Isaiah 7:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The phrase ‘on the other side of the river, by the king of Assyria’ refers to the region beyond the Euphrates, as Judea and all of Palestine are situated across this river from Persia. The prophet declares that the Lord will entirely ‘take away’ these threats. By mentioning the head, the hair, the beard, and the feet, he metaphorically encompasses the entire land, likening it to a body, as he previously stated, ‘the whole head is sick, and the whole heart is faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it’ (Isaiah 1:5, 6), indicating not just one individual, but making a comparison of the entire nation to a single body. He conveys the same idea here, that the entire land will face severe discipline. He communicates this reality through the image of a ‘razor’ and the analogy of a body, illustrating that the impending decree of God, more formidable than any razor, will bring destruction to both the people and their deeds, leaving the land bare and forsaken.

Historically, having a shaved head and beard was a sign of great disgrace. Thus, the daughters of Zion, who had elevated themselves and donned elaborate hairstyles, faced the Divine's warning of losing their fortunes. The Lord declared, "And instead of sweet perfume there shall be a stench, and instead of a sash, a rope, and instead of a beautiful headdress, baldness" (Isaiah 3:23; cf. Isaiah 3:16). In some instances, this practice was even performed in mourning, bringing shame upon those who engaged in it. Consequently, the Mosaic law instructed those who had accepted the sacred priesthood not to shave their heads or disfigure their appearances for the dead (Leviticus 21:6).

When Jerusalem lay in ruins under Nebuchadnezzar, men emerged from Shechem, Salem, and Samaria, as noted by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 41:5), among them sixty with shaved chests and tattered robes, weeping, bringing offerings and incense to the house of the Lord. Thus, the act of shaving the head and beard served as a symbol of mourning and dishonor. This is precisely the fate that awaits the land of Judah, as foretold; for she will remain after the destruction of her children, grieving and deeply disgraced.

However, if one wishes to interpret this differently, they might consider that the hair on the head symbolizes the most respected in wealth and status, as it is positioned above all. The beard, conversely, represents those endowed with intelligence and wisdom, as is often the case in sacred Scripture. When the hair of the feet is also mentioned, it may refer to those in humble and lowly positions. The water-laden razor spared no one, shaving both the exalted and the humble, leaving Judah vulnerable and stripped of her dignity. For Nebuchadnezzar nearly led all of Israel into exile in the mountains of Persia and Midian.

Furthermore, the Prophet warns that the very jewels and symbols of valor, which the Prophet terms bradha, will be removed by this hired razor. Those who examine historical records may conclude that this is indeed what the Roman military accomplished against the Assyrians, coinciding with the birth of Immanuel.