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.
Isaiah 7:20 · King James Version
Meaning
One interpretation of this verse is that it serves as a metaphor for the judgment that the Lord will bring upon the people of Israel. The act of shaving off the hair symbolizes the humiliation and defeat that they will suffer as a result of their disobedience. The use of a razor that is hired by the king of Assyria emphasizes the role of foreign powers in executing God's judgment. The shaving of the head and hair of the feet represents the thoroughness of this judgment, leaving no part of the body untouched. The consumption of the beard further underscores the severity and completeness of the punishment that the people will face. Overall, this verse serves as a warning to the people of Israel about the consequences of turning away from the Lord and seeking alliances with foreign nations.
Theological Overview
Isaiah 7:20 uses the imagery of shaving to convey a powerful message. The act of shaving represents humiliation and defeat in ancient cultures. In this verse, the shaving is not done by the Lord himself but with a razor that is hired by the king of Assyria. The reference to those "beyond the river" likely indicates the people of Judah who were living in exile in Assyria. The shaving of the head, hair of the feet, and beard symbolizes the complete stripping away of pride and honor. It signifies the destruction and subjugation of the people by the Assyrians, who were seen as instruments of God's judgment. The usage of the razor being hired emphasizes that the Assyrians are merely carrying out God's will to punish the disobedient nation of Judah. Overall, this verse serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining faithful to Him.
Isaiah 7:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
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.
World English Bible
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.
Douay-Rheims
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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
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.