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Isaiah 7:2
ESV When the house of David was told, "Syria is in league with Ephraim," the heart of Ahaz and the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind.
NIV Now the house of David was told, "Aram has allied itself with Ephraim"; so the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind.
NASB When it was reported to the house of David, saying, 'The Arameans have taken a stand by Ephraim,' his heart and the hearts of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake from the wind.
CSB When it became known to the house of David that Aram had occupied Ephraim, the heart of Ahaz and the hearts of his people trembled like trees of a forest shaking in the wind.
NLT The news had come to the royal court of Judah: 'Syria is allied with Israel against us!' So the hearts of the king and his people trembled with fear, like trees shaking in a storm.
KJV And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.
NKJV And it was told to the house of David, saying, “Syria’s forces are deployed in Ephraim.” So his heart and the heart of his people were moved as the trees of the woods are moved with the wind.

What does Isaiah 7:2 mean?

Ahaz, king of Judah, and the "house of David" are terrified. The phrase "house of David" refers to Jerusalem. It could refer to the king's court or the people of Jerusalem and Judah in general. Isaiah writes poetically that their hearts are full of fear. They are not feeling strong for what lies ahead.

Why are they so afraid? They have learned that Syria and Ephraim are in league together. Ephraim is the nation of the northern ten tribes of Israel Syria is the nation just north of Israel, and it's capital is Damascus. The capital of Ephraim is in Samaria. The two nations have not just become allies. They have come south to attack Judah to get it out of the way before Assyria comes from the east with its massive armies to attack their nations.

The king of Judah has already made it clear he will not stand with Syria and Israel against the Assyrians. In fact, it will eventually be revealed he has made an alliance with Assyria (2 Kings 16:7–9). The kings of Syria and Israel hope to defeat him and put their own king on Judah's throne, someone who they can influence.

It is likely that Israel and Syria have already captured or killed tens of thousands of the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 28) by this point. They are making their way to Jerusalem, the well-defended capital of Judah. Because of its location and its walls, their plan would be to put the city under siege and starve Ahaz and his people out.
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