Isaiah 7:9
And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.
Original Language Analysis
וְרֹ֥אשׁ
And the head
H7218
וְרֹ֥אשׁ
And the head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
1 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙
of Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙
of Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
2 of 13
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וְרֹ֥אשׁ
And the head
H7218
וְרֹ֥אשׁ
And the head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
4 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
בֶּן
son
H1121
בֶּן
son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אִ֚ם
H518
אִ֚ם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
8 of 13
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֵאָמֵֽנוּ׃
If ye will not believe
H539
תֵאָמֵֽנוּ׃
If ye will not believe
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Hebrews 11:6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.Romans 11:20Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:2 Chronicles 20:20And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.1 John 5:10He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.Acts 27:25Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
Historical Context
Ahaz faced choice: trust God's promise or seek Assyrian alliance. His choice of alliance brought temporary relief but ultimate subjugation, demonstrating that unbelief has consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the connection between belief and establishment inform our response to threatening circumstances?
- What areas of life remain unstable because of functional unbelief in God's promises?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The parallelism limiting Ephraim's head to Samaria and Samaria's head to Remaliah's son emphasizes human limitations, contrasting with Judah's divine protection. The pivotal statement 'If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established' (Hebrew word play: 'im lo ta'aminu ki lo te'amenu') makes faith prerequisite to security. Belief in God's promises, not political alliances, ensures stability. This anticipates New Testament emphasis that faith is foundation (Hebrews 11:1, 6) and that unbelief brings judgment (Hebrews 3:19).