Isaiah 9:21

KJV

Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: [and] they together [shall be] against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

KJV (with Strong's)

Manasseh {H4519}, Ephraim {H669}; and Ephraim {H669}, Manasseh {H4519}: and they together {H3162} shall be against Judah {H3063}. For all this his anger {H639} is not turned away {H7725}, but his hand {H3027} is stretched out still {H5186}.

Complete Jewish Bible

M'nasheh devours Efrayim; and Efrayim, M'nasheh; while together they oppose Y'hudah. Even after all this, his anger remains, his upraised hand still threatens.

Berean Standard Bible

Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; together they turn against Judah. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.

American Standard Version

Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh; and they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 9:21 concludes a profound prophetic indictment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel, specifically highlighting the persistent internal strife between the dominant tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, even as they unite in hostility against their Southern brethren, Judah. This verse serves as a stark testament to Israel's deep-seated rebellion and unrepentance, culminating in the somber refrain that despite the escalating judgments God has already sent, His divine anger remains unappeased, and His hand is still poised for further, more severe judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 9:21 is the concluding verse of a significant prophetic oracle spanning [Isaiah 9:8-10:4](/isaiah/9-8 "Isaiah 9:8-10:4 - God's Judgment on Unrepentant Israel"), which details God's escalating judgment upon the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) for their unrepentant sin. This section is characterized by a recurring refrain, "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still," appearing in [Isaiah 9:12](/isaiah/9-12 "Isaiah 9:12 - The First Recurrence of God's Unwavering Anger"), [Isaiah 9:17](/isaiah/9-17 "Isaiah 9:17 - The Second Recurrence of God's Persistent Wrath"), and [Isaiah 10:4](/isaiah/10-4 "Isaiah 10:4 - The Final Recurrence of God's Unrelenting Judgment"). Each recurrence follows a description of a specific form of divine chastisement—from external enemies to internal strife and corrupt leadership—underscoring the nation's stubborn refusal to return to the Lord despite repeated warnings and afflictions. The verse immediately preceding it ([Isaiah 9:20](/isaiah/9-20 "Isaiah 9:20 - Internal Strife and Self-Consumption")) describes a people so consumed by their own wickedness that they devour each other, setting the stage for the ultimate declaration of God's continued wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, primarily in the 8th century BCE. The Northern Kingdom, often referred to as Ephraim or Samaria, was characterized by political instability, idolatry, social injustice, and a succession of weak or wicked kings. They had long since separated from the Southern Kingdom of Judah following the [schism of the united monarchy](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom") after Solomon's reign. This division fostered deep-seated animosity and frequent conflict between the two kingdoms. At the time of Isaiah's prophecy, the Assyrian Empire was a rising superpower, posing an existential threat to both Israel and Judah. Despite the impending external danger, Israel remained internally divided and spiritually unfaithful, failing to heed God's calls to repentance through His prophets. The internal strife between Manasseh and Ephraim, two dominant tribes within the Northern Kingdom, reflects the broader political fragmentation and moral decay that plagued the nation, making them vulnerable to both internal collapse and external conquest.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Isaiah's prophecy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, demonstrating God's unwavering righteousness in responding to persistent sin and rebellion. His "stretched out hand" is not for blessing but for judgment, a clear indication that His holy character demands accountability. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Peril of Unrepentance**, as the repeated judgments fail to turn the people back to God, leading only to further, more severe consequences. This illustrates the hardening of hearts against divine correction. Thirdly, it vividly portrays the theme of **Internal Division and Self-Destruction**, where the very tribes meant to be united as God's people are consumed by infighting, weakening the nation from within and making them susceptible to external forces. Finally, the unity of Manasseh and Ephraim "against Judah" speaks to the deep-seated **Schism and Fratricide** within God's covenant people, a tragic reflection of their spiritual brokenness and rejection of the divine order.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **anger (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** This word literally refers to the nose or nostril, but metaphorically, it signifies the rapid breathing associated with intense emotion, thus denoting "ire" or "wrath." In the context of Isaiah 9:21, it describes God's righteous indignation and holy displeasure against the persistent sin and rebellion of Israel. It is not a capricious human emotion but a just response from a holy God to unrepentant wickedness, signifying a settled and determined resolve to bring consequences.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** While "yâd" can refer to the physical hand, it is frequently used metaphorically to represent power, authority, means, or direction. In this context, God's "hand" signifies His active involvement and sovereign power in executing judgment. It is the instrument of His divine will, extended not in blessing or help, but in a posture of continued discipline and punishment, indicating His direct agency in the unfolding consequences.
* **stretched out (Hebrew, _nâṭâh'_):** This primitive root means "to stretch or spread out," but it also carries implications of bending away or inclining. When applied to God's hand in judgment, it conveys a posture of readiness and persistence. It implies that God's judgment is not a fleeting moment but a continuous, active process, indicating that the divine wrath is not exhausted and will persist until its purpose is fulfilled or repentance occurs. The hand remains poised, ready to deliver further blows.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh":** This phrase vividly depicts intense internal conflict and civil strife within the Northern Kingdom. Manasseh and Ephraim were the two most prominent and powerful tribes descended from Joseph, often representing the entire Northern Kingdom. The chiastic structure (A-B-B-A) emphasizes their mutual antagonism and self-destructive infighting, showing a nation consumed by its own divisions rather than united against common external threats or in worship of God.
* **"and they together shall be against Judah."** Despite their fierce internal rivalries, these northern tribes would find common ground in their hostility towards the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This highlights the deep-seated political and spiritual schism that had existed between the two kingdoms since the division of the monarchy. Even in their state of divine judgment and internal chaos, their animosity towards their brethren in Judah remained, demonstrating a misplaced unity in opposition rather than in covenant faithfulness.
* **"For all this his anger is not turned away,"** This clause, part of the recurring refrain, underscores the profound and persistent unrepentance of Israel. Despite the various forms of judgment and chastisement God had already sent (as described in the preceding verses of the oracle), the nation had not turned back to Him. Consequently, God's righteous indignation, His "anger," remains undiminished and unappeased, indicating that the previous afflictions were insufficient to bring about the desired spiritual transformation.
* **"but his hand is stretched out still."** This powerful concluding statement reiterates the continuation and severity of God's judgment. The "hand stretched out" signifies God's active and unwavering resolve to execute further judgment. It is not a hand of mercy or blessing in this context, but one poised for continued discipline and punishment. This imagery conveys both the seriousness of Israel's sin and the divine determination to bring about justice, implying that more severe consequences are yet to come if repentance does not occur.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 9:21 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of judgment and unrepentance. The most striking is the **chiasm** (or **antimetabole**) in "Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh." This inverted parallelism effectively emphasizes the reciprocal and self-consuming nature of the internal strife within the Northern Kingdom. It visually and audibly reinforces the idea of a nation tearing itself apart. Furthermore, the passage utilizes **personification** when referring to God's "anger" and "hand." While God does not have a physical hand or human emotions, these anthropomorphic descriptions make His divine attributes and actions relatable and impactful, conveying His active involvement and determined wrath against sin. Finally, the entire oracle (Isaiah 9:8-10:4) is structured around a powerful **refrain** or **repetition**: "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still." This recurring phrase acts as a grim chorus, highlighting the persistent unrepentance of Israel and the unwavering, escalating nature of God's judgment. The repetition builds dramatic tension and underscores the inevitability of further divine action in the face of continued rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 9:21 profoundly illustrates the gravity of persistent sin and unrepentance in the face of divine discipline. It reveals a God who, while patient and slow to anger, is also immutably just and holy, unable to tolerate unceasing rebellion. The internal strife within Israel, even uniting them against Judah, underscores the destructive power of sin that not only alienates humanity from God but also fragments human relationships. The "hand stretched out still" is a terrifying image of divine resolve, signifying that God's justice will not be thwarted and that His judgment will continue until its righteous purpose is fulfilled, whether in corrective discipline or ultimate condemnation. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God's character encompasses both boundless love and unwavering righteousness, and His warnings are always given with the intent of eliciting repentance.

* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise of Healing Upon Repentance")
* [Amos 4:6-12](/amos/4-6 "Amos 4:6-12 - God's Repeated Warnings and Unheeded Discipline")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - The Revelation of God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 9:21 serves as a timeless and sobering warning for individuals, communities, and nations today. It powerfully reminds us that internal division, fueled by pride, selfishness, or misplaced loyalties, can be as destructive as any external threat, rendering us vulnerable and ineffective. The specific mention of Manasseh and Ephraim uniting against Judah highlights the tragic reality that sometimes, people will set aside their internal squabbles only to direct their animosity toward those they should be in fellowship with, particularly within the family of faith. More profoundly, the recurring refrain about God's unappeased anger and outstretched hand calls us to take the concept of unrepentant sin with utmost seriousness. It warns against spiritual complacency and the dangerous assumption that God's patience is limitless. When God's warnings, whether through circumstances, conscience, or His Word, are repeatedly ignored, the consequences can escalate. This verse compels us to examine our own hearts and communities for areas of unaddressed sin, internal strife, or a hardening against God's gentle correction, urging us to humble ourselves and turn back to Him before His hand of discipline is stretched out further.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might internal divisions or rivalries within my own community (family, church, workplace) be hindering our collective purpose or witness?**
* **Am I prone to uniting with others in opposition or criticism, rather than seeking reconciliation and constructive engagement?**
* **What "warnings" or "chastisements" might God be sending into my life or our community that we are currently ignoring, leading to a potential escalation of consequences?**
* **How does the concept of God's "hand stretched out still" impact my understanding of His justice and holiness, and how should that shape my response to sin?**

### FAQ

**What does the phrase "Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh" signify?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the intense internal strife and civil conflict within the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Manasseh and Ephraim were the two most powerful and influential tribes, both descended from Joseph. Their constant antagonism and mutual aggression signify a nation consumed by self-destructive infighting, rather than uniting against common external threats or in faithfulness to God. The chiastic structure of the phrase emphasizes the reciprocal nature of their hostility, showing how they were tearing each other apart from within.

**What is the meaning of "his hand is stretched out still" in this context?**

Answer: This recurring refrain throughout [Isaiah 9:8-10:4](/isaiah/9-8 "Isaiah 9:8-10:4 - God's Judgment on Unrepentant Israel") signifies God's unwavering and persistent judgment. It is not a hand extended in blessing or help, but one poised for continued discipline and punishment. It indicates that despite the various forms of chastisement God had already sent (such as famine, plague, or military defeat), the people of Israel had not repented. Therefore, God's righteous anger remains unappeased, and His hand is still actively engaged in bringing further, more severe consequences until His justice is satisfied or true repentance occurs. It underscores the seriousness with which God views unrepentant sin.

**Does this passage imply that God's anger is eternal or unending?**

Answer: While the passage emphasizes God's persistent anger in response to Israel's unrepentance, it does not imply that His anger is eternal in the sense of being without purpose or end. Rather, it highlights the *duration* and *intensity* of His righteous judgment in the face of *persistent* rebellion. God's anger is always just and purposeful, aimed at bringing about repentance or, if that fails, at upholding His holiness through judgment. The Old Testament also clearly shows God's willingness to turn from His anger when His people genuinely repent (e.g., [Jonah 3:10](/jonah/3-10 "Jonah 3:10 - God Relents from Disaster When Nineveh Repents")). However, for the unrepentant, His hand of judgment remains stretched out.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 9:21, with its bleak portrayal of internal strife and unappeased divine wrath, finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The internal divisions of Israel, symbolized by Manasseh and Ephraim, represent humanity's brokenness and alienation, not only from God but also from one another, a condition that the law and prophets could diagnose but not ultimately cure. The recurring "hand stretched out still" underscores God's righteous judgment against sin, a judgment that humanity, in its fallen state, could never escape. However, in Christ, God's hand is stretched out in a new and redemptive way—not for judgment, but for salvation. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full measure of God's wrath on the cross, becoming the propitiation for our sins ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation for Sins")). Through His sacrifice, God's anger *is* turned away from all who believe, and His hand is now extended in grace and mercy, offering reconciliation and peace ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself Through Christ")). Furthermore, Christ, the Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of the Prince of Peace")), breaks down the dividing walls of hostility, uniting Jew and Gentile, and calling His followers to a unity that transcends tribal or national divisions ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace, Breaking Down Walls")). In Him, the cycle of unrepentance and escalating judgment is broken, replaced by the offer of forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life, demonstrating that God's ultimate desire is not wrath but redemption.

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 5:25

Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases [were] torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

Isaiah 9:12

The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

2 Chronicles 28:6

¶ For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, [which were] all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers.

2 Chronicles 28:8

And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.

Galatians 5:15

But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

Isaiah 11:13

The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.

1 Samuel 14:20

And Saul and all the people that [were] with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, [and there was] a very great discomfiture.