Open English Translation ISA Chapter 7

7 During the reign of King Ahaz (son of Yotam, son of Uzziyah) in Yehudah (Judah), King Retsin from Aram and King Pekah (son of Remaliah) from Yisrael, went up to Yerushalem attack it, but they weren’t able to conquer it.[ref] 2 Tt was reported to David’s descendants that Aram (Syria) stands by with Efrayim, and the king and the people trembled just like the trees in the forest shaking in the wind.

3 Then Yahweh told Yeshayah, “Please go out with your son Shear-Yashuv to meet Ahaz at the end of the channel from the upper pool, near the road to the field where they wash clothes, 4 and tell him, ‘Be careful and calm and don’t be afraid. Don’t let your courage melt away because of these two tails of smoldering firebrands, i.e., by the anger of Retsin and Aram and Remalyah’s son. 5 Yes, they’ve plotted together against you, saying, 6 “Let’s go up against Yehudah together and terrify her. Let’s break into her and crown Taveal’s son as king right there in the middle of her.” ’

7 However, my master Yahweh says:

‘That’s not going to happen.

≈ They won’t succeed

8 because Aram’s capital is Damascus

and Damascus’ leader is Retsin.

Nevertheless, with sixty-five years Efrayim (Yisrael) will no longer exist as a nation.

9 Efrayim’s capital is Shomron (Samaria).

and Shomron’s leader is Remalyah’s son.

If you don’t keep believing,

then you’ll end up not standing.’ ”

10 Later, Yahweh spoke again to Ahaz, 11 “Ask your god Yahweh for a sign of confirmation for yourself. Request an incredible miracle.”

12 “No, I won’t ask,” Ahaz replied. “I refuse to test Yahweh.”

13 Then Yeshayah said, “You descendants of David need to listen. It’s bad enough that you’re wearing out the people, but why are you also annoying my god? 14 Because of that, my master will take the initiative himself to choose a sign: listen, a young, virgin woman[fn] will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and will name him ‘Immanuel’ (which means ‘God is with us’.).[ref] 15 He’ll know how to refuse evil and do good by the time that he can eat yoghurt and honey. 16 However, before the child is old enough to do that, the countries of the two kings that you’re afraid of, will become deserted.

17 But instead, Yahweh will bring the Assyrian king to attack you and your people, and David’s dynasty will be under it’s greatest stress since Efrayim (Yisrael) broke away from Yehudah (Judah).”

18 When that happens, Yahweh will whistle for a fly that’s in Egypts distant streams, and for a bee that’s in Assyria. 19 They’ll all come and settle down in deserted valleys and cracks in the rocks, and in all the thornbushes and watering holes.

20 At that time, my master will use a hired razor from beyond the Euphrates to shave the head and legs of the Assyrian king, and to remove his beard.

21 In those days, a farmer will preserve a single, young cow alive, and a couple of sheep. 22 However, because they’ll produce so much milk, they’ll produce yoghurt, because everyone left in the country will eat yoghurt and honey.

23 During that period, every block of land with a thousand grapevines that would have been worth a thousand silver coins, will just be full of thistles and thorns. 24 Because it’ll be so overgrown with briers, men will hunt there with their bows and arrows. 25 All the hills that had been cultivated, will now be off limits because of all the thistle and thorns, and sheep and cattle will be left there to tread it down.