Isaiah 8 6

Isaiah 8:6 kjv

Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son;

Isaiah 8:6 nkjv

"Inasmuch as these people refused The waters of Shiloah that flow softly, And rejoice in Rezin and in Remaliah's son;

Isaiah 8:6 niv

"Because this people has rejected the gently flowing waters of Shiloah and rejoices over Rezin and the son of Remaliah,

Isaiah 8:6 esv

"Because this people has refused the waters of Shiloah that flow gently, and rejoice over Rezin and the son of Remaliah,

Isaiah 8:6 nlt

"My care for the people of Judah is like the gently flowing waters of Shiloah, but they have rejected it. They are rejoicing over what will happen to King Rezin and King Pekah.

Isaiah 8 verses

Isaiah 8 6 Meaning

The people of Israel had turned away from God's commands, seeking help from the pagan nation of Syria, instead of trusting in the Lord. This verse describes their foolish reliance on the pleasant and easy flow of the Shiloah stream, a symbol of Judah's blessings and God's presence, while disregarding God's counsel. Their rejection of divine guidance led them down a path of destruction.

Isaiah 8 6 Context

This verse is situated within Isaiah chapter 8, a prophecy delivered during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah. At this time, the Northern Kingdom of Israel (often referred to as Ephraim) and Syria (Aram) had formed an alliance to attack Judah. King Ahaz, instead of trusting in the Lord, sought an alliance with the Assyrian Empire, a powerful and ruthless nation, for protection. This chapter powerfully condemns the misguided trust in human alliances and human strength, contrasting it with the absolute sufficiency of God's power and promise. Isaiah is commanded to make his prophecy public, underscoring its critical importance for the people of Judah. The "waters of Shiloah" represent the gentle, consistent, and divinely provided blessings of Judah, particularly related to the Shiloh water conduit.

Isaiah 8 6 Word Analysis

• ki (כִּי) - "for," "because," "that." It introduces the reason for the preceding statement or the following consequence.

• ma'as (מָאַס) - "to refuse," "to reject," "to despise," "to abhor." This verb denotes a deliberate and strong rejection.

• ha'am (הָעָם) - "the people." Refers specifically to the people of Judah in this context.

• mə·shi·lō·aḥ (מְשִׁילֹחַ) - "of Shiloah." A possessive form referring to the waters of Shiloah, a gentle, quiet stream that flowed from the Gihon Spring through tunnels into Jerusalem. It symbolized God's gentle provision and presence with His people.

• a·šer (אֲשֶׁר) - "that," "which," "who." A relative pronoun connecting the waters to their characteristic.

• dā·lə·ḵū (דָּלְכוּ) - "they go," "they flow." The root dalak (דָּלַק) can mean "to run," "to pursue," or "to go softly/gently." Here, it emphasizes the quiet, unassuming nature of the Shiloah waters.

• mā·yi·mei·ḵem (מֵימֵיכֶם) - "the waters of you." The plural possessive pronoun refers back to "the people."

• lə·za·yim (לְזַיִם) - "go softly," "flow gently." This adverbial phrase or participial form captures the serene, peaceful movement of the waters, contrasting with roaring or forceful rivers. The Hebrew can also be rendered as "running gently" or "proceeding softly."

• Group analysis: "the waters of Shiloah that go softly" (מֵי מְשִׁילֹחַ אֲשֶׁר דָּלְכוּ לְזַיִם)This phrase is a powerful metaphor for God's gentle, consistent, and sovereign providence. It highlights the understated yet persistent nature of God's blessings and leadership, in stark contrast to the perceived need for more forceful, earthly means of security (like alliances with powerful empires). The rejection of these gentle waters signifies a rejection of God's quiet working and His intended way of leading and sustaining His people.

Isaiah 8 6 Bonus Section

The Shiloah (or Siloam) mentioned here is connected to the pool of Siloam in Jerusalem. This very pool is significant in the New Testament, where Jesus miraculously heals a blind man by sending him to wash there (John 9:7). The waters of Shiloah, which provided life and sustenance to Jerusalem through tunnels, represent a divine lifeline. Isaiah's message underscores that God's provision, though it may seem unassuming, is true and lasting. The people of Judah were overlooking this faithful provision in favor of an arrogant and ultimately faithless reliance on their own or others' worldly power. The contrast between the gentle Shiloah and the mighty River (Euphrates/Tigris) mirrors the contrast between trusting in God's quiet strength and trusting in the aggressive power of pagan nations.

Isaiah 8 6 Commentary

The verse critiques Judah's misplaced trust. They are turning away from the "waters of Shiloah," which represents God's quiet, gentle, yet effective provision and blessing for their nation. Instead of relying on God's subtle but sure hand, they are embracing the powerful and tumultuous might of the Assyrian empire, symbolizing "the waters of the River" (often interpreted as the Euphrates, associated with Assyria) that are mighty and potentially overwhelming. Their preference for the perceived strength and security offered by human alliances over God's steadfast faithfulness is seen as foolish and ultimately destructive. This choice signifies a deep spiritual recalcitrance, a refusal to acknowledge God's sufficiency and sovereignty in their lives.