Thus saith the Lord GOD, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass.
Thus {H3541} saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, It shall not stand {H6965}, neither shall it come to pass.
"'This is what Adonai ELOHIM says: "It won't occur, it won't happen.
But this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘It will not arise; it will not happen.
thus saith the Lord Jehovah, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass.
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Isaiah 8:10
Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God [is] with us. -
Lamentations 3:37
¶ Who [is] he [that] saith, and it cometh to pass, [when] the Lord commandeth [it] not? -
Isaiah 46:10
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: -
Isaiah 46:11
Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken [it], I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed [it], I will also do it. -
Psalms 33:11
The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. -
Proverbs 21:30
¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. -
Acts 4:25
Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
Isaiah 7:7 delivers a powerful declaration of divine sovereignty and assurance during a time of immense national fear for the kingdom of Judah. The verse states, "Thus saith the Lord GOD, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass." This concise statement serves as a divine promise that the hostile plans against God's people will ultimately fail.
Context
This verse is found within the "Book of Immanuel" (Isaiah chapters 7-12) and addresses a critical historical moment for King Ahaz of Judah. Judah was under severe threat from a coalition of two northern kingdoms: Aram (Syria), led by King Rezin, and Israel (Ephraim), led by King Pekah. This conflict, known as the Syro-Ephraimite War, aimed to depose Ahaz and install a puppet king, the "son of Tabeal" (Isaiah 7:6). Ahaz and his people were trembling with fear, like trees swaying in the wind (Isaiah 7:2). In this dire situation, God sent the prophet Isaiah to Ahaz, not with a call to military action, but with a message of divine assurance, urging him to trust in the Lord rather than seeking alliances with powerful nations like Assyria.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew behind "Thus saith the Lord GOD" is `כה אמר אדני יהוה` (ko amar Adonai Yahweh). Adonai (Lord) emphasizes God's absolute mastership and authority, while Yahweh (GOD, often rendered as LORD in KJV) is God's personal covenant name, signifying His self-existence and faithfulness to His promises. The phrase "It shall not stand" comes from the Hebrew `לא תקום` (lo taqum), where taqum means "to rise, stand, be established." Its negation signifies that the enemy's plan will not be established or succeed. "Neither shall it come to pass" uses `ולא תהיה` (velo tihyeh), from `hayah`, meaning "to be, become, happen," further reinforcing the absolute certainty of its failure.
Related Scriptures
This declaration echoes themes found throughout Scripture regarding God's power to thwart the plans of the wicked. For instance, Proverbs 19:21 states, "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand." Similarly, Psalm 33:10-11 proclaims that the Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nought, but His counsel stands forever. The ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to Ahaz is seen in the eventual fall of both Damascus (Syria) and Samaria (Israel) within sixty-five years, as foretold in Isaiah 7:8.
Practical Application
Isaiah 7:7 offers enduring encouragement for believers facing personal, national, or global challenges. When circumstances seem overwhelming and threats loom large, this verse reminds us that God's ultimate plan cannot be derailed by human opposition or fear. It is a powerful call to place our trust in God's unfailing word and His sovereign control, rather than succumbing to panic or relying on human ingenuity. It reassures us that if God is for us, no scheme against us can ultimately prevail, echoing the sentiment of Romans 8:31.