Isaiah 7:20
Isaiah 7:20 in Multiple Translations
On that day the Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates —the king of Assyria—to shave your head and the hair of your legs, and to remove your beard as well.
In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, namely, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.
In that day will the Lord shave with a razor that is hired in the parts beyond the River, even with the king of Assyria, the head and the hair of the feet; and it shall also consume the beard.
In that day will the Lord take away the hair of the head and of the feet, as well as the hair of the face, with a blade got for a price from the other side of the River; even with the king of Assyria.
At that time the Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates River, the king of Assyria, to shave you from head to toe, including your beards.
In that day shall the Lord shaue with a rasor that is hired, euen by them beyond the Riuer, by the King of Asshur, the head and the heare of the feete, and it shall consume the beard.
In that day doth the Lord shave, By a razor that is hired beyond the river, By the king of Asshur, The head, and the hair of the feet, Yea, also the beard it consumeth.
In that day the Lord will shave with a razor that is hired in the parts beyond the River, even with the king of Assyria, the head and the hair of the feet; and it shall also consume the beard.
In the same day will the LORD shave with a razor that is hired, namely , by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.
In that day the Lord shall shave with a razor that is hired by them that are beyond the river, by the king of the Assyrians, the head and the hairs of the feet, and the whole beard.
At that time Yahweh will hire the king of Assyria to come with his army from east of the Euphrates River. They will get rid of everything in your land—the crops and the people. They will destroy everything thoroughly; it will be like [MET] a barber shaving not only a man’s hair but his beard and the hair on his legs.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 7:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 7:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
הַ/ה֡וּא
יְגַלַּ֣ח
אֲדֹנָ/י֩
בְּ/תַ֨עַר
הַ/שְּׂכִירָ֜ה
בְּ/עֶבְרֵ֤י
נָהָר֙
בְּ/מֶ֣לֶךְ
אַשּׁ֔וּר
אֶת
הָ/רֹ֖אשׁ
וְ/שַׂ֣עַר
הָ/רַגְלָ֑יִם
וְ/גַ֥ם
אֶת
הַ/זָּקָ֖ן
תִּסְפֶּֽה
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֡וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
יְגַלַּ֣ח
gâlach
H1548
to shave
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
אֲדֹנָ/י֩
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
בְּ/תַ֨עַר
taʻar
H8593
razor
Prep | N-cs
הַ/שְּׂכִירָ֜ה
sᵉkîyrâh
H7917
hired
Art | Adj
בְּ/עֶבְרֵ֤י
ʻêber
H5676
side
Prep | N-mp
נָהָר֙
nâhâr
H5104
river
N-ms
בְּ/מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
אַשּׁ֔וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
Asshur
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/רֹ֖אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Art | N-ms
וְ/שַׂ֣עַר
sêʻâr
H8181
hair
Conj | N-ms
הָ/רַגְלָ֑יִם
regel
H7272
foot
Art | N-fd
וְ/גַ֥ם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/זָּקָ֖ן
zâqân
H2206
beard
Art | N-cs
תִּסְפֶּֽה
çâphâh
H5595
to snatch
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 7:20
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/ה֡וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יְגַלַּ֣ח
gâlach
H1548
"to shave"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to shave or be bald, and can also mean to lay waste or destroy something. It is used in Leviticus to describe the shaving of priests and in Isaiah to describe the devastation of a city.
Definition: 1) to poll, shave, shave off, be bald 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to shave 1a2) to shave off 1a3) (fig. of devastation) 1b)(Pual) to be shaven 1c) (Hithpael) to shave oneself
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: poll, shave (off). See also: Genesis 41:14; Judges 16:17; Isaiah 7:20.
אֲדֹנָ/י֩
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
בְּ/תַ֨עַר
taʻar
H8593
"razor"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a sharp knife or razor, used for shaving or cutting. It also refers to an empty scabbard, a holder for a sword. The word is used in various contexts, including Exodus and 1 Samuel.
Definition: 1) razor, sheath (making naked) 1a) razor 1b) sheath (of sword)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (pen-) knife, razor, scabbard, shave, sheath. See also: Numbers 6:5; Jeremiah 36:23; Psalms 52:4.
הַ/שְּׂכִירָ֜ה
sᵉkîyrâh
H7917
"hired"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word refers to the act of hiring someone or something, like an animal or a worker. In the Bible, it describes a temporary employment arrangement, and the KJV translates it as that is hired.
Definition: (fem) 1) hired 1a) hired (of animal) 1b) hireling, hired labourer (subst) 1b1) mercenary
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: that is hired. See also: Isaiah 7:20.
בְּ/עֶבְרֵ֤י
ʻêber
H5676
"side"
Prep | N-mp
This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.
Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.
נָהָר֙
nâhâr
H5104
"river"
N-ms
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
בְּ/מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אַשּׁ֔וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
"Asshur"
N-proper
Asshur was the second son of Shem and the ancestor of the Assyrians, mentioned in Genesis 10:22. The name Asshur means 'a step'.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.22; son of: Shem (H8035); brother of: Elam (H5867C), Arpachshad (H0775), Lud (H3865) and Aram (H0758) § Asshur or Assyria = "a step" 1) the second son of Shem, eponymous ancestor of the Assyrians 2) the people of Assyria 3) the nation, Assyria 4) the land, Assyria or Asshur
Usage: Occurs in 138 OT verses. KJV: Asshur, Assur, Assyria, Assyrians. See H838 (אָשֻׁר). See also: Genesis 2:14; Isaiah 7:20; Psalms 83:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/רֹ֖אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
וְ/שַׂ֣עַר
sêʻâr
H8181
"hair"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to hair on people or animals, like in Leviticus 13:30 where it talks about hair loss. It can also describe a hairy garment.
Definition: 1) hair 1a) hair (of animals, man) 1b) hair (of garment made of hair) Aramaic equivalent: se.ar (שְׂעַר "hair" H8177)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: hair(-y), [idiom] rough. See also: Genesis 25:25; Leviticus 14:8; Psalms 68:22.
הָ/רַגְלָ֑יִם
regel
H7272
"foot"
Art | N-fd
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
וְ/גַ֥ם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/זָּקָ֖ן
zâqân
H2206
"beard"
Art | N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to a beard, often indicating age or wisdom, as seen in the customs of ancient Israelite men. It is first mentioned in Leviticus 19:27. The beard was a symbol of dignity and respect.
Definition: 1) beard, chin 1a) beard 1b) chin
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: beard. See also: Leviticus 13:29; 2 Samuel 20:9; Psalms 133:2.
תִּסְפֶּֽה
çâphâh
H5595
"to snatch"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This word means to snatch or sweep something away, like destroying or consuming it. It can also mean to gather or catch up something. The KJV translates it as consume, destroy, or add.
Definition: 1) to sweep or snatch away, catch up, destroy, consume 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be snatched away 1a2) to sweep or snatch away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swept away, be destroyed 1b2) to be caught up, be captured 1c) (Hiphil) to catch up, gather
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: add, augment, consume, destroy, heap, join, perish, put. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 27:1; Psalms 40:15.
Study Notes — Isaiah 7:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 7:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 7:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 7:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 7:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 7:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 7:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 7:20
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 7:20
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 7:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 7:20
- Sermons on Isaiah 7:20
Context — Judgment to Come
18On that day the LORD will whistle to the flies at the farthest streams of the Nile and to the bees in the land of Assyria.
19And they will all come and settle in the steep ravines and clefts of the rocks, in all the thornbushes and watering holes.
20On that day the Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates —the king of Assyria—to shave your head and the hair of your legs, and to remove your beard as well.
21On that day a man will raise a young cow and two sheep, 22and from the abundance of milk they give, he will eat curds; for all who remain in the land will eat curds and honey.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 8:7 | the Lord will surely bring against them the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates — the king of Assyria and all his pomp. It will overflow its channels and overrun its banks. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 29:18 | “Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon caused his army to labor strenuously against Tyre. Every head was made bald and every shoulder made raw. But he and his army received no wages from Tyre for the labor they expended on it. |
| 3 | Isaiah 10:15 | Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it? Does a saw boast over him who saws with it? It would be like a rod waving the one who lifts it, or a staff lifting him who is not wood! |
| 4 | Ezekiel 5:1–4 | “As for you, son of man, take a sharp sword, use it as a barber’s razor, and shave your head and beard. Then take a set of scales and divide the hair. When the days of the siege have ended, you are to burn up a third of the hair inside the city; you are also to take a third and slash it with the sword all around the city; and you are to scatter a third to the wind. For I will unleash a sword behind them. But you are to take a few strands of hair and secure them in the folds of your garment. Again, take a few of these, throw them into the fire, and burn them. From there a fire will spread to the whole house of Israel. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 27:6–7 | So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 29:20 | I have given him the land of Egypt as the reward for his labor, because it was done for Me, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 28:20–21 | Then Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came to Ahaz but afflicted him rather than strengthening him. Although Ahaz had taken a portion from the house of the LORD, from the royal palace, and from the princes and had presented it to the king of Assyria, it did not help him. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 18:13–16 | In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong; withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand from me.” And the king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace. At that time Hezekiah stripped the gold with which he had plated the doors and doorposts of the temple of the LORD, and he gave it to the king of Assyria. |
| 9 | Isaiah 10:5–6 | Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. |
| 10 | 2 Kings 16:7–8 | So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hands of the kings of Aram and Israel, who are rising up against me.” Ahaz also took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king’s palace, and he sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. |
Isaiah 7:20 Summary
This verse is saying that God will use a powerful nation, Assyria, to bring judgment upon His people. The image of shaving the head, legs, and beard is a symbol of humiliation and shame. Just like in 1 Peter 5:6, where we are called to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, God is calling His people to humble themselves and trust in Him, rather than in their own strength or alliances (Psalm 20:7). By trusting in God, we can find peace and security, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'razor hired from beyond the Euphrates' represent in Isaiah 7:20?
The 'razor hired from beyond the Euphrates' represents the king of Assyria, who will be used by God to bring judgment upon His people, as seen in Isaiah 10:5-6, where Assyria is called the rod of God's anger.
Why is the shaving of the head, legs, and beard significant in this verse?
The shaving of the head, legs, and beard is a symbol of humiliation and shame, as seen in 2 Samuel 10:4-5, where the Ammonites shaved the beards of David's servants, and in Isaiah 15:2, where the Moabites shave their heads and beards in mourning.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Isaiah 7?
This verse is part of a larger message of judgment and warning to the kingdom of Judah, as seen in Isaiah 7:1-9, where God warns Ahaz of the impending invasion by Assyria and calls him to trust in God.
What can we learn from God's use of a pagan nation like Assyria to bring judgment upon His people?
We can learn that God is sovereign over all nations and can use anyone to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Isaiah 45:1-5, where God calls Cyrus, a pagan king, to fulfill His will.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which God may be using difficult circumstances in my life to humble me and bring me closer to Himself?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when I don't understand the events unfolding around me?
- In what ways can I be like Ahaz, trusting in my own strength and alliances rather than in God, and how can I turn from this to trust in God alone?
- What are some areas of my life where I may be experiencing 'shaving' or humiliation, and how can I see this as an opportunity to trust in God and seek His face?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 7:20
In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired,.... Meaning the Assyrian monarch, whom he would use as an instrument in his hand to spoil and cut off the people of the Jews; who is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 7:20
In the same day shall the Lord shave with a rasor that is hired, namely, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 7:20
Shave with a razor, i.e. utterly spoil and destroy, as shaving takes away all the hair, and leaves not any thing of it visible, as there is when the hair is only cut or polled. Hired; either, 1. By Ahaz, who did hire them, ,8. And so the prophet notes the just judgment of God, in scourging them with a rod of their own making; and by this threatening he endeavours to prevent that wicked design which then was on foot, of hiring Assyrian succours. Or, 2. By God, who did stir them up, and send them upon his errand against Judah, as he threatens, , and paid them liberally for that service, as he did Nebuchadnezzar, of which see 27:6,7 Daniel 2:37,38. The river Euphrates, called the river, by way of eminency, , beyond which Assyria lay. By the king of Assyria; by the successive kings of the Assyrian empire, Sennacherib, , &c., Esarhaddon, , and especially by Nebuchadnezzar, who having subdued the Assyrian monarchy, from thenceforth was king of Assyria as well as of Chaldea. And the prophet rather mentions Assyria than Chaldea or Babylon, partly because the Assyrian began and continued to execute this judgment, although the Babylonian completed it; and partly to inform them that they laid the foundation of their own ruin, by opening the door to the Assyrian, who afterwards entered at his pleasure, and left it open for Nebuchadnezzar. The hair of the feet; of the lower or secret parts, which come under that name, ,25, and elsewhere, as it hath been noted again and again; and which the Jewish writers affirm to have been shaved in the purification of lepers and Levites, ,9 Numbers 8:7.
The beard, which they highly esteemed, as a great ornament. By these metaphorical expressions he signifies the total destruction of their state, from head to foot, from the highest to the lowest.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 7:20
Isaiah 7:20 In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, [namely], by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.Ver. 20. In the same day shall the Lord shave.] Not shear, but shave, with a razor, to set forth the calamity of war, which wasteth and taketh away all, and maketh clean work, as we use to say: Nihil in toto regno intactum reliquit, sed omnia a summo ad imum expilavit Assyrius. The Assyrian is here called God’ s razor, because his instrument, to shave as he pleaseth, though haply by exceeding his commission he might prove a "deceitful razor," that, instead of shaving the hair, lanceth the flesh. That is hired.] Whether by Ahaz himself, but for a better purpose, not to harm, but to help, though it happened otherwise; or by God, who paid the Assyrian for his hire the lands of Israel and of Syria. See the like Ezekiel 29:18-19. Barbers use not their razors but for reward. Beyond the river.] Euphrates, that ran between Syria and Assyria, but could not keep off the Assyrian destroyer. The head, and the hair of the feet.] Elsewhere called "head and tail"; that is, high and low, prince and peasant. And it shall also consume the beard.] (1.) The priests, as some sense it; or (2.) As others, all the comeliness and virility of the Jewish nation.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 7:20
(20) Shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired.—Better, “with the razor.” The words find a parallel in the “made him naked” of 2 Chronicles 28:19. The term “hired” applies to the tribute which Ahaz was about to pay to Tilgath-pilneser. He thought that he was securing an ally: he was but hiring a razor (there is, perhaps, the implied thought that the razor is in other hands than his) that should sweep away all the signs of strength, and leave him an open shame and scorn to all who looked on him. (2 Samuel 10:4). From head to foot, not sparing even the beard, to maltreat which was the last extreme of Oriental outrage, he and his kingdom should be laid bare and naked to his enemies. Possibly there may be an allusive reference (Kay) to Leviticus 14:9. The nation, leprous in its guilt (Isaiah 1:6), needs the treatment which was prescribed for the leper. (21:22) A man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep . . .—Better, two ewes. Not only should cultivation cease, but the flocks and herds that had before been counted by hundreds or thousands should be counted now by units, two ewes and a heifer for a man’s whole stock, and yet (we note the prophet’s irony once more in the use of the word “abundance”) even that should be enough for a population reduced in proportion. There should be “milk and honey” for the scattered remnant.
They should have that, and nothing but that, to eat, ad nauseam usque. The words are grouped together with a grim irony as reminding men of the proverbial words of praise which spoke of Canaan as “a land of milk and honey” (Exodus 3:17).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 7:20
Verse 20. The river] That is, the Euphrates: הנהר hanahar. So read the Septuagint and two MSS. Shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired - "JEHOVAH shall shave by the hired razor"] To shave with the hired razor the head, the feet, and the beard, is an expression highly parabolical, to denote the utter devastation of the country from one end to the other; and the plundering of the people, from the highest to the lowest, by the Assyrians, whom God employed as his instrument to punish the Jews. Ahaz himself, in the first place, hired the king of Assyria to come to help him against the Syrians, by a present made to him of all the treasures of the temple, as well as his own. And God himself considered the great nations, whom he thus employed as his mercenaries; and paid them their wages. Thus he paid Nebuchadnezzar for his services against Tyre, by the conquest of Egypt, Ezekiel 29:18-20. The hairs of the head are those of the highest order in the state; those of the feet, or the lower parts, are the common people; the beard is the king, the high priest, the very supreme in dignity and majesty. The Eastern people have always held the beard in the highest veneration, and have been extremely jealous of its honour. To pluck a man's beard is an instance of the greatest indignity that can be offered.
See Isaiah 50:6. The king of the Ammonites, to show the utmost contempt of David, "cut off half the beards of his servants, and the men were greatly ashamed; and David bade them tarry at Jericho till their beards were grown," 2 Samuel 10:4; 2 Samuel 10:6. Niebuhr, Arabie, p. 275, gives a modern instance of the very same kind of insult. "The Turks," says Thevenot, "greatly esteem a man who has a fine beard; it is a very great affront to take a man by his beard, unless it be to kiss it; they swear by the beard." Voyages, i., p. 57. D'Arvieux gives a remarkable instance of an Arab, who, having received a wound in his jaw, chose to hazard his life, rather than suffer his surgeon to take off his beard. Memoires, tom. iii., p. 214. See also Niebuhr, Arabie, p. 61.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 7:20
20. A new figure for the degradation and impoverishment of Judah at the hands of Assyria. In the same day] In that day. with a rasor … river] Better: with the razor hired beyond the river (Euphrates). There may possibly be here an allusion to the “hiring” of Assyria by Ahaz (2 Kings 16:7 f.); if so the prophecy is almost certainly later than Isaiah 7:1-17. the king of Assyria] see on Isaiah 7:17. and it shall also consume the beard] and even the beard (the symbol of manly dignity) it shall take away.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 7:20
In the same day ... - The idea in this verse is the same as in the preceding, though presented in a different form.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 7:20
20. Razor — The Assyrians are intended; the hired “razor” of Ahaz. Not so much the products of Palestine are said to be touched, for there locusts would be apt to be the figure employed.
Sermons on Isaiah 7:20
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The Papal and Hierarchial System - Part 1 by Joseph John Gurney | Joseph John Gurney preaches about the divine origin and authority of the Holy Scriptures, emphasizing that the canon of Scripture was not arbitrarily fixed by man but recognized by |
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Epistle 56 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of heeding the light of Christ within, which calls our minds away from worldly lusts and evil desires, and towards God for renewal and wors |
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The Nations the Enemies of Israel-Their Final Opposition to Jerusalem Followed by Judgment Upon Them by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the distinction between the nation of Israel and the nations, highlighting God's chosen people and the disobedience of Israel leading to the d |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 10:5 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the warnings given by the prophet Jeremiah to the people who had forsaken God. He draws parallels between the patterns of rebellion in |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 13:12 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the impending cataclysmic event that will terrorize the world. He describes the inhumanity of man to man that is often seen in war and |
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The Towers Have Fallen (Sept 16 2001) - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes how God never leaves His people clueless during times of disaster, sending prophetic messages to warn and guide. It discusses the need for repentance and ack |
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The Sin of Silence by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches about 'The Sin of Silence' using the story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7:3-16 as an illustration. He emphasizes the importance of not remaining silent about o |