Isaiah 8:10

KJV

Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God [is] with us.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take {H5779} counsel {H6098} together {H5779}, and it shall come to nought {H6565}; speak {H1696} the word {H1697}, and it shall not stand {H6965}: for God {H410} is with us.

Complete Jewish Bible

devise a plan, but it will come to nothing; say anything you like, but it won't happen; because God is with us [Hebrew: 'immanu El].

Berean Standard Bible

Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.”

American Standard Version

Take counsel together, and it shall be brought to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 8:10 serves as a profound declaration of divine sovereignty and an unwavering promise of God's protective presence amidst human opposition. Set against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil and the schemes of hostile nations, this verse asserts that any counsel or word spoken against the Lord's purposes will ultimately be rendered futile and fail to stand, because the Almighty God is actively present with His people. It is a powerful affirmation of God's ultimate control over all earthly affairs, offering deep reassurance to those who trust in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 8:10 is strategically placed within the larger prophetic narrative concerning the Syro-Ephraimite War (Isaiah 7-9). Following the prophecy of Immanuel in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Immanuel Prophecy"), and the subsequent warnings about the impending Assyrian invasion (Isaiah 8:1-8), this verse acts as a divine counter-declaration. It directly challenges the plans of Judah's enemies, particularly the alliance of Syria and northern Israel (Ephraim), who sought to depose King Ahaz and install a puppet ruler. The preceding verses in [Isaiah 8](/isaiah/8 "Isaiah 8 - Prophecies of Invasion and Immanuel") describe the "waters of the River" (Assyria) overflowing and sweeping through the land, yet even within this imagery of overwhelming destruction, God's protective presence is affirmed for those who fear Him (Isaiah 8:9, 11-15). Verse 10, therefore, functions as a powerful summary of God's ultimate authority over all human machinations, serving as a bulwark of hope amidst the described chaos.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the late 8th century BCE, during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah. Judah was caught between the aggressive expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire to the north and the immediate threat posed by the Syro-Ephraimite coalition. Kings Rezin of Aram (Syria) and Pekah of Israel formed an alliance to pressure Judah into joining their anti-Assyrian front. When Ahaz refused, they launched an invasion with the intent of replacing him with a more pliable king (likely "the son of Tabeel," as mentioned in [Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - The Syro-Ephraimite Plan")). Culturally, the ancient Near East was characterized by shifting alliances, military might, and the belief that national gods fought on behalf of their people. In this context, Isaiah's message was radical: Judah's security did not lie in political maneuvering or military strength, nor in alliances with powerful nations like Assyria, but solely in trusting in the Lord, the true God who was "with us."
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Isaiah 8:10 is the **Divine Sovereignty** of Yahweh. It emphatically declares that no human counsel or plan, however formidable, can thwart God's ultimate will. This underscores the futility of human opposition when it stands against the Almighty. Closely intertwined is the theme of **God's Unwavering Presence (Immanuel)**. The concluding phrase, "for God is with us," directly echoes and reinforces the prophetic name "Immanuel" from [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Immanuel Prophecy"). This is not merely a passive presence but an active, intervening, and protective one, assuring Judah that they are not abandoned. Finally, the verse implicitly calls for **Trust and Faith** in God. In a time of immense fear and pressure to rely on human alliances, Isaiah's message challenges Judah to abandon their reliance on worldly power and instead place their complete confidence in the Lord's ability to defend and deliver them, a theme consistent throughout [Isaiah's prophecies](/isaiah/30 "Isaiah 30 - Warning Against Alliance with Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Take counsel (Hebrew, _ʻûwts'_):** This primitive root (H5779) signifies "to consult" or "to take advice." In Isaiah 8:10, it refers to the deliberate, calculated plans and strategies devised by Judah's enemies. The repetition of the root (though only one Strong's number is provided for "take counsel together") emphasizes the concerted effort and collaborative nature of their plotting. Despite their careful deliberation, the prophet declares that their counsel will ultimately fail.
* **come to nought (Hebrew, _pârar'_):** Derived from a primitive root (H6565), this word means "to break up," "to violate," or "to frustrate." It conveys the idea of something being made ineffective, dissolved, or brought to nothing. Here, it powerfully describes the complete and utter failure of the enemies' plans. Their carefully constructed schemes will be dismantled and rendered void by divine intervention.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** This term (H410), a shortened form of a word meaning "strength" or "might," refers to the Almighty. While it can be used for any deity, in this context, it specifically denotes Yahweh, the God of Israel. Its inclusion here emphasizes the divine power and authority that stands in opposition to and ultimately nullifies the plans of human adversaries. It is the very nature and power of this God that guarantees the futility of human counsel against Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought":** This opening clause addresses the collective plotting and strategic planning of Judah's enemies. The phrase "take counsel together" highlights their deliberate and unified efforts to devise a scheme against God's people. The immediate declaration "it shall come to nought" serves as a divine verdict, asserting that despite their best efforts, their plans will be utterly frustrated, dissolved, and rendered ineffective.
* **"speak the word, and it shall not stand":** This second parallel clause reinforces the first, extending the futility from their internal deliberations ("counsel") to their external declarations and decrees ("word"). Whatever they pronounce or command, whatever their stated intentions or threats, will lack the power or stability to endure. It "shall not stand," meaning it will not be established, upheld, or succeed in its purpose.
* **"for God is with us":** This concluding phrase provides the definitive reason and theological foundation for the preceding declarations of futility. The Hebrew "Immanu El" (עִמָּנוּ אֵל) is a powerful affirmation of God's active, protective, and sovereign presence with His people. It is not merely a statement of proximity but of divine alliance and intervention. Because the Almighty God is on the side of Judah, no human opposition can ultimately prevail against His will or His people.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 8:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two initial clauses: "Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the central idea that both the secret plotting and the open declarations of the enemies are equally doomed to failure. The repetition emphasizes the certainty of their defeat. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present; the enemies believe their counsel and words hold power, but the prophet reveals their utter impotence when confronted by God's will. The phrase "God is with us" functions as a powerful **Antithesis** to the enemies' plans, presenting God's unwavering presence as the ultimate counterforce to all human opposition. Furthermore, the verse serves as a **Chiasm** in its broader context with the Immanuel prophecy, where the "God with us" theme frames the divine intervention and promises of protection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 8:10 is a foundational statement on divine sovereignty, asserting that God's will is ultimately unthwartable by human machinations. It underscores the biblical truth that while humans may plot and scheme, the Lord's purposes will always prevail. This verse provides immense comfort, reminding believers that even in the face of overwhelming opposition or seemingly insurmountable challenges, God remains actively present and in control, rendering futile any plan that opposes His divine agenda. It calls for a profound trust in God's power and faithfulness, rather than succumbing to fear or relying on human strength or political alliances. The declaration "God is with us" is the bedrock of this assurance, a promise that resonates throughout salvation history.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Plans, One Purpose")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by political intrigue, economic instability, and various forms of opposition to God's kingdom, Isaiah 8:10 remains a timeless anchor for the soul. It calls us to shift our gaze from the apparent power of human systems and the anxieties they generate, to the unshakeable sovereignty of God. When we face personal attacks, professional challenges, or societal pressures that seem overwhelming, this verse reminds us that no counsel, no word, no scheme devised against God's will for our lives or for His church can ultimately stand. Our peace and security are not found in the absence of threats, but in the unwavering presence of the Almighty God who is "with us." This truth empowers us to live courageously, speak truth boldly, and walk in faith, knowing that our ultimate victory is secured not by our strength, but by His.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "counsels" or "words" in your life or in the world today seem to oppose God's will, and how does this verse reframe your perspective on them?**
* **How does the promise "God is with us" impact your sense of peace and security in times of personal or collective uncertainty?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to rely on human strategies or alliances rather than trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty, and how can you cultivate deeper reliance on Him?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "God is with us" in Isaiah 8:10?**

Answer: The phrase "God is with us" (Hebrew: *Immanu El*) is the theological bedrock of Isaiah 8:10. It is a direct echo of the prophetic name "Immanuel" given in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Prophecy of Immanuel"), signifying God's active, protective, and covenantal presence with His people. It's not merely a statement of God's proximity, but an assurance that He is actively on their side, intervening on their behalf, and ensuring that no human plan or power can ultimately thwart His purposes or harm those He protects. This divine presence is the ultimate guarantee of the futility of all opposition.

**How does Isaiah 8:10 relate to the broader theme of divine sovereignty in the Bible?**

Answer: Isaiah 8:10 is a powerful testament to the biblical theme of divine sovereignty, which asserts that God is the supreme ruler of the universe, with absolute control over all creation and events. This verse specifically highlights God's sovereignty over human plans and political schemes. It declares that even the most carefully devised and forcefully spoken human intentions are powerless if they run contrary to God's will. This theme is consistently found throughout Scripture, from the Lord's control over the nations in [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever") to His overarching purpose prevailing over human plans in [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Plans, But God's Purpose"). It assures believers that God's ultimate plan for redemption and justice will always come to fruition, regardless of earthly opposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 8:10, with its powerful declaration "for God is with us," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The prophetic name "Immanuel," meaning "God with us," first given in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Prophecy of Immanuel"), is directly applied to Jesus in the New Testament. [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus is Immanuel") explicitly states, "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)." Jesus is the physical embodiment of God's active, saving presence among humanity. Through His incarnation, God did not merely stand by, but entered into human history, taking on flesh to dwell among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His life, sacrificial death, and resurrection demonstrate that no counsel of evil, no power of sin or death, and no scheme of humanity could ultimately thwart God's plan of redemption. Just as the counsel of Judah's enemies came to nought, so too did the powers of darkness fail to hold Christ in the grave. Through Christ, the promise "God is with us" is not just a historical assurance for Israel, but a living reality for all believers, securing their hope and guaranteeing the triumph of God's kingdom over all opposing forces ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). He is the true Immanuel, forever with His people ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")).

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

Lamentations 3:37

¶ Who [is] he [that] saith, and it cometh to pass, [when] the Lord commandeth [it] not?

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Job 5:12

He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform [their] enterprise.

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Psalms 46:11

The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.

2 Samuel 15:31

¶ And [one] told David, saying, Ahithophel [is] among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

Isaiah 7:5

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