Old Testament
Isaiah 7:1
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During the reign of King Ahaz of Judah — son of Jotham and grandson of Uzziah — King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah son of Remaliah of Israel marched against Jerusalem to attack it, but they couldn't conquer it.
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And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.
What Isaiah 7:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about a significant moment during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah. Ahaz was the son of Jotham and the grandson of Uzziah. At this time, two kings, Rezin of Syria and Pekah, the king of Israel, joined forces to attack Jerusalem. Despite their efforts, they were unable to conquer the city. This situation highlights the political tensions and conflicts in the region, as well as the challenges faced by Judah under Ahaz's rule. The inability of the attackers to succeed can also be seen as a reflection of God's protection over Jerusalem, suggesting that despite the threats, the city remained secure for the time being. This verse sets the stage for the unfolding events in the book of Isaiah, where themes of faith, divine intervention, and the consequences of leadership decisions will be explored further.
How to apply Isaiah 7:1 to your life
This verse reminds us that even in times of conflict and uncertainty, we can trust in God's protection. Just as Jerusalem was safeguarded despite threats, we can find comfort in knowing that our challenges are not beyond God's control. Maintaining faith during difficult times is crucial.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Isaiah's story: A Sign for Ahaz (Isaiah 7:1–17)
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Isaiah
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At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 7:1 mean?
Isaiah 7:1 describes a historical event during King Ahaz's reign when the kings of Syria and Israel attempted to attack Jerusalem but failed. This verse highlights the political tensions of the time and suggests God's protection over the city.
What is the significance of King Ahaz in Isaiah 7:1?
King Ahaz is significant in Isaiah 7:1 as he represents the leadership of Judah during a time of crisis. His reign is marked by challenges, including military threats from neighboring kingdoms, which sets the stage for the themes of faith and divine intervention in the book of Isaiah.
Who were the kings mentioned in Isaiah 7:1?
The kings mentioned in Isaiah 7:1 are Rezin, the king of Syria, and Pekah, the son of Remaliah, who was the king of Israel. They allied to attack Jerusalem during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah.
What does the phrase 'could not conquer it' mean in Isaiah 7:1?
The phrase 'could not conquer it' in Isaiah 7:1 indicates that despite their military efforts, the kings of Syria and Israel were unsuccessful in taking Jerusalem. This reflects both the strength of the city and the protective influence attributed to God.
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