Isaiah Chapter 7 · Verse 8
For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וְרֹ֥אשׁ
For the head
H7218
וְרֹ֥אשׁ
For the head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
2 of 14
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
אֲרָם֙
of Syria
H758
אֲרָם֙
of Syria
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
3 of 14
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
וְרֹ֥אשׁ
For the head
H7218
וְרֹ֥אשׁ
For the head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
5 of 14
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וּבְע֗וֹד
H5750
וּבְע֗וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
יֵחַ֥ת
H2844
Historical Context
Sixty-five years from Isaiah's prophecy (c. 735 BC) brings us to c. 670 BC, when Assyrian deportations under Esarhaddon completed Northern Kingdom's dissolution as distinct people.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's specific historical prophecies build faith in His comprehensive sovereignty?
- What does the destruction of covenant-breaking Ephraim warn about persisting in rebellion?
Analysis & Commentary
The prophecy that 'the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin' establishes geopolitical hierarchy while implicitly denying Syria's ultimate authority over Judah. The follow-up '(and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people)' predicts Northern Kingdom's destruction—fulfilled when Assyria conquered Samaria (722 BC) and later deportations completed depopulation. This demonstrates divine sovereignty over nations and vindicates prophetic warnings.