Isaiah 7:15 - He shall eat butter and honey when he knows to refuse the evil, and choose the good.
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What does "Isaiah 7:15" mean?
Isaiah 7:15, "He shall eat butter and honey when he knows to refuse the evil and choose the good," is a verse packed with symbolic meaning, and its interpretation depends on the context of Isaiah 7 and the broader prophetic message. Here's a breakdown of possible interpretations:
Context is Key:
The Syro-Ephraimitic War: Isaiah 7 takes place during a time of crisis for Judah. The kingdoms of Syria (Aram) and Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom of Israel) are threatening Jerusalem and trying to force Judah into an alliance against Assyria. King Ahaz of Judah is fearful.
The Sign of Immanuel: Isaiah is sent to Ahaz to deliver a message of hope: God will protect Judah from these invaders. As a sign of this assurance, Isaiah prophesies the birth of a child called Immanuel (which means "God with us"). Verses 14-16 describe this child.
Possible Interpretations:
1. A Sign of a Difficult Time, But Ultimately Restoration:
Butter and Honey = Simple, Basic Diet: In times of war and upheaval, agricultural productivity suffers. A diet of butter and honey, while palatable, represents a diminished abundance. It suggests a period of hardship.
"When he knows to refuse the evil and choose the good": This phrase links the diet with moral development. The time when the child is old enough to distinguish between right and wrong marks a turning point.
Interpretation: The prophecy suggests that Judah will face hardship and reduced prosperity in the short term. The child (Immanuel) will be born into this time. However, after the child reaches a certain age and moral awareness, the invaders will be gone (Isaiah 7:16). This symbolizes that God's promise of deliverance will be fulfilled after a period of testing.
2. Abundance and Blessing After Deliverance:
Butter and Honey = Symbol of Plenty: In some interpretations, butter and honey are seen as delicacies and signs of agricultural abundance. They represent a restored and prosperous land.
"When he knows to refuse the evil and choose the good": This could refer to a time of moral renewal in Judah, perhaps after they have repented and returned to God.
Interpretation: The prophecy indicates that after the child is born and after Judah turns from its wickedness and chooses the good, God will bless the land with abundance and prosperity. The emphasis is on future restoration based on righteous living.
3. A Comparison of Kingdoms:
Butter and Honey = The Best Available Food: Some suggest that Isaiah is comparing the diets of the Israelites and the Jews. He is saying that the baby will be well-fed. It would be able to determine the proper course for the Jewish kingdom.
4. Messianic Interpretation (Referring to Jesus):
Some Christians interpret "Immanuel" as referring to Jesus Christ.
In this view, the "butter and honey" could symbolize the spiritual nourishment and blessings that come through Christ.
"When he knows to refuse the evil and choose the good" refers to Jesus' perfect sinlessness and obedience to God's will.
Interpretation: This is a more typological reading, seeing the prophecy as having an ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus.
Key Considerations:
Who is Immanuel? This is a central question. Is it a child born during Ahaz's time, or is it a prophetic foreshadowing of the Messiah? The answer influences the interpretation of the entire passage.
The Timing of the Prophecy: Is the prophecy meant to be fulfilled immediately, or is it a longer-term vision?
The Role of Moral Choice: The phrase "refuse the evil and choose the good" is crucial. It highlights the importance of moral responsibility and obedience to God.
In summary, Isaiah 7:15 is a complex verse that speaks of a period of transition and hope. It emphasizes that even in times of hardship, God's promise of deliverance will be fulfilled, and that choosing good over evil is essential for experiencing true blessing and prosperity. The specific interpretation depends on one's understanding of the identity of Immanuel and the intended scope of the prophecy.
Isaiah 7:15 - He shall eat butter and honey when he knows to refuse the evil, and choose the good.
What does "Isaiah 7:15" mean?
Isaiah 7:15, "He shall eat butter and honey when he knows to refuse the evil and choose the good," is a verse packed with symbolic meaning, and its interpretation depends on the context of Isaiah 7 and the broader prophetic message. Here's a breakdown of possible interpretations:
Context is Key:
The Syro-Ephraimitic War: Isaiah 7 takes place during a time of crisis for Judah. The kingdoms of Syria (Aram) and Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom of Israel) are threatening Jerusalem and trying to force Judah into an alliance against Assyria. King Ahaz of Judah is fearful.
The Sign of Immanuel: Isaiah is sent to Ahaz to deliver a message of hope: God will protect Judah from these invaders. As a sign of this assurance, Isaiah prophesies the birth of a child called Immanuel (which means "God with us"). Verses 14-16 describe this child.
Possible Interpretations:
1. A Sign of a Difficult Time, But Ultimately Restoration:
Butter and Honey = Simple, Basic Diet: In times of war and upheaval, agricultural productivity suffers. A diet of butter and honey, while palatable, represents a diminished abundance. It suggests a period of hardship.
"When he knows to refuse the evil and choose the good": This phrase links the diet with moral development. The time when the child is old enough to distinguish between right and wrong marks a turning point.
Interpretation: The prophecy suggests that Judah will face hardship and reduced prosperity in the short term. The child (Immanuel) will be born into this time. However, after the child reaches a certain age and moral awareness, the invaders will be gone (Isaiah 7:16). This symbolizes that God's promise of deliverance will be fulfilled after a period of testing.
2. Abundance and Blessing After Deliverance:
Butter and Honey = Symbol of Plenty: In some interpretations, butter and honey are seen as delicacies and signs of agricultural abundance. They represent a restored and prosperous land.
"When he knows to refuse the evil and choose the good": This could refer to a time of moral renewal in Judah, perhaps after they have repented and returned to God.
Interpretation: The prophecy indicates that after the child is born and after Judah turns from its wickedness and chooses the good, God will bless the land with abundance and prosperity. The emphasis is on future restoration based on righteous living.
3. A Comparison of Kingdoms:
Butter and Honey = The Best Available Food: Some suggest that Isaiah is comparing the diets of the Israelites and the Jews. He is saying that the baby will be well-fed. It would be able to determine the proper course for the Jewish kingdom.
4. Messianic Interpretation (Referring to Jesus):
Some Christians interpret "Immanuel" as referring to Jesus Christ.
In this view, the "butter and honey" could symbolize the spiritual nourishment and blessings that come through Christ.
"When he knows to refuse the evil and choose the good" refers to Jesus' perfect sinlessness and obedience to God's will.
Interpretation: This is a more typological reading, seeing the prophecy as having an ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus.
Key Considerations:
Who is Immanuel? This is a central question. Is it a child born during Ahaz's time, or is it a prophetic foreshadowing of the Messiah? The answer influences the interpretation of the entire passage.
The Timing of the Prophecy: Is the prophecy meant to be fulfilled immediately, or is it a longer-term vision?
The Role of Moral Choice: The phrase "refuse the evil and choose the good" is crucial. It highlights the importance of moral responsibility and obedience to God.
In summary, Isaiah 7:15 is a complex verse that speaks of a period of transition and hope. It emphasizes that even in times of hardship, God's promise of deliverance will be fulfilled, and that choosing good over evil is essential for experiencing true blessing and prosperity. The specific interpretation depends on one's understanding of the identity of Immanuel and the intended scope of the prophecy.