Isaiah 9:9

And all the people shall know, [even] Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,

And all the people {H5971} shall know {H3045}, even Ephraim {H669} and the inhabitant {H3427} of Samaria {H8111}, that say {H559} in the pride {H1346} and stoutness {H1433} of heart {H3824},

All the people know it, Efrayim and the inhabitants of Shomron. But they say in pride, in the arrogance of their hearts,

All the people will know it— Ephraim and the dwellers of Samaria. With pride and arrogance of heart they will say:

And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in pride and in stoutness of heart,

Isaiah 9:9 delivers a stern message of divine judgment specifically directed at the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim (its dominant tribe) and its capital, Samaria.

Context of Isaiah 9:9

This verse is part of a larger prophetic oracle (Isaiah 9:8-21) detailing God's impending judgment upon Israel for their persistent rebellion and spiritual apostasy. Despite earlier promises of a coming Messiah and light in the darkness (as seen in Isaiah 9:2), the nation's stubborn refusal to repent leads to severe consequences. The repeated phrase, "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still," which appears throughout this section, underscores the relentless nature of their sin and God's unwavering justice. This verse specifically targets the Northern Kingdom for its arrogance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Knowledge and Judgment: The phrase "And all the people shall know" indicates that God's judgment will serve as a clear revelation of His power and justice, leaving no doubt about the source of their affliction. This knowing comes through experiencing the consequences of their actions.
  • Pride and Arrogance: The core sin highlighted is their "pride and stoutness of heart." This wasn't merely a lack of understanding, but a deliberate haughtiness and defiance against God's warnings and commandments. Their self-sufficiency and refusal to acknowledge their dependence on God led to their downfall.
  • Stubborn Disobedience: "Stoutness of heart" describes a hardened, unyielding disposition, a stubborn refusal to submit to God's will. This spiritual arrogance meant they would not humble themselves, even in the face of impending disaster.
  • Consequences of Unrepentance: The verse sets the stage for the severe punishments that would befall Ephraim and Samaria, ultimately leading to their defeat and exile by the Assyrians. It illustrates that God's patience has limits when faced with persistent, unrepentant sin.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "pride and stoutness of heart" captures the essence of the Hebrew original. "Pride" (גֵּאָה, ge'ah) denotes arrogance and haughtiness, often seen as an affront to God. "Stoutness of heart" (גֹּדֶל לֵבָב, godel levav) literally means "greatness of heart," but in this context, it signifies an inflated, unyielding, and defiant spirit. It's not about courage, but about a stubborn self-will that resists divine authority. This internal disposition is what leads to their downfall, as they refuse to acknowledge God's sovereignty or their own sinfulness.

Practical Application

While directed at ancient Israel, Isaiah 9:9 offers timeless lessons for all. It serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of pride and spiritual stubbornness. When individuals or nations operate under the illusion of self-sufficiency, refusing to acknowledge God's authority or to repent of wrongdoing, they invite divine discipline. This verse reminds us of the importance of humility, a teachable spirit, and a willingness to heed God's voice, whether through His Word or through the circumstances of life. True wisdom begins with acknowledging God, not with an arrogant heart that defies Him. As Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 46:12

    Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that [are] far from righteousness:

  • 1 Kings 22:25

    And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.

  • Malachi 3:13

    ¶ Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken [so much] against thee?

  • Ezekiel 30:19

    Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Isaiah 26:11

    LORD, [when] thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: [but] they shall see, and be ashamed for [their] envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.

  • Ezekiel 7:27

    The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Job 21:19

    God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know [it].

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