Isaiah 9:9
And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,
Original Language Analysis
וְיָדְעוּ֙
shall know
H3045
וְיָדְעוּ֙
shall know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 10
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
הָעָ֣ם
And all the people
H5971
הָעָ֣ם
And all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כֻּלּ֔וֹ
H3605
כֻּלּ֔וֹ
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
even Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
even Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
4 of 10
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וְיוֹשֵׁ֣ב
and the inhabitant
H3427
וְיוֹשֵׁ֣ב
and the inhabitant
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בְּגַאֲוָ֛ה
in the pride
H1346
בְּגַאֲוָ֛ה
in the pride
Strong's:
H1346
Word #:
7 of 10
arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament
Historical Context
The judgment became unmistakable when Assyria repeatedly invaded northern Israel: Tiglath-Pileser III in 732 BC, followed by the final siege and fall of Samaria in 722 BC. Archaeological evidence confirms massive destruction throughout northern Israel during this period. Despite clear warnings and initial judgments, Israel remained impenitent, leading to complete conquest. The people 'knew' through bitter experience, yet the next verse shows their prideful response.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does evidence of God's judgment often fail to produce repentance in hard hearts?
- How can we recognize God's discipline in our lives with humility rather than defiance?
- What is the difference between knowing about God's judgment and truly responding in repentance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The inhabitants of Samaria (Ephraim) would recognize divine judgment. Samaria was northern Israel's capital; Ephraim was its dominant tribe. Yet recognition comes with prideful defiance rather than repentance. 'All the people shall know' indicates undeniable evidence—everyone would witness the judgment's fulfillment. But knowledge without humility produces hardening rather than conversion. This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine of total depravity—even clear evidence of God's judgment doesn't automatically produce repentance apart from gracious regeneration.