Isaiah 7:5
For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted your ruin, saying:
Because Aram
The term "Aram" refers to the ancient region and people known as the Arameans, located in present-day Syria. Historically, Aram was a significant power in the Near East, often in conflict with Israel. The Hebrew root for Aram is "אֲרָם" (Aram), which signifies a highland or elevated region. This highlights the geopolitical tension between Israel and its neighbors, emphasizing the constant threat Israel faced from surrounding nations. The mention of Aram here sets the stage for understanding the external pressures on the Kingdom of Judah.

Ephraim
Ephraim was one of the tribes of Israel, often used to represent the Northern Kingdom of Israel as a whole. The name Ephraim comes from the Hebrew "אֶפְרָיִם" (Ephrayim), meaning "fruitful." This reflects the tribe's significant size and influence. Historically, Ephraim was a leading tribe in the Northern Kingdom, and its alliance with Aram against Judah underscores the internal divisions within the people of God. This internal strife is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, illustrating the consequences of a divided heart and nation.

and the son of Remaliah
This phrase refers to Pekah, the king of Israel, who was the son of Remaliah. The Hebrew "רְמַלְיָהוּ" (Remalyahu) means "Yahweh has adorned," yet Pekah's actions were far from godly. His alliance with Aram against Judah was a political maneuver that disregarded the covenantal relationship with God. This highlights the theme of leadership and the responsibility of rulers to lead in accordance with God's will. Pekah's rebellion against Judah is a cautionary tale of the dangers of forsaking divine guidance for political gain.

have plotted your ruin
The phrase "have plotted your ruin" indicates a deliberate and malicious intent to destroy. The Hebrew root "עָצַר" (atsar) means to bind or restrain, suggesting a conspiracy to incapacitate Judah. This reflects the spiritual warfare that God's people face, where external threats often mirror internal spiritual battles. The plotting against Judah serves as a reminder of the ever-present opposition to God's plans and the need for divine protection and wisdom.

saying
The use of "saying" introduces the direct speech of the conspirators, emphasizing the reality and immediacy of the threat. In the Hebrew text, "אָמַר" (amar) is a common verb for speaking, but it also conveys the power of words to shape reality. This highlights the importance of speech in the biblical narrative, where words can bless or curse, build up or tear down. The conspirators' words reveal their intentions and set the stage for God's response, reminding believers of the power of God's word to counteract human schemes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aram
Also known as Syria, Aram was a kingdom located in modern-day Syria. It was often in conflict with Israel and Judah during the time of the Old Testament.

2. Ephraim
This refers to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often called Ephraim after one of its dominant tribes. It was in alliance with Aram against Judah.

3. The Son of Remaliah
This is a reference to Pekah, the king of Israel (Ephraim) during this time. He was involved in the plot against Judah.

4. Judah
The Southern Kingdom, ruled by the house of David. At this time, King Ahaz was on the throne.

5. The Syro-Ephraimite War
This was a conflict where Aram and Israel (Ephraim) allied to attack Judah, aiming to force it into an anti-Assyrian coalition.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite the threats and plots of powerful enemies, God's plan for His people prevails. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's control over all circumstances.

The Futility of Human Schemes
Human plans that oppose God's will are ultimately doomed to fail. This serves as a reminder to align our plans with God's purposes.

The Importance of Faith Over Fear
King Ahaz faced a formidable alliance, yet God called him to faith rather than fear. In our lives, we are called to respond to challenges with faith in God's promises.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The prophecy given to Ahaz was a reassurance of God's commitment to the Davidic covenant. Believers can find comfort in God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the historical context of the Syro-Ephraimite War enhance our understanding of Isaiah 7:5?

2. In what ways can we see the futility of human schemes against God's plans in our own lives today?

3. How does the message of Isaiah 7:5 encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty when facing personal or communal threats?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our plans align with God's purposes, as seen in the context of Isaiah 7?

5. How can the assurance of God's faithfulness, as demonstrated in Isaiah 7, strengthen our faith in challenging times?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 16
Provides historical context for the Syro-Ephraimite War, detailing the political and military maneuvers of the time.

Isaiah 7:1-9
Offers a broader view of God's message to King Ahaz through Isaiah, emphasizing trust in God over political alliances.

Isaiah 8:4
Predicts the downfall of Aram and Israel, reinforcing the message of God's sovereignty and the futility of their plans against Judah.

Psalm 2:1-4
Reflects on the futility of nations plotting against God's anointed, echoing the theme of divine sovereignty over human schemes.
Ahaz and Isaiah, a ContrastProf. S. R. Driver, D. D.Isaiah 7:1-9
Isaiah's Interview with AhazProf. S. R. Driver, D. D.Isaiah 7:1-9
The Confederacy Against JerusalemB. Blake, B. D.Isaiah 7:1-9
The Establishing Power of FaithW. Clarkson Isaiah 7:1-9
The Prophet and the KingIsaiah 7:1-9
The Prophet Comforts the KingE. Johnson Isaiah 7:1-9
Unsuccessful Attacks Upon the Christian StrongholdJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 7:1-9
People
Ahaz, Aram, David, Immanuel, Isaiah, Jashub, Jotham, Pekah, Remaliah, Rezin, Shearjashub, Tabeal, Tabeel, Uzziah
Places
Assyria, Damascus, Egypt, Euphrates River, Jerusalem, Samaria, Syria, Washer's Field
Topics
Aram, Counsel, Counselled, Designs, Devised, Ephraim, E'phraim, Evil, Inasmuch, Planned, Plotted, Purposed, Remaliah, Remali'ah, Remaliah's, Ruin, Saying, Syria
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 7:2-9

     7266   tribes of Israel

Isaiah 7:4-7

     8031   trust, importance

Isaiah 7:5-6

     5817   conspiracies

Library
Immanuel
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name IMMANUEL , God with us. T here is a signature of wisdom and power impressed upon the works of God, which evidently distinguishes them from the feeble imitations of men. Not only the splendour of the sun, but the glimmering light of the glow-worm proclaims His glory. The structure and growth of a blade of grass, are the effects of the same power which produced the fabric of the heavens and the earth. In His Word likewise He is
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Honour and Glory unto Him.
IN Revelation V, that great worship scene, beginning some day in heaven and going on into future ages, we read of the Lamb to whom honor and glory are due. He alone is worthy. And every heart who knows Him rejoicing in His love, cries out, "Thou art worthy!" Yea, the sweetest song for the redeemed soul is the outburst of praise, which we find on the threshold of His own Revelation. "Unto Him that loveth us and washed us from our sins in His own blood and hath made us kings and priests unto God and
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

Estimate of St. Augustin.
Augustin, the man with upturned eye, with pen in the left hand, and a burning heart in the right (as he is usually represented), is a philosophical and theological genius of the first order, towering like a pyramid above his age, and looking down commandingly upon succeeding centuries. He had a mind uncommonly fertile and deep, bold and soaring; and with it, what is better, a heart full of Christian love and humility. He stands of right by the side of the greatest philosophers of antiquity and of
St. Augustine—The Confessions and Letters of St

On Turning the First Page of the Review which Follows...
On turning the first page of the review which follows, follows, "by Rowland Williams, D.D. Vice-Principal and Professor of Hebrew, St. David's College, Lampeter; Vicar of Broad Chalke, Wilts,"--we are made sensible that we are in company of a writer considerably in advance of Dr. Temple, though altogether of the same school. In fact, if Dr. Williams had not been Vice-Principal of a Theological College, and a Doctor of Divinity, one would have supposed him to be a complete infidel,--who found it convenient
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Letter vi (Circa A. D. 1127) to the Same
To the Same He protests against the reputation for holiness which is attributed to him, and promises to communicate the treatises which he has written. I. Even if I should give myself to you entirely that would be too little a thing still in my eyes, to have recompensed towards you even the half of the kindly feeling which you express towards my humility. I congratulate myself, indeed, on the honour which you have done me; but my joy, I confess, is tempered by the thought that it is not anything
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Debt of Irenæus to Justin Martyr
If we are to proceed with safety in forming a judgment as to the relation between Justin and Irenæus in respect of the matter which they have in common, it will be necessary not merely to consider a number of selected parallels, but also to examine the treatment of a particular theme in the two writers. Let us set side by side, for example, c. 32 of Justin's First Apology with c. 57 of the Demonstration. Justin has been explaining to his Roman readers who the Jewish prophets were, and then
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
When geologists began to ask whether changes in the earth's structure might be explained by causes still in operation, they did not disprove the possibility of great convulsions, but they lessened necessity for imagining them. So, if a theologian has his eyes opened to the Divine energy as continuous and omnipresent, he lessens the sharp contrast of epochs in Revelation, but need not assume that the stream has never varied in its flow. Devotion raises time present into the sacredness of the past;
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World

Jewish views on Trade, Tradesmen, and Trades' Guilds
We read in the Mishnah (Kidd. iv. 14) as follows: "Rabbi Meir said: Let a man always teach his son a cleanly and a light trade; and let him pray to Him whose are wealth and riches; for there is no trade which has not both poverty and riches, and neither does poverty come from the trade nor yet riches, but everything according to one's deserving (merit). Rabbi Simeon, the son of Eleazer, said: Hast thou all thy life long seen a beast or a bird which has a trade? Still they are nourished, and that
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Scriptures
Q-II: WHAT RULE HAS GOD GIVEN TO DIRECT US HOW WE MAY GLORIFY AND ENJOY HIM? A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. 2 Tim 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' By Scripture is understood the sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but is divine in its origin. The image of Diana was had in veneration
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Mercy of God
The next attribute is God's goodness or mercy. Mercy is the result and effect of God's goodness. Psa 33:5. So then this is the next attribute, God's goodness or mercy. The most learned of the heathens thought they gave their god Jupiter two golden characters when they styled him good and great. Both these meet in God, goodness and greatness, majesty and mercy. God is essentially good in himself and relatively good to us. They are both put together in Psa 119:98. Thou art good, and doest good.' This
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob,
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

Questions.
LESSON I. 1. In what state was the Earth when first created? 2. To what trial was man subjected? 3. What punishment did the Fall bring on man? 4. How alone could his guilt be atoned for? A. By his punishment being borne by one who was innocent. 5. What was the first promise that there should be such an atonement?--Gen. iii. 15. 6. What were the sacrifices to foreshow? 7. Why was Abel's offering the more acceptable? 8. From which son of Adam was the Seed of the woman to spring? 9. How did Seth's
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People

Commencement of the Legends Concerning Jesus --His Own Idea of his Supernatural Character.
Jesus returned to Galilee, having completely lost his Jewish faith, and filled with revolutionary ardor. His ideas are now expressed with perfect clearness. The innocent aphorisms of the first part of his prophetic career, in part borrowed from the Jewish rabbis anterior to him, and the beautiful moral precepts of his second period, are exchanged for a decided policy. The Law would be abolished; and it was to be abolished by him.[1] The Messiah had come, and he was the Messiah. The kingdom of God
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
1. A brief recapitulation of the leading points of the whole discussion. The scope of this chapter. The necessity of the doctrine of faith. This doctrine obscured by the Schoolmen, who make God the object of faith, without referring to Christ. The Schoolmen refuted by various passages. 2. The dogma of implicit faith refuted. It destroys faith, which consists in a knowledge of the divine will. What this will is, and how necessary the knowledge of it. 3. Many things are and will continue to be implicitly
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, Spring a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 35-51. ^d 35 Again on the morrow [John's direct testimony bore fruit on the second day] John was standing, and two of his disciples [An audience of two. A small field; but a large harvest]; 36 and he looked [Gazed intently. The word is used at Mark xiv. 67; Luke xxii. 61 Mark x. 21, 27. John looked searchingly at that face, which, so far as any record shows, he was never to see on earth again. The more intently we look upon Jesus, the more powerfully
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
The tenderness of the bond which united Jewish parents to their children appears even in the multiplicity and pictorialness of the expressions by which the various stages of child-life are designated in the Hebrew. Besides such general words as "ben" and "bath"--"son" and "daughter"--we find no fewer than nine different terms, each depicting a fresh stage of life. The first of these simply designates the babe as the newly--"born"--the "jeled," or, in the feminine, "jaldah"--as in Exodus 2:3, 6, 8.
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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