Isaiah 7:6

KJV

Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, [even] the son of Tabeal:

KJV (with Strong's)

Let us go up {H5927} against Judah {H3063}, and vex {H6973} it, and let us make a breach {H1234} therein for us, and set {H4427} a king {H4428} in the midst {H8432} of it, even the son {H1121} of Tabeal {H2870}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"We will invade Y'hudah, tear it apart, divide it among ourselves and appoint the son of Tav'el as king there."

Berean Standard Bible

‘Let us invade Judah, terrorize it, and divide it among ourselves. Then we can install the son of Tabeal over it as king.’

American Standard Version

Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set up a king in the midst of it, even the son of Tabeel;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:6 vividly portrays the malicious conspiracy of King Rezin of Aram and King Pekah of Israel against Judah. Their strategic objective was to invade, dismantle Judah's defenses, and depose King Ahaz, replacing him with a compliant puppet ruler, "the son of Tabeal." This audacious plot aimed to sever the divinely established Davidic dynasty and assert their geopolitical dominance, setting the urgent stage for God's prophetic intervention through Isaiah, which unequivocally declares the ultimate failure of all human schemes against divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the unfolding drama of the Syro-Ephraimite War, detailed in [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Syro-Ephraimite War and the Sign of Immanuel"). It immediately follows the introduction of the crisis in [Isaiah 7:1-2](/isaiah/7-1-2 "Isaiah 7:1-2 - Judah's Fear During the Syro-Ephraimite War"), where King Ahaz and the people of Judah are gripped by fear due to the alliance of Aram and Israel against Jerusalem. [Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - The Enemy's Plot Against Judah") precisely articulates the enemies' destructive agenda, providing the specific details of their planned coup. The verses that follow, particularly [Isaiah 7:7-9](/isaiah/7-7-9 "Isaiah 7:7-9 - God's Prophecy of Deliverance and Call to Faith"), present God's immediate and powerful counter-declaration, revealing the futility of this human plot and calling Ahaz to unwavering faith. The entire chapter hinges on the tension between human fear and divine promise, with this verse serving as the clear and present danger that necessitates God's intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events depicted in Isaiah 7 occurred around 734 BC, a period of significant geopolitical instability in the ancient Near East. The rising power of Assyria under Tiglath-Pileser III pressured smaller nations. The Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Aram (Syria) formed an anti-Assyrian coalition and sought to compel Judah to join them. When King Ahaz of Judah refused, they launched a military campaign to overthrow him and install a more pliable ruler, "the son of Tabeal." This practice of installing puppet kings was a common geopolitical strategy to ensure loyalty and expand regional influence. Jerusalem, as the capital of Judah and the spiritual heart of the Davidic dynasty, was a critical strategic target. The cultural and theological significance of the Davidic covenant, which promised an eternal dynasty for David's descendants ([2_samuel/7-16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Enduring Davidic Covenant")), meant that this attempted coup was not merely a political maneuver but a direct assault on God's established order and His covenant promises to His people.

* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - The Enemy's Plot Against Judah") profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it starkly illustrates the theme of **Human Schemes vs. Divine Sovereignty**. The detailed and aggressive plot of Rezin and Pekah underscores the depth of human malice and ambition, yet God's subsequent pronouncements in [Isaiah 7:7](/isaiah/7-7 "Isaiah 7:7 - God's Declaration of Futility") immediately contrast this with His ultimate control, demonstrating that no human plan can ultimately thwart His will. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Threat to the Davidic Line and Covenant Faithfulness**. The attempt to depose Ahaz, a direct descendant of David, and install a foreign puppet king was a direct challenge to God's covenant promise of an enduring Davidic dynasty. This reveals the crucial spiritual stakes of the conflict, extending far beyond mere political maneuvering. Lastly, this verse sets the stage for the theme of **The Need for Trust in God Amidst Crisis**. The palpable fear of Ahaz and Judah, as described in [Isaiah 7:2](/isaiah/7-2 "Isaiah 7:2 - Judah's Fear"), in the face of this articulated threat serves as the essential backdrop for Isaiah's repeated call for them to trust solely in the Lord rather than relying on human alliances or military might.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **breach (Hebrew, _bâqaʻ'_):** From H1234, a primitive root meaning "to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open; make a breach, break forth (into, out, in pieces, through, up), be ready to burst, cleave (asunder), cut out, divide, hatch, rend (asunder), rip up, tear, win." In this context, it vividly describes the enemies' intention to forcefully penetrate Judah's defenses, specifically Jerusalem's fortifications, to conquer and subdue the kingdom. It implies a violent, destructive act aimed at overcoming resistance and establishing dominance.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.)." Here, "the son of Tabeal" refers to the specific individual the allied kings intended to install as a puppet ruler. The term emphasizes his lineage or identity, though his specific family or background remains obscure, highlighting his intended role as a figurehead rather than a legitimate heir to the Davidic throne.
* **Tabeal (Hebrew, _ṭâbᵉʼêl'_):** From H2870, meaning "pleasing (to) God; Tabeal, the name of a Syrian and of a Persian." This is the name of the individual whom Rezin and Pekah intended to place on the throne of Judah. The striking irony of his name, "God is good" or "God is pleasing," is starkly contrasted with his intended role in a plot designed to overthrow God's chosen Davidic line and defy His covenant promises. His obscurity in biblical history further underscores the futility and ultimate insignificance of human schemes against divine will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let us go up against Judah, and vex it,"**: This opening clause reveals the initial aggressive and malicious intention of the allied kings, Rezin and Pekah. "Going up" implies a military invasion, likely referring to an ascent towards the elevated city of Jerusalem. To "vex" (H6973, _qûwts_) signifies their goal was not merely conquest but also to inflict severe distress, grief, and anxiety upon the people of Judah, indicating a desire to utterly demoralize and afflict them.
* **"and let us make a breach therein for us,"**: This specifies the violent method of conquest they planned. To "make a breach" (H1234, _bâqaʻ_) signifies their intent to physically break through Judah's defenses, particularly the formidable walls of Jerusalem, to gain entry and establish control. The phrase "for us" emphatically highlights their self-serving and expansionist motives – to gain territory, strategic advantage, and political control for their own anti-Assyrian alliance.
* **"and set a king in the midst of it, [even] the son of Tabeal:"**: This reveals the ultimate political and dynastic objective of their conspiracy. Their aim was to depose the rightful Davidic king, Ahaz, and replace him with a puppet ruler, "the son of Tabeal" (H2870). This act would have effectively terminated the Davidic dynasty's reign in Judah, installing a figurehead loyal to Aram and Israel, thereby directly undermining God's sacred covenant with David and His promises for an enduring royal line.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 7:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the enemies' malicious intent and the profound gravity of the situation. **Direct Speech** is prominently utilized, presenting the precise words of the allied kings ("Let us go up..."). This technique makes their plot immediate and visceral, allowing the reader to directly apprehend their destructive intentions. The name "Tabeal" itself presents a subtle yet potent **Irony**; meaning "God is good" or "pleasing to God," it stands in stark contrast to the individual's intended role in a scheme directly opposing God's covenant with David. This ironic naming highlights the spiritual blindness and ultimate futility of the plotters' actions. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy** when "Judah" is used to represent both the geographical territory and its people, signifying the comprehensive and devastating nature of the intended attack. The entire verse also functions as a powerful form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the dramatic stage for God's subsequent declaration in [Isaiah 7:7](/isaiah/7-7 "Isaiah 7:7 - God's Promise to Thwart the Enemy"), which explicitly states that these meticulously planned human schemes will ultimately fail.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:6 serves as a powerful and enduring illustration of the inherent conflict between human will and divine sovereignty. The detailed, aggressive plan of Rezin and Pekah represents the epitome of human rebellion against God's established order, specifically targeting the Davidic covenant which promised an enduring lineage for Judah's kings. Yet, this very articulation of their destructive intent provides the necessary backdrop for God's immediate and decisive response, demonstrating that no human power, however formidable or meticulously planned, can ultimately thwart the purposes of the Almighty. The theological implication is profoundly clear: God's faithfulness to His promises, particularly concerning the Davidic line, supersedes all earthly opposition and human machinations. This verse underscores the divine principle that God often allows human evil to manifest fully, only to demonstrate His superior power, unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, and the ultimate triumph of His will.

* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Plans, One Purpose")
* [Psalm 2:1-4](/psalm/2-1-4 "Psalm 2:1-4 - The Futility of Rebel Kings")
* [Isaiah 14:27](/isaiah/14-27 "Isaiah 14:27 - God's Unthwartable Plan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 7:6, while describing an ancient geopolitical crisis, offers profound and enduring contemporary relevance for believers. It serves as a stark reminder that throughout history, human adversaries, often driven by clear and malicious intent, have sought to undermine God's purposes and harm His people. The detailed plotting of Rezin and Pekah mirrors the various threats—whether spiritual, emotional, or physical—that we may encounter in our own lives, stemming from external opposition or internal struggles. This verse calls us to recognize that even when the enemy's plans seem overwhelming, clearly articulated, and meticulously executed, they are ultimately subject to the sovereign will of God. Our response, therefore, should not be characterized by fear or frantic self-reliance, but by a steadfast trust in the Lord's unwavering faithfulness and His unshakeable promises. Just as God preserved the Davidic line despite this direct assault, He remains faithful to His covenant with us, ensuring that His ultimate purposes for our lives and for His kingdom will prevail against all odds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "breaches" or threats in your life currently cause you fear or anxiety, similar to Judah's situation?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over human schemes in [Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - The Enemy's Plot Against Judah") encourage you to trust Him more deeply in your own challenges?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to rely on human solutions or your own strength rather than divine promises when facing opposition?**

### FAQ

**Who was the "son of Tabeal" and why was he chosen?**

Answer: The "son of Tabeal" (H2870, _ṭâbᵉʼêl_) is an obscure figure, not mentioned elsewhere in the biblical narrative. His name, ironically, means "God is good" or "pleasing to God," which stands in stark contrast to his intended role in a plot directly against God's chosen Davidic dynasty. He was selected by King Rezin of Aram and King Pekah of Israel to be a puppet king, installed after they planned to depose King Ahaz of Judah. His obscurity suggests he was likely a non-Davidic figure, perhaps a local strongman or a Syrian sympathizer, who would be loyal to the allied kings rather than to the covenant promises of God. His intended installation was a direct challenge to the Davidic covenant, which promised an eternal lineage for Judah's kings ([2_samuel/7-16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant")).

**What was the significance of "making a breach" in Judah?**

Answer: To "make a breach" (H1234, _bâqaʻ_) signifies the allied kings' intention to violently break through Judah's defenses, specifically the formidable, fortified walls of Jerusalem. This was not merely a tactical military maneuver but a deeply symbolic act of conquest and subjugation. Breaking the walls would allow them to enter the city, overthrow the existing government, and install their chosen ruler. It represented a complete dismantling of Judah's autonomy and a direct assault on the heart of the Davidic kingdom, aiming to sever its connection to God's covenant promises and establish foreign control.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 7:6, detailing the desperate human attempt to dismantle the Davidic dynasty, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate preservation of that very lineage, leading directly to Jesus Christ. The plot to replace King Ahaz with "the son of Tabeal" was a direct assault on God's covenant promise to David that his throne would be established forever ([2_samuel/7-16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Enduring Davidic Covenant")). Had this human scheme succeeded, it would have seemingly thwarted the very line through which the Messiah was prophesied to come. However, God, in His sovereign faithfulness, declared through Isaiah that "It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass" ([isaiah/7-7](/isaiah/7-7 "Isaiah 7:7 - God's Unthwartable Plan")). This divine intervention ensured the continuity of the Davidic line, a lineage meticulously traced in the genealogies of Jesus ([matthew/1-1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [luke/3-23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus")). Jesus, the true King, is the ultimate "son of David" ([matthew/21-9](/matthew/21-9 "Matthew 21:9 - Jesus, Son of David")), whose kingdom is eternal and whose reign cannot be overthrown by any human or demonic plot ([daniel/7-14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion")). Thus, the failed plot of [Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - The Enemy's Plot Against Judah") powerfully foreshadows the futility of all attempts to dethrone God's anointed King and highlights the unwavering certainty of Christ's ultimate victory and everlasting reign.

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.