Isaiah 8:6 Meaning and Explanation
“Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Judah has rejected God's gentle blessing and instead placed hope in human alliances against Assyria.
The Context of Isaiah 8:6
Isaiah explains the root cause of Judah's crisis: the nation has rejected God's quiet provision and sought security in foreign political alliances.
What Does Isaiah 8:6 Mean?
The 'waters of Shiloah that go softly' is an image of Jerusalem's primary water source, fed by a quiet spring within the city's walls. The phrase suggests God's quiet, reliable provision and presence—the gentle, internal sustenance of trusting the Lord. But the people 'refuseth' this; they spurn the quiet blessing of dependence on God.
Instead, they 'rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son'—Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel, the two kings menacing Judah. Their joy in foreign alliances reveals misplaced confidence. They pursue noisy, external alliances with earthly powers instead of the quiet, internal assurance that comes from trusting God's provision. This choice will have grave consequences.
Isaiah 8:6 in the Original Language
Shiloah (שִׁלוֹחַ), 'sent'—the spring whose waters were 'sent' or channeled into Jerusalem, symbolic of God's provision flowing to His people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 8:6
What does Isaiah 8:6 mean?
Judah has rejected God's gentle blessing and instead placed hope in human alliances against Assyria.
What is the context of Isaiah 8:6?
Isaiah explains the root cause of Judah's crisis: the nation has rejected God's quiet provision and sought security in foreign political alliances.