Isaiah 7:5

KJV

Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have taken evil counsel against thee, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Because Syria {H758}, Ephraim {H669}, and the son {H1121} of Remaliah {H7425}, have taken evil {H7451} counsel {H3289} against thee, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

or because Aram, Efrayim and the son of Remalyah have been plotting against you, thinking,

Berean Standard Bible

For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted your ruin, saying:

American Standard Version

Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have purposed evil against thee, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:5 stands as a critical declaration within the unfolding drama of the Syro-Ephraimite War, explicitly revealing the malicious intent and calculated strategy of the northern alliance against the Southern Kingdom of Judah. It names Syria (Aram), Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom of Israel), and King Pekah (referred to as "the son of Remaliah") as the conspirators who have formulated a destructive plan against King Ahaz and Jerusalem. This verse serves as the divine exposition of the enemy's secret counsel, setting the urgent stage for God's subsequent prophetic response through Isaiah, thereby highlighting the gravity of the human threat while simultaneously affirming God's omniscient awareness of even the most hidden schemes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 7:5 is strategically placed at the heart of a pivotal prophetic encounter between the prophet Isaiah and King Ahaz of Judah. The preceding verses, particularly [Isaiah 7:1-2](/isaiah/7-1 "Isaiah 7:1-2 - Judah's Fear During the Syro-Ephraimite War"), vividly portray the profound fear that gripped Jerusalem upon receiving news of the advancing allied forces of Syria and Ephraim. In response to this widespread panic, God, through Isaiah, immediately intervenes, instructing Ahaz to remain steadfast and not to fear, but rather to trust in the Lord ([Isaiah 7:3-4](/isaiah/7-3 "Isaiah 7:3-4 - God's Message of Assurance to Ahaz")). Verse 5 then explicitly articulates the "evil counsel" of these enemies, providing the specific details of their hostile intentions. This declaration of the enemy's plot is immediately followed by God's powerful and direct rebuttal in [Isaiah 7:6-7](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6-7 - The Enemies' Plan and God's Counter-Declaration"), where He emphatically states that their scheme "shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass." Thus, Isaiah 7:5 functions as the precise articulation of the human threat, against which God's sovereign and immutable word is then powerfully contrasted, underscoring the divine response to human conspiracy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This verse is deeply embedded in the historical context of the Syro-Ephraimite War, which raged around 734-732 BC. During this tumultuous period, the formidable Assyrian Empire was rapidly expanding its dominance, casting a long shadow over the smaller kingdoms of the Levant. In response to this existential threat, King Rezin of Syria (Aram) and King Pekah of Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom of Israel) forged an anti-Assyrian coalition. Their objective was to compel Judah to join their alliance. When King Ahaz of Judah steadfastly refused to participate, they launched a military invasion with the explicit aim of deposing him and installing a more compliant puppet king, specifically "the son of Tabeal" ([Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - The Puppet King Plan")). This was not merely a geopolitical maneuver but a direct assault on the divinely established Davidic dynasty and Judah's sovereignty, threatening the very promises God had made to King David regarding an enduring kingdom. The broader cultural context includes the common practice of forming regional alliances, often under duress, and the constant geopolitical maneuvering and military coercion employed by larger imperial powers or defensive coalitions.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 7:5 makes a profound contribution to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it starkly highlights the theme of **human conspiracy and rebellion against God's purposes**. The "evil counsel" described is not merely a tactical military strategy but a plan that fundamentally opposes God's covenant with David, which guaranteed an enduring royal line and kingdom ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **vulnerability of God's people** when their trust is misplaced in human strength, alliances, or political maneuvering rather than in divine protection, thereby setting the stage for Ahaz's tragic failure to trust God's explicit assurance. Thirdly, and perhaps most significantly, Isaiah 7:5 powerfully emphasizes **God's absolute sovereignty and omniscience over all human affairs**. Even before the enemy's plot could be executed, God reveals its precise details to Isaiah, demonstrating unequivocally that no human scheme, however formidable or clandestine, can ever thwart His ultimate will. This divine awareness and foreknowledge then pave the way for the profound prophecies of Immanuel and the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan, as powerfully articulated in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to build," this term broadly refers to a son in the widest sense, encompassing both literal and figurative relationships, including descendants, subjects, or even qualities. In this context, "the son of Remaliah" specifically identifies Pekah, the king of Israel, by his patronymic rather than his royal title. This usage might subtly convey a dismissive or derogatory tone, highlighting his non-Davidic and perhaps illegitimate claim to kingship in contrast to Ahaz's divinely ordained Davidic lineage, thereby undermining his authority in the eyes of the Judahite audience.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This word denotes something inherently bad, morally corrupt, or causing significant distress and harm. When applied to "counsel" here, it describes the malevolent, destructive, and ethically reprehensible nature of the plan concocted by the allied kings. It implies a strategy designed not merely for military gain but for severe detriment, intended to displease God, disrupt His covenant purposes for Judah, and inflict profound suffering upon His people. The "evil" is thus both moral and practical in its destructive intent.
* **counsel (Hebrew, _yâʻats'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to advise," this term, when used reflexively, signifies to deliberate or resolve. In Isaiah 7:5, it refers to a deliberate, premeditated, and carefully formulated plan or strategy devised by the allied kings. It speaks to the intentionality, calculation, and concerted effort behind their hostile plot to overthrow King Ahaz and impose a puppet ruler. This "counsel" is therefore a well-thought-out scheme, not a spontaneous act, underscoring the gravity of their unified aggression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah,":** This initial clause precisely identifies the three principal antagonists forming the formidable alliance against Judah. "Syria" refers to the kingdom of Aram-Damascus, under the leadership of King Rezin. "Ephraim" serves as a metonymy for the Northern Kingdom of Israel, whose capital was Samaria, and whose reigning monarch was Pekah. The phrase "the son of Remaliah" specifically and somewhat contemptuously names King Pekah, emphasizing his personal responsibility for the conspiracy and perhaps subtly diminishing his royal status by referring to him by his father's name rather than his kingly title, contrasting him with the legitimate Davidic king, Ahaz. This tripartite identification clearly delineates the formidable nature of the hostile coalition.
* **"have taken evil counsel against thee,":** This is the central declaration and revelation of the verse, exposing the core of the enemy's intentions. It states that these three entities have collectively and deliberately formed an "evil counsel," signifying a malicious and destructive plan. The term "evil" (Hebrew _raʻ_) underscores the malevolent intent behind their strategy, which was not merely a geopolitical maneuver but an act of hostility aimed at severely harming Judah and its divinely appointed Davidic king. The direct address "against thee" targets King Ahaz personally, and by extension, the entire kingdom of Judah, emphasizing the direct and personal nature of the threat.
* **"saying,":** This concluding word functions as a crucial transitional element, signaling that the subsequent verses (specifically [Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - The Enemy's Stated Plan")) will immediately proceed to reveal the precise content and detailed objectives of this "evil counsel." It effectively builds anticipation for the full exposition of the enemies' destructive intentions, moving from the fact of their conspiracy to its specific aims.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 7:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten the dramatic tension and convey its profound message. The explicit naming of the adversarial nations—**Syria** and **Ephraim**—alongside the specific, almost dismissive, **patronymic** "the son of Remaliah," effectively **personifies** these political entities, presenting them as unified, malevolent agents driven by a singular, hostile will. This creates a clear and immediate sense of an external, formidable threat. The phrase "evil counsel" functions as a **pivotal statement**, precisely defining the nature of the enemy's intentions and setting the dramatic stage for God's counter-declaration of His absolute sovereignty in the subsequent verses. It also serves as potent **foreshadowing**, hinting at the deeper theological conflict at play: not merely a geopolitical struggle for power, but a profound clash between human rebellious schemes and God's unshakeable, eternal divine plan. Furthermore, the very revelation of this "evil counsel" by God through His prophet Isaiah demonstrates a profound **irony**: the enemies believe their plot is secret and executable, yet it is fully known to the omniscient Lord, who will ultimately and decisively frustrate it, turning their wisdom into foolishness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:5, by exposing the "evil counsel" of Judah's formidable enemies, profoundly illustrates the timeless biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all human affairs, even the most clandestine and malevolent plots. It serves as a powerful reminder that while nations may rage, conspire, and devise schemes against His people or His purposes, their plans are ultimately subject to the divine will and can never ultimately thwart God's ultimate design. This verse highlights the inherent tension between human autonomy and divine control, setting the stage for God's magnificent demonstration of His power to nullify the schemes of the wicked and protect His covenant promises. It particularly underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant with the Davidic line, which this "evil counsel" brazenly sought to dismantle. The Lord's immediate and decisive response to this grave threat, providing a sign and unwavering assurance, powerfully demonstrates His active involvement in the history of His people, faithfully protecting His purposes despite formidable human opposition.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Plans, But God's Purpose Prevails")
* [Lamentations 3:37](/lamentations/3-37 "Lamentations 3:37 - Who Can Speak and Have It Happen Without the Lord's Command?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 7:5, while rooted in an ancient geopolitical crisis, offers profound and timeless lessons that resonate deeply with believers today. It serves as a poignant reminder that throughout salvation history, God's people have consistently faced adversaries who conspire with "evil counsel" against them, whether these manifestations are overt persecutions, subtle deceptions, systemic injustices, or personal attacks. In such moments of perceived threat, the natural human response is often overwhelming fear, crippling anxiety, or a frantic, often misguided, search for purely human solutions and alliances. However, this passage powerfully calls us to a much deeper, unwavering trust in God's omniscience and omnipotence. Just as God was intimately aware of the precise details of Syria and Ephraim's destructive plot against Judah, He is likewise intimately aware of every challenge, every scheme, and every opposition we face in our lives. Our ultimate comfort and enduring strength do not originate from the absence of threats, but rather from the unwavering presence and sovereign control of a God who unequivocally declares, "It shall not stand." Therefore, when confronted with seemingly overwhelming odds or malicious intent, we are profoundly invited to rest in the steadfast assurance that God's purposes for us, and for the advancement of His eternal kingdom, will ultimately prevail, regardless of the "counsel" or machinations of men.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "evil counsel" or opposing forces do I perceive to be arrayed against me, my family, or God's purposes in my life or community today?**
* **How does knowing that God is fully aware of these plans, even before they fully unfold, profoundly impact my sense of fear, anxiety, or helplessness?**
* **In what specific ways might I be tempted to rely on human strategies, worldly alliances, or my own limited strength rather than fully trusting in God's sovereign protection and ultimate victory, similar to King Ahaz's initial inclination?**

### FAQ
**Who are "Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah" in this verse?**

Answer: "Syria" refers to the powerful Aramean kingdom of Damascus, which was led by King Rezin at this time. "Ephraim" is a poetic or prophetic designation for the Northern Kingdom of Israel, whose capital was Samaria. "The son of Remaliah" is a specific, and somewhat dismissive, reference to King Pekah, who was the reigning monarch of Israel. These three entities formed a formidable anti-Assyrian alliance during the Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 734-732 BC) with the explicit aim of attacking and subjugating the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

**What was the "evil counsel" they took against Judah?**

Answer: As further revealed in [Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - The Enemy's Specific Plan"), their "evil counsel" was a detailed and aggressive plan to invade Judah, besiege the capital city of Jerusalem, and depose King Ahaz. Their ultimate and audacious goal was to install a puppet ruler, specifically "the son of Tabeal," who would then compel Judah to join their anti-Assyrian coalition. This was a direct and severe threat to the divinely established Davidic dynasty and Judah's national independence.

**Why is this verse important in the broader context of Isaiah 7?**

Answer: Isaiah 7:5 is profoundly crucial because it explicitly articulates the formidable human threat that King Ahaz and the kingdom of Judah faced, thereby setting the urgent stage for God's powerful, comforting, and sovereign response. By revealing the enemy's specific "evil counsel" and their precise intentions, the verse highlights the gravity and immediacy of the situation, making God's subsequent declaration—that their plan "shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass" ([Isaiah 7:7](/isaiah/7-7 "Isaiah 7:7 - God's Declaration Against the Enemy's Plan"))—all the more profound and impactful. It powerfully underscores God's omniscience and absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that He is fully aware of all human schemes and possesses the ultimate power to thwart them, leading directly into the famous and foundational prophecy of Immanuel ([Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 7:5, with its stark depiction of an "evil counsel" arrayed against God's chosen king and kingdom, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound echoes in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Syria and Ephraim conspired with malevolent intent against King Ahaz, the Davidic king of Judah, so too did the powers of this world—both human and spiritual—conspire against the true and ultimate Davidic King, Jesus. The Gospels vividly record the "evil counsel" of the religious leaders, who meticulously plotted to seize and kill Jesus ([Matthew 26:3-4](/matthew/26-3 "Matthew 26:3-4 - The Chief Priests Plot Against Jesus")), alongside the intricate political machinations of figures like Pilate and Herod ([Luke 23:6-12](/luke/23-6 "Luke 23:6-12 - Jesus Before Herod and Pilate")). Yet, just as God declared that the counsel against Ahaz would not stand, so too did the Father sovereignly oversee the crucifixion of Jesus, miraculously turning what appeared to be the ultimate triumph of "evil counsel" into the very means of humanity's salvation. The conspiracy against Christ, though seemingly successful in His death on the cross, was ultimately and decisively frustrated by His glorious resurrection, proving beyond doubt that no human or demonic plan can ever thwart God's eternal redemptive purpose ([Acts 2:23-24](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23-24 - God's Predetermined Plan and Jesus' Resurrection")). Jesus, the promised Immanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")), is the one against whom the nations rage and the peoples plot in utter futility ([Psalm 2:1-2](/psalm/2-1 "Psalm 2:1-2 - The Nations Rage Against God's Anointed")). His eternal kingdom, unlike Ahaz's temporal one, is unshakeable and everlasting, ultimately established through His decisive triumph over all "evil counsel" and every opposing power, culminating in the declaration that "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever" ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

Psalms 83:3

They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.

Psalms 83:4

They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

Zechariah 1:15

And I am very sore displeased with the heathen [that are] at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.

Psalms 2:2

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],

Nahum 1:11

There is [one] come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor.