Isaiah 7:4

KJV

And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559} unto him, Take heed {H8104}, and be quiet {H8252}; fear {H3372} not, neither be fainthearted {H7401}{H3824} for the two {H8147} tails {H2180} of these smoking {H6226} firebrands {H181}, for the fierce {H2750} anger {H639} of Rezin {H7526} with Syria {H758}, and of the son {H1121} of Remaliah {H7425}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and say to him, 'Take care to stay calm and unafraid; don't be demoralized by these two smoldering stumps of firewood, by the blazing anger of Retzin and Aram or the son of Remalyah;

Berean Standard Bible

and say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Do not be afraid or disheartened over these two smoldering stubs of firewood—over the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah.

American Standard Version

and say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither let thy heart be faint, because of these two tails of smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:4 presents a pivotal divine directive to King Ahaz of Judah, commanding him to abandon his paralyzing fear and embrace a posture of quiet trust amidst an overwhelming military threat. Through the prophet Isaiah, God reassures Ahaz that the formidable alliance of Syria and Israel, led by King Rezin and King Pekah (referred to as "the son of Remaliah"), is nothing more than "smoking firebrands"—dying embers whose destructive potential is fleeting and ultimately impotent against God's sovereign plan. This verse serves as a foundational call to faith, emphasizing God's absolute control over human affairs and His protective care for His people, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the "Book of Immanuel" (chapters 7-12) in Isaiah, a section primarily addressing the Syro-Ephraimite War and God's promise of a coming deliverer. The immediate preceding verses, [Isaiah 7:1-2](/isaiah/7-1-2 "Isaiah 7:1-2 - The Syro-Ephraimite War and Ahaz's Fear"), depict King Ahaz and the people of Judah gripped by intense fear as Syria (Aram) and the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) form a coalition. Their objective is to attack Jerusalem, depose Ahaz, and install a puppet king, the "son of Tabeel." Recognizing Ahaz's terror and his inclination to seek a powerful human alliance, specifically with Assyria, God intervenes. He instructs Isaiah to meet Ahaz, accompanied by his son Shear-Jashub, at a significant location on the highway, as detailed in [Isaiah 7:3](/isaiah/7-3 "Isaiah 7:3 - Isaiah Meets King Ahaz"). Verse 4 then records the very first words of God's direct message to the king, initiating a divine encounter that challenges Ahaz's reliance on human strategies and calls him to radical trust in God's protection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Isaiah 7:4 is the Syro-Ephraimite War, which raged around 734-732 BC. King Ahaz of Judah faced an acute existential crisis from the combined forces of King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of Israel. This alliance aimed to compel Judah to join their anti-Assyrian coalition, a desperate attempt to resist the burgeoning power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. When Ahaz steadfastly refused, the allied kings launched an invasion to replace him with a more compliant ruler. The fear that permeated Jerusalem was profound, as such invasions frequently resulted in widespread devastation, forced deportations, and the violent overthrow of ruling dynasties. Culturally, kings were expected to project strength and ensure the security of their realms, typically through military prowess or strategic political alliances. Ahaz's natural inclination, therefore, was to seek a powerful external ally, and the formidable Assyrian Empire, despite its inherent dangers, appeared to be the only viable counter to the immediate threat. This verse directly confronts that human-centric approach, issuing a divine summons for a radical, counter-cultural trust in God's unseen power and sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 7:4 introduces and develops several profound theological themes that resonate throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among them is **Divine Reassurance and the Call to Trust**, directly confronting Ahaz's fear with God's imperative to "fear not, neither be fainthearted." This central theme underscores that true security and stability are found not in human strength, military might, or political alliances, but in unwavering reliance upon the Lord, a message powerfully echoed in [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord"). Closely intertwined is the theme of the **Insignificance of Human Threats** when viewed from God's sovereign perspective. The formidable kings Rezin and Pekah are dismissively characterized as mere "smoking firebrands," highlighting their ultimate impotence against God's overarching will. This vividly illustrates God's **Absolute Sovereignty** over nations, their leaders, and the course of history, a truth affirmed in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Furthermore, the command to "Take heed, and be quiet" emphasizes the theme of **Quiet Trust and Steadfastness**, a profound call to refrain from panicked, self-driven action and instead to rest in God's providential control, reminiscent of the divine invitation in [Psalm 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still, and Know That I Am God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, a primitive root denoting "to say" with a wide semantic range, including to declare, command, appoint, or utter. In this context, it emphasizes the direct, authoritative, and intentional nature of God's communication through Isaiah. It signifies that the following words are not merely prophetic counsel or human suggestion, but a divine pronouncement, carrying the full weight of God's will and purpose for King Ahaz.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3372, a primitive root meaning "to fear," but also encompassing "to revere" or "to be afraid." Here, it specifically refers to the paralyzing emotion of dread or terror that had gripped Ahaz and his kingdom. God's imperative "fear not" serves as a direct antidote to this debilitating emotion, calling for a radical shift from the fear of man and his threats to a reverent trust in God's supreme power and protective care.
* **Fainthearted (Hebrew, _râkak lêbâb'_):** This English phrase translates two distinct Hebrew words: `râkak` (H7401), meaning "to soften" or "to be tender," and `lêbâb` (H3824), which refers to "the heart" as the seat of courage, intellect, and will. Combined, they describe a "softened heart" or a heart that has lost its courage, resolve, and fortitude, becoming timid, easily discouraged, and lacking spiritual resilience. The command "neither be fainthearted" directly addresses Ahaz's internal emotional and psychological state, urging him to regain spiritual strength and steadfastness.
* **Firebrands (Hebrew, _ʼûwd'_):** From H181, referring to a "poker" or, more significantly in this context, a "fire-brand." This term specifically denotes a piece of wood that has been partially burned and is now merely smoldering, a charred stump that has largely expended its heat and destructive potential. This vivid and dismissive imagery is central to the verse's message, portraying the seemingly formidable enemies as insignificant, spent, and ultimately harmless, their destructive heat having largely dissipated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say unto him,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and direct address of the message. It signifies that the words that follow are not Isaiah's personal opinion or strategic advice, but God's authoritative word delivered specifically to King Ahaz. This sets the stage for a prophetic oracle, underscoring its gravity and importance.
* **"Take heed, and be quiet;"**: This is a dual divine command calling for a specific, counter-intuitive posture. "Take heed" (Hebrew `shâmar`) implies to guard oneself, to be watchful, or to observe carefully, suggesting a discerning attention to God's word and His unfolding plan rather than the immediate, terrifying circumstances. "Be quiet" (Hebrew `shâqaṭ`) means to repose, to be at rest, or to be still. Together, these commands instruct Ahaz to cease his frantic activity, anxious strategizing, and desperate search for human alliances, urging him instead to calmly observe God's work and find rest in His sovereign presence. It is an active quietness, a deliberate trust in God's control.
* **"fear not, neither be fainthearted"**: This is a direct, emphatic imperative against the paralyzing emotions gripping Ahaz and his people. "Fear not" directly addresses the external terror caused by the invading armies and the perceived overwhelming threat. "Neither be fainthearted" addresses the internal despair, loss of courage, and spiritual weakness that often accompany such fear. God directly confronts Ahaz's emotional and spiritual state, commanding him to reject panic and embrace courage rooted in divine assurance and an understanding of God's power.
* **"for the two tails of these smoking firebrands,"**: This clause introduces the powerful and dismissive metaphor that redefines the perceived threat. The "two tails" refer to the two leaders, Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel, who are likened to "smoking firebrands." This imagery portrays them not as raging, destructive infernos, but as mere smoldering stumps—burnt out, losing their heat, and posing no significant, lasting danger. Their power is waning, their destructive capacity nearly exhausted, and their threat is temporary.
* **"for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah."**: This final clause explicitly identifies the "smoking firebrands" as the feared enemies, providing clarity to the metaphor. "Rezin with Syria" refers to the King of Aram (Syria) and his nation, while "the son of Remaliah" is Pekah, the King of Israel. Their "fierce anger" is acknowledged, indicating the intensity of their wrath and their destructive intent. However, this anger is immediately diminished and rendered impotent by the preceding metaphor, emphasizing that their wrath, though intense, is ultimately temporary and ineffective in the face of God's sovereign will and protective plan for Judah.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 7:4 is profoundly enriched by its masterful use of several literary devices. The most striking is the central **Metaphor** of "smoking firebrands" (`ʼûdîm`). This vivid image transforms the formidable enemies, King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of Israel, from raging infernos of destruction into mere smoldering, dying embers. This powerfully diminishes their perceived power, portraying their threat as temporary and their destructive capacity nearly exhausted, thereby instilling confidence in God's protective hand. The phrase "fierce anger" also employs subtle **Personification**, attributing a tangible, almost physical quality to the wrath of the kings, only to immediately undercut its effectiveness through the preceding metaphor, highlighting its ultimate futility. The verse is replete with **Imperative** commands ("Take heed," "be quiet," "fear not," "neither be fainthearted"), which are direct, forceful calls to action, or more accurately, to a specific state of being and trust. These commands underscore God's authority and His deep desire for Ahaz's spiritual well-being and reliance on Him. Furthermore, the **Parallelism** found in the phrases "fear not, neither be fainthearted" reinforces the core message of overcoming both external terror and internal despair, creating a rhythmic emphasis on the divine antidote to Ahaz's fear.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:4 stands as a profound declaration of divine sovereignty and an enduring call to radical faith. It powerfully articulates the theological truth that God is ultimately in control of all earthly affairs, even the most aggressive machinations of hostile nations and their seemingly invincible leaders. The "smoking firebrands" metaphor is a potent reminder that what appears to be an overwhelming, consuming threat from a limited human perspective is, from God's eternal vantage point, merely a fleeting, impotent display of anger. This passage profoundly challenges the human tendency to rely on political alliances, military might, or frantic self-preservation strategies, urging instead a quiet, watchful trust in God's protective hand. It teaches that true security, peace, and steadfastness come not from the absence of threats, but from the unwavering presence and omnipotent power of God, who can render the fiercest human anger as nothing more than dissipating smoke, ultimately incapable of thwarting His divine purposes.

* [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 7:4 offers profound comfort and a significant challenge for believers navigating their own "Syro-Ephraimite Wars"—those seasons of life where fear, anxiety, and seemingly overwhelming threats loom large, threatening to consume our peace. The divine command to "Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted" is a timeless invitation to shift our gaze from the intimidating magnitude of our problems to the glorious majesty and sovereign power of our God. It encourages a posture of active, discerning quietness, where we guard our hearts against the insidious creep of panic and allow God's divine perspective to redefine our reality. What we, in our limited vision, perceive as raging infernos destined to consume us, God may see as merely "smoking firebrands"—threats whose power is already diminishing, whose anger is ultimately impotent against His sovereign will and eternal purposes. This verse calls us to cultivate a radical, counter-cultural trust that enables us to rest deeply in God's control, even when circumstances are chaotic and uncertain, reminding us that our ultimate security and peace are found not in our own frantic efforts or human solutions, but in His unwavering presence and perfect protection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "smoking firebrands" (specific fears, anxieties, or perceived overwhelming threats) are currently causing you to feel fainthearted or to panic?**
* **How does God's command to "Take heed, and be quiet" challenge your natural inclination to react frantically, control outcomes, or seek immediate human solutions?**
* **In what specific, practical ways can you cultivate and practice "quiet trust" in God's sovereignty this week, rather than succumbing to fear or despair?**
* **How might viewing your current challenges through God's perspective—as "smoking firebrands" with diminishing power—change your emotional, spiritual, and practical response to them?**

### FAQ
**Who were Rezin and the son of Remaliah, and why were they a threat to Ahaz?**

Answer: Rezin was the king of Aram (Syria), and "the son of Remaliah" refers to Pekah, the king of the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim). They formed a military alliance during the Syro-Ephraimite War (approximately 734-732 BC) with the explicit aim of forcing Judah, led by King Ahaz, to join their anti-Assyrian coalition. When Ahaz refused to participate in their resistance against the rising Assyrian Empire, they launched a full-scale invasion to depose him and install a more compliant ruler, specifically "the son of Tabeel" ([Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - The Plan to Depose Ahaz")). Their combined military might represented a significant and terrifying existential threat to Judah's independence and the continuity of the Davidic dynasty.

**What does "smoking firebrands" mean in this context?**

Answer: The metaphor of "smoking firebrands" (or "smoldering stumps") is a powerful and dismissive image used by God to diminish the perceived power and threat of Kings Rezin and Pekah. A firebrand is a piece of wood that has been partially burned and is now merely smoldering, rapidly losing its heat and destructive potential. By likening them to "two tails of these smoking firebrands," God is conveying that their anger and power, though fierce and seemingly intimidating, are like dying embers—they are not a raging, consuming fire, but a fading threat that will soon burn out and pose no lasting danger to Judah. It's a vivid illustration of their ultimate impotence and the temporary nature of their wrath in the face of God's sovereign will.

**Why did God tell Ahaz to "be quiet" instead of preparing for battle?**

Answer: The command "be quiet" (Hebrew `shâqaṭ`) is not a call to passive resignation, inaction, or neglect of duty. Instead, it is a profound invitation to cease panicked activity and anxious strategizing. It encourages Ahaz to cultivate a spirit of calm, watchful trust in God rather than relying on his own human efforts, military might, or desperate alliances (such as the one with Assyria that Ahaz was contemplating). God desired Ahaz to understand that the ultimate battle was His, and that true security and deliverance came from resting in His sovereignty, as beautifully articulated in [Psalm 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still, and Know That I Am God"), which states, "Be still, and know that I am God." It was a call to spiritual fortitude and unwavering faith over crippling fear.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 7:4, with its profound message of divine reassurance and a call to unwavering faith in the face of overwhelming fear, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest redemptive meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While King Ahaz was summoned to trust God for deliverance from earthly kings and their temporal threats, believers today look to Christ as the supreme Deliverer from the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness. The "smoking firebrands" of Rezin and Pekah, though terrifying in their historical context, pale in comparison to the spiritual forces that once held all humanity captive. Yet, through His sacrificial death on the cross and triumphant resurrection, Christ has utterly disarmed these powers, making a public spectacle of them and triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true King, the very "Immanuel" (God with us) whose miraculous birth and presence were promised later in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel"), and whose reign guarantees ultimate victory, peace, and security for His people. Just as God commanded Ahaz not to fear, Jesus repeatedly assures His disciples, "Do not be afraid" ([Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Do Not Fear Those Who Kill the Body")), for He has definitively overcome the world and its trials ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). In Christ, the "fierce anger" of any earthly or spiritual foe is rendered as nothing more than a "smoking firebrand," for all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Our call to "take heed, and be quiet" is perfectly fulfilled in resting in His finished work, knowing that He is our ultimate peace, our steadfast hope, and our eternal security ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")).

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 35:4

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

Lamentations 3:26

[It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Deuteronomy 20:3

And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;

Isaiah 30:15

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

Matthew 24:6

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

Zechariah 3:2

And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: [is] not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

Exodus 14:13

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.