Isaiah 8:12

KJV

Say ye not, A confederacy, to all [them to] whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

KJV (with Strong's)

Say {H559} ye not, A confederacy {H7195}, to all them to whom this people {H5971} shall say {H559}, A confederacy {H7195}; neither fear {H3372} ye their fear {H4172}, nor be afraid {H6206}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Don't regard as alliance what this people calls alliance, and don't fear what they fear or be awestruck by it;

Berean Standard Bible

“Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracy. Do not fear what they fear; do not live in dread.

American Standard Version

Say ye not, A conspiracy, concerning all whereof this people shall say, A conspiracy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be in dread thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 8:12 delivers a profound divine command to the people of Judah, instructing them not to succumb to the prevalent fear and human alliances during a period of intense national crisis. Through the prophet Isaiah, God warns against adopting the panic or participating in the political scheming of those around them, specifically concerning perceived threats or conspiracies. This verse serves as a crucial call to faith, urging God's people to distinguish their trust in divine sovereignty from the worldly anxieties and strategies of their contemporaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a larger prophetic section (Isaiah 7-8) that emphasizes trust in the Lord amidst national turmoil. It directly follows God's instruction to Isaiah in [Isaiah 8:11](/isaiah/8-11 "Isaiah 8:11 - The Lord's Strong Hand"), where the prophet is warned not to "walk in the way of this people," implying a distinct path of faith. The command in [Isaiah 8:12](/isaiah/8-12 "Isaiah 8:12 - Do Not Fear Their Fear") then logically and powerfully sets the stage for the pivotal declaration in [Isaiah 8:13](/isaiah/8-13 "Isaiah 8:13 - Fear the Lord Alone"), which explicitly states, "Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread." This immediate juxtaposition highlights the central contrast between fearing God and fearing man or worldly circumstances. The repetition of the warning underscores the pervasive nature of the fear that gripped the nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 8:12 is situated during the tumultuous Syro-Ephraimite War, circa 735-734 BC. At this time, King Ahaz of Judah faced immense pressure from a coalition of Aram (Syria) and Israel (Ephraim), who sought to depose him and force Judah into an anti-Assyrian alliance. Instead of placing his trust in the Lord for deliverance, King Ahaz chose to appeal to the powerful Assyrian Empire for military aid, a decision that would ultimately lead to Judah's subjugation and the loss of its independence. The "confederacy" mentioned in the text refers to the various political alliances and conspiracies that were forming in the region, both against Judah and those Judah was tempted to join. The "fear" was a palpable national anxiety driven by the perceived overwhelming power of these human coalitions.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 8:12](/isaiah/8-12 "Isaiah 8:12 - Do Not Fear Their Fear") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. A primary theme is **Trust vs. Fear**, where the verse presents a stark choice between relying on God's omnipotence and succumbing to human anxieties and worldly solutions. It underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting that God's ultimate control extends over all nations and their political machinations, rendering human conspiracies ultimately impotent against His will. The verse also emphasizes **Non-Conformity to Worldly Mindsets**, calling God's people to maintain a distinct identity and not adopt the anxieties, strategies, or fears prevalent in the surrounding ungodly world or even within fearful segments of their own society. Implicitly, and explicitly in the subsequent verse, it points to **God as the True Source of Security**, redirecting the people's focus from earthly threats to the Lord of Hosts as the sole reliable refuge, a truth echoed in [Psalm 118:6](/psalm/118-6 "Psalm 118:6 - The Lord is on My Side").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** H559, a primitive root meaning "to say," but used with great latitude to include commanding, declaring, or even thinking. In this context, it functions as a divine prohibition, a direct command from God through Isaiah, instructing the people not to utter or even entertain the idea of a "confederacy" in the same fearful way others do. It implies a rejection of the prevailing narrative and a refusal to align one's speech or thought with the world's panic.
* **Confederacy (Hebrew, _qesher'_):** H7195, derived from a root meaning "to bind" or "to tie," referring to an (unlawful) alliance, conspiracy, or treason. Here, it denotes a secret agreement or hostile combination, specifically the political plots and alliances that were causing widespread fear in Judah. The repetition of this word highlights the pervasive nature of such human-orchestrated schemes and the temptation to either join them or be paralyzed by them.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** H3372, a primitive root meaning "to fear," but also "to revere." In this context, it refers to the dread or terror that grips people in the face of perceived threats. The command "neither fear ye their fear" uses this root, emphasizing a rejection of the specific kind of worldly, debilitating fear that leads to panic and distrust in God. This contrasts sharply with the "fear" (reverence) of the Lord called for in [Isaiah 8:13](/isaiah/8-13 "Isaiah 8:13 - Fear the Lord Alone").
* **Fear (Hebrew, _môwrâʼ'_):** H4172, derived from _yârêʼ_, meaning "fear" or, by implication, a "fearful thing or deed," "dread," or "terribleness." This noun form reinforces the intensity of the emotion being prohibited. It's not just the act of fearing, but the very *object* or *essence* of their fear that the people are commanded to reject.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Say ye not, A confederacy, to all [them to] whom this people shall say, A confederacy":** This opening clause is a divine injunction against adopting the language and mindset of fear-driven alliances. The repetition of "confederacy" (Hebrew: _qesher_) underscores the pervasive nature of such political plotting and the widespread panic it caused. God forbids His people from echoing the anxieties of those who put their trust in human schemes or are terrified by them. It's a call to linguistic and ideological distinctiveness, refusing to validate or participate in the world's fearful narratives.
* **"neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid."**: This second clause directly addresses the emotional and psychological response to the crisis. "Fear ye their fear" is a powerful idiom, urging the people not to internalize or be gripped by the specific kind of panic and terror that characterizes those who lack faith in God's sovereign control. The final phrase, "nor be afraid," serves as a forceful reinforcement, a comprehensive prohibition against succumbing to any form of dread or intimidation that stems from human threats rather than reverence for the Almighty.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 8:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Repetition** is prominently used with the word "confederacy" and the concept of "fear," which amplifies the pervasive nature of both the worldly alliances and the widespread panic they induce. This repetition underscores the divine insistence that Judah must not conform to this fearful mindset. **Parallelism** is evident in the phrasing "neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid," where the second part reinforces and expands upon the first, creating a strong, emphatic prohibition against succumbing to worldly dread. The verse is also characterized by an **Imperative Mood**, as indicated by commands like "Say ye not" and "neither fear ye," which convey the direct and authoritative nature of God's instruction to His people. This direct address emphasizes the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the divine call to trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 8:12 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical emphasis on divine sovereignty and the call for God's people to live by faith, not by sight. It reveals a God who is not only aware of human political machinations and fears but actively commands His people to transcend them by fixing their gaze upon Him. The "confederacy" of man, no matter how formidable, is ultimately subject to the Lord of Hosts. This verse serves as a foundational text for understanding that true security and peace are found not in human alliances or strategies, but in exclusive trust in God's protection and provision. It anticipates the New Testament call to cast all anxieties upon God, knowing He cares for us.

* [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man")
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast Your Anxieties on Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by political polarization, economic anxieties, and societal unrest, Isaiah 8:12 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to cultivate a distinct spiritual posture, refusing to be swept away by the prevailing currents of fear, conspiracy theories, or human-centric solutions. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies: in the shifting sands of human power and alliances, or in the unshakeable sovereignty of God. To "not fear their fear" means actively choosing to filter all news, threats, and uncertainties through the lens of God's unchanging character and promises. It is a call to courageous faith, demonstrating that our peace is not contingent on external circumstances but on an internal reliance on the Lord, who holds all things in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "confederacies" or sources of fear in my contemporary world am I tempted to "say" or internalize?**
* **How does my response to global or national crises reflect a fear of man rather than a reverence for God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to consciously "not fear their fear" and instead cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty?**
* **In what ways does my speech or social media engagement align with the "fear of this people" rather than the distinct voice of faith?**

### FAQ
**What was the "confederacy" that the people of Judah were warned against?**

Answer: The "confederacy" (Hebrew: _qesher_) primarily refers to the political and military alliance formed by Aram (Syria) and Israel (Ephraim) against Judah during the Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 735-734 BC). These northern kingdoms sought to force King Ahaz of Judah into an anti-Assyrian coalition. However, the term also broadly encompasses any human-orchestrated plots, alliances, or conspiracies that generate fear and distract from trust in God. The warning is not just about this specific historical alliance but about the general tendency of people to rely on human power structures or be terrified by them, rather than on divine providence.

**Why shouldn't the people of Judah "fear their fear" or "be afraid"?**

Answer: The command not to "fear their fear" is a profound theological statement. It prohibits Judah from adopting the specific kind of debilitating panic and terror that characterized those who did not trust in God's sovereignty. The reason for this prohibition is rooted in God's ultimate authority and power. Fearing human threats or alliances implies a lack of faith in God's ability to protect and provide. The very next verse, [Isaiah 8:13](/isaiah/8-13 "Isaiah 8:13 - Fear the Lord Alone"), clarifies the alternative: the people are to "Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread." This means their ultimate reverence, awe, and even fear (in the sense of holy respect) should be directed only towards God, not towards any earthly power or threat.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 8:12, with its command to reject worldly fear and human alliances, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Isaiah called Israel to fear the Lord instead of man, Jesus perfectly embodied this principle, living a life utterly dependent on the Father and unafraid of any earthly power or conspiracy. He taught His disciples not to be anxious about life, saying, "[Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own](/matthew/6-34 "Matthew 6:34 - Do Not Worry About Tomorrow")," and "[Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God Alone")". Jesus's life, from His humble birth to His triumphant resurrection, was a direct challenge to the "confederacies" and fears of the world. He disarmed the spiritual "principalities and powers" through His cross, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Disarming the Powers")). Through His victory, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live free from the bondage of fear, knowing that "[God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind](/2_timothy/1-7 "2 Timothy 1:7 - Spirit of Power, Love, and Sound Mind")". In Christ, the call to "not fear their fear" becomes not merely a command, but a Spirit-empowered reality, as we find our ultimate security and peace in the Prince of Peace Himself ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Peace I Leave with You")).

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

1 Peter 3:14

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Luke 21:9

But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end [is] not by and by.

Psalms 53:5

There were they in great fear, [where] no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth [against] thee: thou hast put [them] to shame, because God hath despised them.

Isaiah 51:12

I, [even] I, [am] he that comforteth you: who [art] thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man [that] shall die, and of the son of man [which] shall be made [as] grass;

Isaiah 51:13

And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where [is] the fury of the oppressor?

Isaiah 30:1

¶ Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: