah 7:20 immediately follows this, detailing the specific nature of the judgment: the "razor" of Assyria, the very power Ahaz was appealing to, would bring devastation. This prophecy thus serves as a direct consequence and ironic fulfillment of Ahaz's misplaced trust.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the mid-8th century BCE (around 735-732 BC), a period of intense geopolitical upheaval. The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under Tiglath-Pileser III, was rapidly expanding its dominion, posing a significant threat to smaller kingdoms in the Levant, including Judah. Facing the Syro-Ephraimite coalition, King Ahaz, despite Isaiah's counsel, made a desperate plea for help to Tiglath-Pileser III, even offering tribute and becoming a vassal (as recorded in [2 Kings 16:7-9](/2_kings/16-7 "2 Kings 16:7-9 - Ahaz's Appeal to Assyria")). Culturally, the imagery of shaving was deeply significant in the ancient Near East. The beard was a potent symbol of honor, dignity, masculinity, and social status. Hair on the head and body also represented vitality and identity. To be completely shaved—the head, feet, and beard—was a profound act of humiliation, a sign of extreme disgrace, mourning, or even enslavement, signifying a complete loss of status, power, and prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 7:20 powerfully underscores several core themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, portraying God as the ultimate controller of history, orchestrating events and using even formidable foreign powers like Assyria as His instruments to execute His righteous will and judgment upon His disobedient people. The "razor" is explicitly "hired" by the Lord, indicating divine permission and purpose behind the impending invasion, a theme echoed elsewhere (e.g., [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Consequences of Unbelief and Disobedience**. Ahaz's refusal to trust God's promise and his decision to form a worldly alliance with Assyria directly precipitates the very judgment he sought to avoid, illustrating that rejecting divine guidance often leads to harsher outcomes than the initial threat. Finally, the vivid imagery of shaving conveys a theme of **Humiliation and Desolation**, signifying a complete stripping away of Judah's dignity, identity, and national well-being, leaving them utterly exposed and vulnerable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây'_):** This term, an emphatic form of _ʼâdôn_, refers to God as the sovereign Master and Owner. Its use here emphasizes that the impending judgment, though carried out by human agents, originates from and is directed by the supreme authority of Yahweh. It underscores God's absolute control over nations and history, even when His people face severe trials.
* **shave (Hebrew, _gâlach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be bald" or, causatively, "to shave." Figuratively, it implies laying waste or polling. In this context, it denotes a thorough, complete, and deliberate act of removal and humiliation. It's not a partial trimming but a comprehensive stripping away, signifying utter desolation and the loss of all that is valued.
* **beard (Hebrew, _zâqân'_):** This word refers specifically to the beard, which in ancient Near Eastern cultures was a profound symbol of honor, masculinity, and maturity. Its removal was an act of extreme disgrace, a public shaming, or a sign of deep mourning or captivity. The consumption of the beard, alongside the shaving of the head and feet, symbolizes total degradation and the stripping away of national pride and identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the same day shall the Lord shave":** This phrase declares the immediacy and certainty of God's judgment. The "same day" points to the time when the Assyrian threat, which Ahaz invoked, would turn against Judah. It firmly establishes Yahweh as the active agent behind the impending catastrophe, not merely a passive observer.
* **"with a razor that is hired, [namely], by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria":** Here, Assyria is explicitly identified as the "razor," a sharp instrument of destruction. The phrase "hired" emphasizes that Assyria is not acting independently but is an instrument in God's hand, employed for His specific purposes of judgment. "Beyond the river" (referring to the Euphrates) clearly identifies the foreign power as the Assyrian Empire, highlighting its distant origin and formidable might. This is a profound irony, as Ahaz had sought to "hire" Assyria for his own protection, only for God to "hire" them for Judah's punishment.
* **"the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard":** This is the core imagery of humiliation and desolation. Shaving the head (the most prominent part of the body, symbolizing leadership and honor), the "hair of the feet" (likely referring to pubic hair, emphasizing extreme thoroughness and degradation, leaving no part untouched), and consuming the beard (the ultimate symbol of male dignity and honor) collectively convey a complete and utter stripping away of Judah's identity, status, and prosperity. It signifies national disgrace, vulnerability, and a profound loss of power and self-respect.

#### Literary Devices
The prophecy in Isaiah 7:20 is rich with **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The most prominent **metaphor** is the depiction of the Assyrian Empire as a "razor." This image vividly conveys the sharpness, precision, and devastating effectiveness of the Assyrian army in executing God's judgment, cutting away all that is valued and leaving desolation. This is further amplified by the **symbolism** of shaving. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hair, especially the beard, was a powerful symbol of honor, dignity, and masculinity. The act of shaving the "head, and the hair of the feet," and "consuming the beard" is a deeply impactful **symbol** of complete national humiliation, disgrace, and the stripping away of all dignity and vitality. It represents utter desolation, a reduction to a state of vulnerability and shame akin to that of a captive or one in deep mourning. The prophecy also employs **Irony**, as the very power King Ahaz sought to "hire" for protection (Assyria) is revealed as the instrument God will "hire" for Judah's punishment, turning Ahaz's worldly solution into the source of his downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:20 powerfully articulates God's absolute sovereignty over human history and the consequences of human unbelief. It reveals that even the most formidable earthly powers are mere instruments in the hands of the Almighty, used to accomplish His divine purposes, whether for judgment or for the ultimate unfolding of His redemptive plan. The prophecy serves as a stark warning that relying on worldly strength rather than divine faithfulness inevitably leads to severe consequences, often through the very means one sought for security. It underscores the principle that God's justice is unwavering and that His people are not exempt from discipline when they turn from Him.

* [Ezekiel 5:1-4](/ezekiel/5-1 "Ezekiel 5:1-4 - Symbolic Shaving of Hair")
* [2 Kings 16:7-9](/2_kings/16-7 "2 Kings 16:7-9 - Ahaz Appeals to Assyria")
* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 7:20 offers profound lessons for believers today, challenging us to examine the true object of our trust. In a world fraught with uncertainties and challenges, it is tempting to seek security and solutions in human strength, financial stability, political alliances, or personal ingenuity, much like King Ahaz sought help from Assyria. However, this verse serves as a timeless reminder that misplaced trust inevitably leads to greater trouble. It calls us to place our faith unreservedly in God's sovereignty and provision, even when circumstances seem overwhelming or when His way seems counter-intuitive to worldly wisdom. Recognizing that God is ultimately in control of all nations and events, capable of using any instrument to accomplish His purposes, should foster a deep sense of humility and dependence on Him. Our security is not found in the strength of our alliances or resources, but in the unwavering faithfulness of our God, who alone is our refuge and strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my trust when faced with overwhelming challenges or threats?**
* **How does the sovereignty of God, as depicted in this verse, influence my perspective on current global events or personal difficulties?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on "worldly razors" instead of God's unfailing provision and guidance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent trust in God's plan, even when it seems to contradict my own desires or understanding?**

### FAQ
**Why is Assyria referred to as a "razor that is hired"?**

Answer: The "razor" is a powerful metaphor for the Assyrian Empire, emphasizing its sharpness, destructive capability, and the thoroughness with which it would devastate Judah. The phrase "hired" signifies that Assyria is not acting on its own initiative in this context, but rather as an instrument in the hand of God. God is depicted as the one who "hires" or employs Assyria to execute His judgment upon Judah for their unbelief and disobedience. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His ability to use even pagan empires to accomplish His divine purposes, turning King Ahaz's desperate worldly alliance into the very means of his nation's humiliation.

**What is the significance of shaving the head, feet, and beard in this prophecy?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, hair, especially the beard, was a profound symbol of honor, dignity, masculinity, and social standing. To have one's head, feet (likely referring to pubic hair, signifying extreme thoroughness and degradation), and beard shaved was an act of extreme humiliation and disgrace. It was a practice associated with captives, slaves, or those in deep mourning, signifying a complete loss of status, power, and identity. Therefore, this imagery in Isaiah 7:20 symbolizes the total and utter desolation, stripping away of dignity, and national humiliation that would befall Judah as a consequence of God's judgment, leaving them vulnerable and exposed. This imagery also appears in other prophetic contexts, such as [Ezekiel 5:1](/ekekiel/5-1 "Ezekiel 5:1 - Symbolic Shaving of Hair"), reinforcing its symbolic weight.

**Did this prophecy against Judah by Assyria come true?**

Answer: Yes, the prophecy largely came to pass. While Judah itself was not completely destroyed by Assyria, it suffered significant devastation, loss of territory, and became a vassal state to the Assyrian Empire. King Ahaz's decision to appeal to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria (as recorded in [2 Kings 16:7-9](/2_kings/16-7 "2 Kings 16:7-9 - Ahaz Appeals to Assyria")) led to Assyrian intervention that indeed subdued the Syro-Ephraimite coalition, but at the cost of Judah's independence and prosperity. Assyria later invaded Judah under Sennacherib during Hezekiah's reign (Isaiah 36-37), further fulfilling the sense of overwhelming invasion and humiliation, though Jerusalem was miraculously spared at that time. The prophecy's core message of God using Assyria as an instrument of judgment for Judah's unfaithfulness was undeniably fulfilled.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 7:20, with its stark imagery of divine judgment executed through a foreign power, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the physical desolation of a nation, but in the profound spiritual reality of God's judgment on sin being fully borne by Christ. The "razor" of Assyria, an instrument of humiliation and destruction, foreshadows the ultimate judgment that humanity deserved, a judgment that was meticulously and completely "shaved" away from those who believe, by the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. Just as Judah's dignity was stripped away, Christ, the true King of Israel, willingly endured ultimate humiliation on the cross, being stripped of His garments, His honor, and even the sense of His Father's presence, becoming a spectacle of shame (as described in [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience") and [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endures the Cross")). He became the "hired razor" of divine wrath, not as an instrument of judgment upon others, but as the one upon whom the full measure of God's righteous anger against sin was poured out, taking away the "beard" of humanity's pride and self-sufficiency, and offering true cleansing and restoration. The "day" of the Lord's judgment, prophesied for Judah, ultimately points to the decisive "day" of salvation and judgment inaugurated by Christ's first coming and consummated at His second, where He is revealed as the true sovereign over all history, bringing ultimate deliverance to those who, unlike Ahaz, place their unwavering faith in Him (as promised in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")).

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 8:7

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:

Ezekiel 29:18

Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head [was] made bald, and every shoulder [was] peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it:

Ezekiel 5:1

¶ And thou, son of man, take thee a sharp knife, take thee a barber's razor, and cause [it] to pass upon thine head and upon thy beard: then take thee balances to weigh, and divide the [hair].

Ezekiel 5:4

Then take of them again, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire; [for] thereof shall a fire come forth into all the house of Israel.

Isaiah 10:15

Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? [or] shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake [itself] against them that lift it up, [or] as if the staff should lift up [itself, as if it were] no wood.

Jeremiah 27:6

And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.

Jeremiah 27:7

And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.