Definition: And the head of Ephraim [is] Samaria, and the head of Samaria [is] Remaliahâs son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really important prophecy in the Old Testament, and it speaks about the future fate of Israel (the Jewish people) and their leadership. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that if God’s people don’t believe him and follow his will, they won't be properly guided or established as a nation. It’s like a warning about the consequences of rejecting God. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Isaiah 7:9” : This refers to a prophecy written in Isaiah’s time – around 800 BC. It's a specific vision or prediction. “And the head of Ephraim [is] Samaria…” - This is referring to the leader of Ephraim (a city in Israel) and Samaria (another important city). “The head” means they are the central figure. “…and the head of Samaria [is] Remaliahâs son.” – This tells us that this leader is the son of a very important person named Remaliah. “If ye will not believe…” - This is the crucial part. It’s asking if people believe God's message and follow his laws. “…surely ye shall not be established.” – This means that if they don’t believe, they won’t have a stable or successful future as a nation, or as a community. What does this all mean in a broader sense? The verse is essentially saying that God has a plan for Israel's future. He wants them to prosper and be a great nation – a powerful people. But if they reject him, don’t follow his instructions, and don’t have faith in him, he will not guide or support them. It suggests a potential for division and challenges. Important Context: This verse is part of a larger story in the Old Testament about God's plan for Israel. It’s often interpreted as a prophecy about the future downfall of Judah (the tribe of Benjamin) – the people who would eventually become Israel. It’s a warning about the importance of faith and obedience to God. In short, it's a serious warning about the consequences of rejecting God's guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Talk about its significance within the Bible? Compare it to another related passage?