Isaiah 8:12
Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לְכֹ֧ל
H3605
לְכֹ֧ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָעָ֥ם
to all them to whom this people
H5971
הָעָ֥ם
to all them to whom this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מוֹרָא֥וֹ
ye their fear
H4172
מוֹרָא֥וֹ
ye their fear
Strong's:
H4172
Word #:
11 of 15
fear; by implication, a fearful thing or deed
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִֽירְא֖וּ
neither fear
H3372
תִֽירְא֖וּ
neither fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
13 of 15
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
Cross References
Luke 21:9But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.Psalms 53:5There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.Isaiah 30:1Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:
Historical Context
The political situation was complex: some Judahites supported Syria-Israel against Assyria, others supported Ahaz's pro-Assyrian policy. Both sides likely accused the other of treason. Fear dominated public discourse. Isaiah was called to rise above partisan politics, neither joining the northern alliance nor panicking at their threats. This prophetic independence marked true faith, trusting God rather than political calculations.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we avoid being drawn into conspiratorial thinking or political paranoia in our age?
- What does it mean to refuse to 'fear their fear'—to reject the anxieties that drive worldly people?
- How does trust in God's sovereignty liberate us from the fear that dominates political discourse?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God forbids conspiracy accusations and commands freedom from fear. The 'confederacy' likely refers to the Syro-Ephraimite alliance, which some Judahites supported while others viewed them as conspirators. God calls His people to transcend political paranoia and fear-driven reactions. 'Fear ye not their fear' means refusing to adopt the world's anxieties. This reflects the Reformed emphasis on God's sovereignty producing courage—if God controls all things, believers need not fear human machinations. True security comes from trusting God, not political alliances.