Isaiah 8:7

KJV

Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, [even] the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore, behold, the Lord {H136} bringeth up {H5927} upon them the waters {H4325} of the river {H5104}, strong {H6099} and many {H7227}, even the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}, and all his glory {H3519}: and he shall come up {H5927} over all his channels {H650}, and go over {H1980} all his banks {H1415}:

Complete Jewish Bible

now Adonai will bring upon them the mighty floodwaters of the [Euphrates] River - that is, the king of Ashur and his power. It will rise above all its channels and overflow all its banks.

Berean Standard Bible

the Lord will surely bring against them the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates— the king of Assyria and all his pomp. It will overflow its channels and overrun its banks.

American Standard Version

now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the River, strong and many, even the king of Assyria and all his glory: and it shall come up over all its channels, and go over all its banks;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 8:7 serves as a stark prophetic declaration from the Lord, announcing the imminent and overwhelming judgment that will be brought upon Judah and Israel. This divine chastisement, personified by the mighty, overflowing waters of a river, is explicitly identified as the formidable Assyrian Empire, which God will sovereignly deploy as an instrument of His wrath due to the people's persistent unbelief and their rejection of His gentle, faithful provision in favor of human alliances. The imagery vividly portrays an unstoppable invasion that will engulf the land, symbolizing the comprehensive nature of the impending devastation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Isaiah's prophecies concerning the Syro-Ephraimite War (Isaiah 7-12). Immediately preceding this, in [Isaiah 8:6](/isaiah/8-6 "Isaiah 8:6 - Rejection of Shiloah's Waters"), the Lord laments that His people have "refused the waters of Shiloah that go softly," a metaphor for God's quiet, faithful presence and His gentle, life-giving provision through the Davidic covenant and the temple. Instead, they "rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son" (the kings of Syria and Israel), indicating their preference for human political maneuvering and reliance on foreign powers rather than trusting in God. The current verse directly follows this rejection, presenting the inevitable consequence: if they reject God's gentle waters, He will bring upon them a devastating flood—the mighty Assyrian army. This is a direct response to King Ahaz's lack of faith, as demonstrated by his refusal of God's sign of [Immanuel in Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy is set during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah (c. 735-715 BC), a period of intense geopolitical turmoil. The Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Syria (Aram) had formed an alliance to pressure Judah into joining their coalition against the rising power of Assyria. When Ahaz refused, they launched an invasion, threatening Jerusalem. Instead of trusting God for deliverance, Ahaz contemplated seeking aid from the very empire that would eventually devastate the region: Assyria. The imagery of a "river, strong and many" would have resonated powerfully with the ancient Near Eastern audience, as the great empires of Mesopotamia (like Assyria) were centered around the mighty Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which were known for their overwhelming floods that could bring both life-giving fertility and destructive inundation. The "king of Assyria" refers to Tiglath-Pileser III, whose imperial ambitions were rapidly expanding westward, posing an existential threat to smaller nations like Judah.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes woven through this verse include **Divine Judgment** as a direct consequence of disobedience and unbelief. God is not a passive observer but actively orchestrates events, even using pagan nations as instruments of His will. This is powerfully articulated elsewhere, such as when God refers to Assyria as "the rod of my anger" in [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria, God's Rod of Anger"). Another key theme is the **Consequences of Unbelief**, where the rejection of God's gentle, sufficient provision (the "waters of Shiloah" in [Isaiah 8:6](/isaiah/8-6 "Isaiah 8:6 - Rejection of Shiloah's Waters")) leads directly to the experience of His severe judgment, manifesting as an overwhelming and destructive force. The **Sovereignty of God** is paramount, demonstrating that even the most powerful human empires operate under His ultimate control. Finally, the imagery of the overflowing river highlights the **Overwhelming Power** of the impending invasion, signaling its comprehensive and unstoppable nature, leaving no part of the land untouched.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây'_):** H136. This is an emphatic form of the Hebrew word for "lord" or "master," used here as a proper name for God. Its presence underscores the divine authority and sovereignty behind the impending judgment. It is not merely a natural disaster or a geopolitical event, but a direct act initiated and overseen by the sovereign God of Israel.
* **river (Hebrew, _nâhâr'_):** H5104. This term refers to a large stream or river, often specifically referencing the great rivers of Mesopotamia like the Euphrates. Figuratively, it denotes prosperity, but here it is used as a powerful metaphor for an invading army. The choice of "river" evokes images of immense, uncontrollable power and vastness, perfectly symbolizing the overwhelming scale of the Assyrian military machine.
* **Assyria (Hebrew, _ʼAshshûwr'_):** H804. This is the direct identification of the "river" and its "waters." Assyria was a dominant empire in the ancient Near East, known for its brutal military campaigns and effective siege warfare. Its explicit mention confirms that the metaphorical language refers to a concrete historical power, directly linking divine prophecy to geopolitical reality.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** H3519. Literally meaning "weight," this word figuratively denotes splendor, honor, or copiousness. When applied to the king of Assyria, "all his glory" refers to the full might, pomp, wealth, and military strength of the empire. It emphasizes the vastness and impressive nature of the Assyrian forces, highlighting the overwhelming odds against Judah and the sheer scale of the judgment God is bringing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and the nature of the impending judgment. "Now therefore" links it directly to the preceding context of Judah's unbelief. "Behold" serves as an emphatic call to attention. The "Lord" (Adonai) is the active agent, sovereignly initiating this event. The "waters of the river, strong and many" is the central metaphor, portraying an irresistible, numerous, and powerful force, clearly foreshadowing an invading army.
* **"even the king of Assyria, and all his glory":** This clause provides the explicit interpretation of the metaphor. The "waters of the river" are unequivocally identified as "the king of Assyria," representing the entire empire and its military might. "All his glory" underscores the full extent of Assyria's power, wealth, and military prowess, emphasizing that this is not a minor skirmish but a full-scale, overwhelming invasion.
* **"and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks":** This final clause vividly describes the comprehensive and unstoppable nature of the invasion. The imagery of a river overflowing its "channels" (its normal course or tributaries) and "banks" signifies that the Assyrian invasion will not be contained. It will spread throughout the land, leaving no area untouched, symbolizing total inundation and devastation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 8:7 is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the "waters of the river, strong and many" serve as a potent symbol for the invading Assyrian army. This metaphor is then explicitly interpreted within the verse itself, a technique known as **Interpretive Metaphor**, ensuring the audience understands the precise meaning of the imagery. The river is also imbued with human action, as it "comes up" and "goes over," which is a subtle form of **Personification**, lending a sense of active, deliberate movement to the destructive force. The description of the waters as "strong and many" and their overflowing "all his channels, and go over all his banks" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the overwhelming, unstoppable, and comprehensive nature of the impending invasion. This imagery also functions as **Symbolism**, where the mighty, uncontrollable river represents not just the Assyrian army, but also the irresistible force of divine judgment unleashed upon a rebellious people. The use of **Parallelism** in "come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks" reinforces the idea of total inundation and emphasizes the inescapable reach of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 8:7 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over nations and history. It reveals that even pagan empires, driven by their own ambitions, are ultimately instruments in the divine hand, fulfilling God's purposes of judgment and discipline. This challenges any notion of a passive deity, asserting instead a God who actively intervenes in human affairs to uphold His righteousness and bring His people to repentance. The verse serves as a stark reminder that rejecting God's gentle and sufficient provision inevitably leads to more severe forms of His discipline. It underscores the principle that human reliance on worldly power structures, rather than divine trust, often backfires, bringing about the very destruction one sought to avoid.

* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Assyria, the Rod of God's Anger") - God explicitly calls Assyria "the rod of my anger" and states He sends them against a "hypocritical nation" to plunder and tread them down.
* [Habakkuk 1:5-7](/habakkuk/1-5 "God Raises Up the Chaldeans") - God declares He is raising up the "Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation," as an instrument of judgment against Judah, demonstrating His use of foreign powers.
* [Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Foreign Nation as Judgment") - Foretells that if Israel disobeys, the Lord will bring a nation from afar, swift as an eagle, whose language they do not understand, to besiege them.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 8:7 stands as a timeless warning to all who would place their trust in human strength, political alliances, or worldly solutions rather than in the living God. For Judah, rejecting the "waters of Shiloah" (God's gentle, faithful provision) led directly to the overwhelming "waters of the river" (Assyrian invasion). This teaches us that when we spurn God's quiet guidance and abundant grace, we often invite greater, more turbulent forces into our lives. It compels us to examine where our ultimate security lies. Do we lean on our own understanding, our financial stability, our political affiliations, or our social standing? Or do we, like the psalmist, find our refuge and strength in God, a very present help in trouble? This verse reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that appear chaotic or destructive. He uses all things, even the rise and fall of empires, to accomplish His divine purposes, whether to discipline His people, demonstrate His justice, or call them to repentance. Therefore, our proper response is not fear of worldly powers, but humble submission and unwavering faith in the One who holds all power in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on human strength or worldly solutions instead of trusting God's gentle provision?**
* **How do I respond when God's "gentle waters" (His quiet guidance, subtle provisions) are present but perhaps not as dramatic as I desire?**
* **Can I discern God's sovereign hand at work even in difficult or seemingly destructive global events today?**
* **What specific steps can I take to deepen my trust in God and lessen my dependence on worldly securities?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "waters of the river" imagery in this verse?**

Answer: The "waters of the river, strong and many" serve as a powerful metaphor for an overwhelming invading army. In the ancient Near East, great rivers like the Euphrates and Tigris (which flowed through Assyria's heartland) were known for their immense power and destructive floods when they overflowed their banks. This imagery would have immediately conveyed to the original audience the idea of an unstoppable, numerous, and devastating force. The metaphor is explicitly identified in the latter part of the verse as "the king of Assyria, and all his glory," making it clear that the river represents the formidable Assyrian Empire and its military might. It symbolizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment God is bringing upon Judah and Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 8:7 speaks of a historical judgment through the Assyrian flood, its deeper theological currents point to the ultimate judgment and deliverance found in Christ. The "waters of the river, strong and many," representing God's judgment, foreshadow the ultimate divine wrath against sin, which was fully poured out not on humanity, but on Jesus Christ at the cross. He became the recipient of the "flood" of divine justice, taking upon Himself the overwhelming consequences of humanity's sin and unbelief. Just as Judah rejected the "waters of Shiloah" (God's gentle provision), humanity continually rejects God's gracious offer of life. However, unlike the earthly flood of Assyria, Christ's sacrifice provides a way to escape the eternal flood of judgment. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), diverting the wrath we deserved. Through His death and resurrection, those who trust in Him are not overwhelmed by judgment but are instead brought into a new covenant of grace, where the "living water" of the Holy Spirit flows freely, as promised in [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water"). Thus, the terrifying flood of judgment in Isaiah finds its ultimate resolution and reversal in the life-giving stream of salvation offered through Christ, who conquered the power of sin and death, providing an eternal refuge from the storms of divine wrath, as described in [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus").

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

Isaiah 17:12

¶ Woe to the multitude of many people, [which] make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, [that] make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!

Isaiah 17:13

The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but [God] shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

Amos 9:5

And the Lord GOD of hosts [is] he that toucheth the land, and it shall melt, and all that dwell therein shall mourn: and it shall rise up wholly like a flood; and shall be drowned, as [by] the flood of Egypt.

Isaiah 7:17

¶ The LORD shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father's house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah; [even] the king of Assyria.

Isaiah 7:20

In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, [namely], by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.

Amos 8:8

Shall not the land tremble for this, and every one mourn that dwelleth therein? and it shall rise up wholly as a flood; and it shall be cast out and drowned, as [by] the flood of Egypt.

Genesis 6:17

And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein [is] the breath of life, from under heaven; [and] every thing that [is] in the earth shall die.