Definition: And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, [that] Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Isaiah 7:1. It’s a really important prophecy in the Bible about a future conflict. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Isaiah 7:1 is a prophecy – a prediction of what will happen. It's telling us about a war that will be fought. It's about two kings: The verse talks about two kings named Rezin and Pekah. They are from different kingdoms (Judah and Israel). Rezin is going to attack Jerusalem: He’s heading towards the city of Jerusalem, which was a very important place in ancient times. Pekah is also going to attack Jerusalem: He's going to do the same thing as Rezin. The war will fail: The prophecy says that Rezin and Pekah won't be able to win the battle against Jerusalem. Let’s unpack it a little further: Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah…: This refers to a king named Ahaz who was the son of Uzziah – a very important king in Judah (a region in ancient Israel). King of Judah: This tells us where this story is taking place - within the land of Judah. Going up towards Jerusalem…: The kings are traveling to the city of Jerusalem, which was strategically important for many reasons – it was a center of worship and a key location. What’s the Big Message? This prophecy is about a future conflict that will be difficult for these two kings. It's a preview of a larger conflict that will eventually occur between Judah and Israel. It suggests a time when there will be trouble and division in the region. Important Note: This is a prophecy – it’s a prediction, not necessarily a guarantee of what will happen. It's important to understand this as a message of hope and warning, urging people to pray for peace and avoid conflict. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the significance of the prophecy in more detail?

Definition: Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down Isaiah 7:10. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage from the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in plain language: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a prophecy – a prediction of something that will happen in the future. It says God is speaking to King Ahaz, who was recently reigning over Judah (a region near Jerusalem). Let's unpack it word by word: “Isaiah 7:10” : This tells us who is speaking – Isaiah, a prophet for God. “Moreover” : This word means "furthermore" or "in addition." It's like saying, “Besides…” “the LORD spake again” : The Lord (God) speaks! “Spoke” suggests a conversation, a dialogue. “unto Ahaz” : This is the key part. “unto” means “to” or “addressed to.” So, God is speaking directly to King Ahaz. What does it mean in simpler terms? It's saying that God has made a specific prophecy about a future birth for the king of Judah. This prophecy talks about a baby born to her who will be a powerful leader . The Significance & What It Suggests: A Significant Child: The verse emphasizes that this is not just any baby. This child will be incredibly important and will lead the people of Judah. A Future Ruler: It’s about someone who will eventually become a king – a leader. A Divine Plan: It’s a glimpse into God's plan for a specific future in history, showing that He has something significant planned for this region. Important Note: The exact meaning of Isaiah 7:10 is debated among scholars and theologians. It's considered one of the oldest and most mysterious prophecies in the Bible. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Provide context about the time period this prophecy was written in? Talk about how this passage relates to other parts of the Bible?

Definition: Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Isaiah 7:11. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about seeking guidance and confirmation of God’s will – specifically, for a baby to be born to King David. It's a plea for someone to ask for a specific kind of sign to prove that God is working in their lives. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God..." – This means, "Do you need a proof or confirmation that God is present and active in your life?" It's not just about seeing something obvious; it's about feeling His presence. "...ask it either in the depth, or in the height above." – This part is key to understanding the kind of sign being requested. "In the depth..." - This suggests a deeper, more profound experience of God’s presence. It's not just a fleeting feeling; it's something that goes beyond your normal perception. Think of it like a deep, quiet realization. "...or in the height above." – This implies seeking confirmation from a higher perspective - perhaps looking up to God or trusting in Him completely. It’s about recognizing His power and majesty. Overall Meaning & Significance: Isaiah 7:11 is essentially saying that God wants someone to actively seek out a sign of His presence and working in their life. It's a call to faith, trust, and a willingness to look for evidence of God’s power. It sets the stage for the prophecy about the birth of Jesus. Why is it important? This verse is considered one of the most significant in Isaiah – it’s often interpreted as foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah (Jesus). It's a reminder that God works in mysterious and wonderful ways, and that seeking Him involves looking beyond what we can easily see. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about its symbolic meaning?

Definition: But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 7:12. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Old Testament! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: Isaiah 7:12 is essentially saying that King Ahaz, who was the king of Judah, is about to have a baby – a boy – who will be incredibly significant. He’s expressing a sense of reluctance and perhaps even fear about what's coming. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But Ahaz said…” : This tells us we're talking about King Ahaz, who was the king of Judah during a time of great political turmoil. “…I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.” : This is the crucial part. It means that King Ahaz refuses to plead with God for help or guidance. He's deliberately choosing not to seek divine intervention or support. What does this suggest? A Time of Crisis: This verse is often interpreted as a time of great difficulty and potential disaster for Judah. It’s like a moment where the kingdom is facing a serious challenge. A Test of Faith: It suggests that King Ahaz was testing God's character and readiness to answer his prayers. Perhaps he felt unprepared or hesitant to ask for help. A Promise of Future Glory: The verse also carries a significant hope. It’s saying that the child born of this pregnancy will be incredibly important – perhaps even divine in nature, and will bring about great blessings and glory for Judah. Important Note: The exact meaning and significance of Isaiah 7:12 have been debated by scholars for centuries. It's a complex verse that’s rich with symbolism and prophecy. In short, this verse speaks to a king who is reluctant to ask for help, hinting at a significant event about to happen that will shape the future. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Isaiah 7:12? Discuss the possible interpretations of this verse in more detail?

Definition: And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; [Is it] a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down Isaiah 7:13. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious verse from the Old Testament Bible. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a prophecy – a prediction of future events. It says that God is worried about a specific group of people, and he's expressing concern for them. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Isaiah 7:13” : This refers to a particular passage in the Old Testament. It’s a prophecy (a prediction) written down by Isaiah, a prophet who lived around the time of King David. “And he said…” : This is an address from God. He's speaking directly to someone or something – specifically, to the people of Judah (which includes modern-day Israel and Palestine). “…Hear ye now, O house of David…” : This refers to a specific group of people: The House of David - this was the royal family of David, who ruled over Israel. It's a reference to a powerful lineage. “[Is it] a small thing for you to weary men?” : This is the core of the verse. It’s asking if these people – the House of David – are strong enough to endure a significant hardship or a prolonged period of difficulty. The word "weary" means tired, exhausted, and perhaps burdened. Now, let's translate it into simpler language: “God is worried about a group of people called ‘House of David’ – the royal family that ruled over Israel. He's asking if they are strong enough to handle a really tough situation, and if so, how long it will last.” What does this verse mean overall? It suggests that there’s a significant challenge coming for these people in the future. It points towards a period of great difficulty, possibly involving political turmoil or a major crisis. The key takeaway is that God is concerned about their well-being and stability. Important Note: The exact meaning and context of this verse are still debated among scholars. It's considered one of the most complex prophecies in the Bible, and it’s likely meant to be interpreted within a broader historical and theological framework. Do you want me to: Explain another part of Isaiah 7? Discuss the significance of this verse within the context of the Old Testament?

Definition: Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this beautiful verse from Isaiah 7:14. It’s a really important one in the Bible and it speaks about a significant event that will happen to a woman named Hannah. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign…” – This is saying that God is going to tell you something special. It's not just any random sign; it's a direct message from Him. “…Behold, a virgin shall conceive…” – This means Hannah will have a baby girl who isn’t born of a man. She’ll be conceived in a unique and special way. "...and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” – This is the really exciting part! The baby will be named Immanuel, which is a Hebrew word that means "God with us" or “forever with us.” It’s often translated as "God is with us." What Does It Mean in Bigger Picture Terms? This verse is a prophecy (a prediction about the future) and it's connected to the coming of Jesus. Here’s what it suggests: A Special Child: The verse promises a baby boy – a unique child that will be incredibly important. God’s Plan: It tells us that God has a plan for the future, and this baby is part of that plan. Hope and Promise: It's a message of hope because it indicates a great blessing and fulfillment for the woman who carries the child. Why is this verse significant? It’s one of the most important verses in the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Isaiah. It points to the coming of Jesus as God’s ultimate plan for salvation and redemption on earth. It's a message of hope and assurance that God will ultimately bring about a new era of peace and joy. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ESV%207%2014](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ESV%207%2014) (This will give you a direct link to the verse.) Wikipedia - Isaiah 7:14: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_7:14](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_7:14) --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or would you like to know about the context of the whole passage?

Definition: Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this beautiful verse from Isaiah 7:15. It’s a really interesting and symbolic message about God’s plan for a future king. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the baby prophesied about in Isaiah 7 – the child of the prophetess Isaiah – will be uniquely blessed with a special, comforting diet. He’ll need to eat things that represent goodness and protection from harm. Let's unpack it layer by layer: “Isaiah 7:15” : This refers to a prophecy in the Old Testament about the birth of a child who will be significant. It’s a very important event in Jewish tradition. “Butter and honey shall he eat…” : This is the key part! The verse describes what this baby will eat. Butter and honey are symbols of comfort, nourishment, and sweetness – things that represent goodness. "...that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good." This is the core message. It means: “Refuse the evil” : This refers to temptation, sin, and harmful influences in the world. It’s about resisting things that would lead to pain or destruction. "Choose the good" : This represents living a righteous life, following God's will, and making choices that align with His plan for humanity. What does it mean practically? The verse speaks to a future time when this king (the child born) will be surrounded by people who are trying to harm him. He’ll need to be protected by the comfort of good things – like butter and honey – to resist those negative influences and focus on what is right. In essence, it's a prophecy about a future leader who will be blessed with a life of safety and righteousness through his diet. --- Important Note: This is a complex verse, and there’s been much interpretation over the years. Different theologians and biblical scholars have offered various explanations. But this basic understanding – that the baby's diet will symbolize a future life of protection and righteous living – remains the most widely accepted interpretation. Do you want to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of Isaiah 7? Discuss different interpretations of the symbolism used?

Definition: For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It’s a pretty complex verse, but we can understand it in simpler terms. Here's what it means: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a future blessing or a devastating consequence for a nation – specifically, the land of Judah (which is part of Israel). It warns that if God doesn’t guide and protect this child properly, the land will be cursed and abandoned. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Isaiah 7:16” : This refers to a prophecy in the Book of Isaiah – a significant portion of the Bible. It’s an ancient text that speaks about future events. “For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good…” : This part means that before this child is born, God will guide him/her to resist temptation and make choices for good. It's about a young person’s capacity for wisdom and morality. It suggests a time of preparation and guidance. “…and choose the good…” : This implies that this child will be blessed with a strong moral compass, a clear understanding of right from wrong, and a desire to do what is just and righteous. “the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.” : This is the crucial part. It means that if this child doesn't grow up in a place where God’s will is clearly communicated and protected (a place with a strong moral foundation), both the rulers of that land – the kings – will be cursed or abandoned by God. "Abhorred" means disliked, rejected, or avoided. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse speaks about a time of great potential for good in the future. It’s saying that God is watching over this child and wants to guide him/her to make righteous choices. However, if that guidance isn't present, the land will be lost because it won't have a moral foundation strong enough to withstand God’s judgment. What does it mean in a broader context? It's about responsibility: It highlights the importance of spiritual and moral development for future generations. It’s about divine protection: It suggests that God actively protects those who follow His path, even if they don’t always understand it perfectly. It’s a warning against sin: The verse is often interpreted as a warning against the dangers of sin and idolatry (worshiping false gods). Important Note: This is a complex passage with various interpretations. Different theological perspectives offer different explanations of its meaning. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or figure? Discuss the historical context surrounding this prophecy?

Definition: The LORD shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father’s house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah; [even] the king of Assyria.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about impending disaster. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is going to bring a period of great hardship and destruction upon Israel (the people of Judah) and the entire region around them. It’s predicting a time of intense trouble. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Isaiah 7:17” : This is where the verse comes from – it's a prophecy in the Old Testament, written by Isaiah. It’s a very significant message about God's plan. “The LORD shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father’s house…” : This is the core of the warning. "LORD" means God. “Bring upon” means to punish or cause something terrible to happen. This isn’t just a random misfortune; it's a significant punishment. The verse uses the word “thou” (you) which points to Israel, and their future. “Days that have not come…” : This is the key part. It means this punishment won't be happening now . It’s a prophecy about a period of time – likely many years – before a very serious event unfolds. “…from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah” : Let’s break this down further: Ephraim: This refers to an ancient city in Israel, known for its wealth and power, and was once a significant center of worship. Departed from Judah: This means they left the area of spiritual guidance and covenant with God, moving away from a time of righteousness and faithfulness. “[Even] the king of Assyria” : This is where it gets really scary. “King of Assyria” was a powerful empire located in the East – a vast, brutal force that often practiced conquest and oppression. It’s saying that this Assyrian ruler will be involved in bringing about this disaster. So, what does all this mean? It suggests that God is going to unleash a devastating period of suffering on Israel because they strayed from the path of righteousness and began to become complacent. The Assyrian king is seen as a symbol of that destructive force – someone who will actively cause trouble and chaos. Overall, it’s a warning about the dangers of sin and the importance of staying faithful to God. It's a message about judgment and a call for repentance. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story in the Old Testament that points towards a future time of great conflict between Israel and its enemies, particularly Assyria. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Discuss what it might mean for the future of Israel?

Definition: And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall hiss for the fly that [is] in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that [is] in the land of Assyria.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage from Isaiah, which was written around 760 BC during the time of King Hezekiah in Judah (a region near modern-day Israel). Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is about judgment and a specific problem that’s coming to pass. It speaks of two creatures – a fly and a bee – that are in incredibly difficult or dangerous places. Let’s look at each part: “Isaiah 7:18” : This tells us who wrote this verse – Isaiah, a prophet who lived during a time of great upheaval and conflict. He was essentially speaking about a prophecy. “And it shall come to pass in that day…” : This is a key phrase. It means eventually , something significant will happen. “That day” refers to a specific future time. “[that] the LORD shall hiss for the fly that [is] in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt.” : This is the first part. The Lord (God) is going to be angry with a fly living in the very edge or furthest point of the Nile River – which is a vital river for Egypt. Think of it like the very tip of a massive, powerful river. God sees this fly as a symbol of something that’s being abused or neglected. “and for the bee that [is] in the land of Assyria.” : This is the second part. The Lord will be angry with a bee living in the easternmost part of the land – Assyria, which was a powerful kingdom to the east of Egypt. The bee represents something that’s being threatened or exploited. What does it all mean? This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy about the rise of a powerful empire (like Assyria) that will eventually challenge and overthrow Egypt. It suggests that God's judgment is coming to those who are causing harm, even in seemingly small places. It’s a warning about potential conflict and the importance of being righteous and avoiding injustice. Important Note: The precise meaning of this verse has been debated for centuries. Different interpretations exist – some believe it's about Assyria's rise to power, while others see it as a broader message about God’s justice and the consequences of wrongdoing. --- Resources for Further Exploration (Optional): Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/prophets/Isaiah/7%3A18](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/prophets/Isaiah/7%3A18) Wikipedia - Isaiah 7:18: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_7%3A18](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah_7%3A18) Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or would you like to explore a specific aspect of this verse?