Isaiah 7:9

KJV

And the head of Ephraim [is] Samaria, and the head of Samaria [is] Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the head {H7218} of Ephraim {H669} is Samaria {H8111}, and the head {H7218} of Samaria {H8111} is Remaliah's {H7425} son {H1121}. If ye will not believe {H539}, surely ye shall not be established {H539}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The head of Efrayim is Shomron, and the head of Shomron is the son of Remalyah. Without firm faith, you will not be firmly established."'"

Berean Standard Bible

The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.’”

American Standard Version

and the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:9 delivers a profound prophetic ultimatum to King Ahaz of Judah amidst the Syro-Ephraimitic War, asserting that true national and personal stability is contingent upon unwavering faith in God rather than reliance on political alliances or military might. The verse contrasts the ephemeral power of human rulers with the enduring steadfastness promised to those who trust in the Lord, establishing a foundational principle that spiritual conviction is the bedrock of lasting security and establishment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within a larger prophetic encounter between the prophet Isaiah and King Ahaz of Judah, as recorded in [Isaiah chapter 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Syro-Ephraimitic War and the Sign of Immanuel"). Judah was under severe threat from a coalition of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Aram (Syria), led by King Pekah and King Rezin, respectively. Their aim was to besiege Jerusalem, depose Ahaz, and install a puppet king (Tabel's son). God, through Isaiah, had already assured Ahaz that this alliance would fail and their plans would not stand (as declared in [Isaiah 7:7-8](/isaiah/7-7 "Isaiah 7:7-8 - God's Promise to King Ahaz")). Despite this divine assurance, Ahaz remained fearful and was contemplating seeking help from the mighty Assyrian Empire. Isaiah 7:9 serves as a direct, climactic challenge to Ahaz's wavering faith, presenting a stark choice between divine reliance and national collapse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period is the mid-8th century BCE, a time of significant geopolitical upheaval in the Ancient Near East. The rising power of Assyria under Tiglath-Pileser III cast a long shadow over the smaller kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The Syro-Ephraimitic War (c. 735-732 BCE) saw Israel and Aram attempting to force Judah into an anti-Assyrian coalition. Culturally, "head" (Hebrew: *ro'sh*) could refer to both the capital city and the ruling authority, thus "the head of Ephraim is Samaria" signifies Samaria as both the capital and the seat of power for the Northern Kingdom, while "the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son" directly names Pekah, King of Israel, as its leader. The political landscape was one of constant maneuvering, alliances, and betrayals, making the call to trust solely in Yahweh a radical and counter-cultural proposition for a king accustomed to realpolitik.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Isaiah chapter 7](/isaiah/7 "The Prophecy of Immanuel") and particularly this verse is the **Primacy of Faith over Political Expediency**. God's message to Ahaz is that true security ("established") does not come from human alliances or military strength, but from trusting in God's word and promises. This underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is ultimately in control of historical events and the destinies of nations, even amidst the schemes of kings. The verse also highlights **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, implying that a failure to believe will inevitably lead to instability and ruin. This principle resonates throughout the prophetic literature, where Israel's faithfulness (or lack thereof) directly impacts their national well-being, as seen in the warnings of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **head (Hebrew, _rôʼsh'_):** From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; this term literally refers to the head of a body, but figuratively extends to denote the most prominent or important part. In this context, it signifies the capital city and, by extension, the ruling authority or leader. Thus, "the head of Ephraim is Samaria" means Samaria is the capital and center of power for the Northern Kingdom, and "the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son" identifies Pekah as its king. The fluidity of this term highlights the interconnectedness of territory, capital, and leadership in ancient political thought.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this word broadly refers to a son, but can also denote a descendant, a member of a nation, or even a characteristic (e.g., "son of valor"). Here, "Remaliah's son" directly identifies King Pekah, whose father was Remaliah. This specific identification grounds the prophecy in the immediate historical reality, naming the very individual whose plans Ahaz feared.
* **believe/established (Hebrew, _ʼâman'_):** This primitive root is central to the verse's meaning. It means "to build up or support," "to foster as a parent or nurse," and figuratively "to render (or be) firm or faithful," "to trust or believe," "to be permanent or quiet." The brilliance of Isaiah's message lies in the direct wordplay: the verb "believe" (H539, *ta'aminu*, a Hiphil form) and the verb "established" (H539, *te'amenu*, a Niphal form) both derive from this same root. This creates a powerful linguistic and theological link: "If you do not *firmly trust* (in God), surely you will not be *made firm* (or established)." It underscores that inner steadfastness (faith) is the prerequisite for external stability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the head of Ephraim [is] Samaria, and the head of Samaria [is] Remaliah's son."**: This clause serves to identify and diminish the perceived threat. Ephraim, the dominant tribe of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, has its capital in Samaria, and Samaria's ruler is Pekah, son of Remaliah. By explicitly naming the human leaders and their capitals, God, through Isaiah, is subtly reducing their stature. Their power is finite, localized, and dependent on human lineage, contrasting sharply with the infinite, universal power of Yahweh. The repetition of "head" emphasizes their limited, earthly authority.
* **"If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established."**: This is the core of the divine ultimatum. The first part, "If ye will not believe," presents a condition of human responsibility – the choice to trust God's word and promises. The second part, "surely ye shall not be established," declares the inevitable consequence of failing to meet that condition. The powerful wordplay on the Hebrew root *ʼâman* (as discussed above) underscores that true, lasting security and stability (being "established" or made firm) are not achieved through political maneuvering or military might, but are a direct, divinely granted outcome of faith in God. This is not merely a warning but an invitation to find true stability in reliance on the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 7:9 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Wordplay**, specifically a **pun** on the Hebrew root *ʼâman* (אָמַן), which forms both "believe" (Hiphil, *ta'aminu*) and "established" (Niphal, *te'amenu*). This linguistic connection powerfully reinforces the theological truth that internal faith is the prerequisite for external stability: "If you do not *believe* (are not firm in faith), you will not be *established* (made firm)." This creates a memorable and impactful statement. Additionally, there is an element of **Parallelism** in the first clause, "the head of Ephraim [is] Samaria, and the head of Samaria [is] Remaliah's son," which, while not strictly synonymous or antithetical, uses a repetitive structure to emphasize the human, limited nature of the threat. The use of "head" as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** (where the head represents the capital city and its ruler) is also evident, concisely identifying the centers of power. Finally, the verse is structured as a **Conditional Statement** ("If... then..."), clearly outlining the choice and its direct consequences, leaving no ambiguity about the stakes involved.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:9 serves as a foundational text for understanding the biblical emphasis on faith as the bedrock of existence, both for individuals and nations. It asserts that true security and flourishing are not derived from human strength, strategic alliances, or material resources, but from a steadfast reliance on God's character and His promises. This principle transcends the immediate historical context of the Syro-Ephraimitic War, speaking to the universal human temptation to trust in visible, tangible power rather than the invisible, sovereign hand of God. The verse highlights God's expectation of faith from His people, not as a mere intellectual assent, but as an active posture of trust that shapes decisions and actions. It underscores that God's faithfulness is met by human faith, and that a failure to believe in His power and word inevitably leads to instability and a lack of true establishment. This concept is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, affirming that God is the ultimate source of stability and that our firm foundation is found only in Him.

* [2 Chronicles 20:20](/2_chronicles/20-20 "2 Chronicles 20:20 - Believe the Lord your God, and you will be established")
* [Psalm 125:1](/psalms/125-1 "Psalm 125:1 - Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Without faith it is impossible to please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 7:9 offers a timeless challenge and comfort to believers navigating a world filled with uncertainties and anxieties. Just as King Ahaz was pressured to rely on political maneuvering rather than divine promise, we too are constantly tempted to place our trust in fleeting human systems, financial security, or personal abilities. This verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our trust, reminding us that genuine stability and peace are found not in what we can control or accumulate, but in our unwavering faith in God's sovereignty and faithfulness. When faced with personal crises, professional pressures, or global upheavals, the question posed by Isaiah remains: "Will you believe?" Choosing to believe means actively resting in God's promises, surrendering our fears, and aligning our actions with His revealed will. It means recognizing that our "establishment"—our sense of security, purpose, and future—is directly proportional to the depth of our trust in the One who is truly unshakeable. This faith empowers us to live not with a naive optimism, but with a profound confidence that God is at work, even when circumstances seem chaotic, and that He will sustain those who firmly believe in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength or worldly solutions rather than trusting God?**
* **How does your understanding of God's sovereignty impact your ability to "believe" when faced with overwhelming challenges?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your faith and demonstrate your reliance on God for your "establishment"?**
* **How does the concept of being "established" by faith differ from worldly ideas of success or security?**

### FAQ
**What was the Syro-Ephraimitic War, and why is it important for understanding Isaiah 7:9?**

Answer: The Syro-Ephraimitic War (c. 735-732 BCE) was a conflict in which the Northern Kingdom of Israel (often called Ephraim, as in this verse) and Aram (Syria) formed an alliance to resist the rising power of Assyria. They attempted to force the Southern Kingdom of Judah, led by King Ahaz, to join their anti-Assyrian coalition. When Ahaz refused, Israel and Aram attacked Judah, besieging Jerusalem with the intent of replacing Ahaz with a more compliant ruler. Isaiah 7:9 is God's direct message to Ahaz during this crisis, assuring him that the enemy's plans would fail and challenging him to trust in God alone for Judah's deliverance and stability. The war provides the critical historical backdrop against which God's call for faith takes on immense significance, as Ahaz's choice to trust God or seek human alliances would determine Judah's fate. The preceding verses, such as [Isaiah 7:4-8](/isaiah/7-4 "Isaiah 7:4-8 - God's Message of Assurance to Ahaz"), detail God's promise that the conspiracy against Judah would not stand.

**Why does the verse refer to "Ephraim" and "Samaria" separately?**

Answer: In this context, "Ephraim" refers to the Northern Kingdom of Israel as a whole, often used because Ephraim was the dominant and most populous tribe within that kingdom. "Samaria" was the capital city of the Northern Kingdom. The phrase "the head of Ephraim is Samaria" therefore means that Samaria is the capital and center of power for the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The subsequent phrase, "and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son," further specifies that the ruler of this capital (and thus the kingdom) is King Pekah, son of Remaliah. This dual reference clearly identifies the political entity and its leader, emphasizing the human, limited nature of the threat Ahaz faced, in contrast to the limitless power of God. The intention is to demystify and diminish the perceived might of Judah's adversaries, as God had already declared their plans would not succeed in [Isaiah 7:7](/isaiah/7-7 "Isaiah 7:7 - The Lord God says, 'It shall not stand!'").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 7:9, with its profound emphasis on faith as the prerequisite for establishment, finds its ultimate and most complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The stability and security that King Ahaz was called to find in trusting God's word are perfectly embodied in Christ, who is the very Word of God made flesh. Where Ahaz failed to believe, leading to Judah's eventual reliance on Assyria and subsequent instability, Jesus perfectly demonstrated unwavering faith in His Father, even unto death on the cross. He is the true "head" (rôʼsh) of a new spiritual Israel, the Church, and in Him, believers find their ultimate establishment. As the cornerstone rejected by the builders but chosen by God, Jesus provides the only sure foundation upon which lives can be built, ensuring that those who hear His words and put them into practice are like the wise builder whose house stands firm against the storms of life ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). Our "establishment" is not merely a temporal security but an eternal one, rooted in our union with Christ through faith. He is the "Amen" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Jesus, the Amen, the faithful and true witness")), the faithful and true witness, in whom all of God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Therefore, to "believe" in Christ is to be "established" in Him, receiving not just temporal peace but eternal life and an unshakeable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - Receiving an unshakeable kingdom")).

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

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Romans 11:20

Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

2 Chronicles 20:20

¶ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

1 John 5:10

¶ He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

Acts 27:25

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Isaiah 8:6

Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son;

Isaiah 8:8

And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach [even] to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.