Old Testament

Isaiah 7:6

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ClearClear Bible Translation

"Let's invade Judah and terrorize it. We'll break through its defenses, carve it up for ourselves, and install the son of Tabeal as its king."

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KJVKing James Version

Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, even the son of Tabeal:

What Isaiah 7:6 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, two kings, Rezin of Aram and Pekah of Israel, are plotting to attack Judah. Their plan is to invade, create chaos, and install a puppet king, the son of Tabeal, to control Judah. This reflects their desire for power and dominance over the region. The mention of terrorizing Judah indicates their intent to instill fear and disrupt the stability of the kingdom. This situation sets the stage for a significant conflict in the history of Israel and Judah, highlighting the political tensions of the time. The verse illustrates the challenges faced by Judah and foreshadows the need for divine intervention, which is a recurring theme in the book of Isaiah. The actions of these kings demonstrate the human tendency to seek control through force, often leading to suffering and instability. This moment in history serves as a reminder of the consequences of political ambition and the importance of faith in God during turbulent times.

How to apply Isaiah 7:6 to your life

This verse reminds us of the dangers of ambition and the lengths to which people will go for power. In our lives, we should seek to build relationships based on trust and integrity rather than manipulation. Trusting in God can provide strength during challenging times.

Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary

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A painting of Isaiah and his young son Shear-jashub meeting King Ahaz beside the water channel of the upper pool outside the walls of Jerusalem

Illustrated scene from Isaiah's story: A Sign for Ahaz (Isaiah 7:1–17)

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Isaiah

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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

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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 7:6 mean?

Isaiah 7:6 describes a plot by two kings, Rezin of Aram and Pekah of Israel, to invade Judah, create chaos, and install a puppet king, the son of Tabeal. This reflects their ambition for power and the political instability of the time.

What is the significance of the son of Tabeal in Isaiah 7:6?

The son of Tabeal is mentioned as the puppet king that Rezin and Pekah plan to install in Judah. His role symbolizes the manipulation of leadership for political gain and the undermining of Judah's sovereignty.

What themes are present in Isaiah 7:6?

Key themes in Isaiah 7:6 include political intrigue, fear and terror, divine intervention, power struggles, and the concept of puppet kings. These themes reflect the historical context and the moral lessons about ambition and trust.

How does Isaiah 7:6 relate to faith in God?

Isaiah 7:6 illustrates the human tendency to seek control through force, which often leads to suffering. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith in God during times of political turmoil and uncertainty.

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