Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The most striking part here is how the prophetic declaration of God's presence ("for God is with us") is presented as the reason why all the enemies' plans will fail. It's not just a statement of fact; it's the ultimate defense against any earthly strategy, highlighting that divine presence trumps all human might and counsel.
Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this passage, Isaiah is addressing the combined forces of Syria and the northern kingdom of Israel who have allied against Judah. Despite their plotting and military might, Isaiah declares that their plans will utterly fail because "God is with us"—a direct reference to the name Immanuel, which he had prophesied would be a sign of God's presence and deliverance. This promise is a stark contrast to the insecurity and faithlessness of Judah's king, Ahaz, and the people who sought alliances with powerful nations instead of trusting God.
Nations and powers plot and plan, believing their strategies are foolproof. But what happens when their counsel clashes with God's ultimate authority?
Futile Counsels
Isaiah confronts the surrounding nations, warning them that their attempts to plot against Judah will fail. The verse says, "Take counsel together, and it shall come to nothing; speak a word, but it will not stand." This isn't just about failed political or military strategies. It speaks to any human endeavor, no matter how well-thought-out or forcefully declared, that stands in opposition to God's will.
In the face of overwhelming opposition and seemingly doomed plans, Isaiah points to a singular, unshakeable truth. What is this truth, and why does it render all human efforts powerless?
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The Divine Anchor
The reason for the failure of all opposing counsel is stunningly simple, yet profound: "for God is with us."
This is the ultimate trump card against any opposition. Human plans are temporary and fragile; God's presence is eternal and all-powerful.
Understand the original words
etsah · Hebrew Noun
The act of planning or strategizing; in a spiritual sense, it often refers to human schemes made in opposition to the purposes and sovereign will of God.
dabar · Hebrew Noun
Used here to signify the divine declaration or purpose of God, which is immutable, authoritative, and certain to prevail over any human speech or plan.
El immanu · Hebrew Phrase
The foundational theological truth that God maintains an active, protective, and redemptive relationship with His people, ensuring His purposes cannot be thwarted.
Late 8th Century BC
Syro-Ephraimite War Begins
The kingdoms of Syria (Aram) and Israel (Ephraim) form an alliance to attack Judah and force King Ahaz to join them against Assyria.
c. 733 BC
Assyrian King Tiglath-Pileser III Invades
In response to Judah's refusal to join an anti-Assyrian coalition, the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III invades, conquering northern Israel and deporting many citizens.
c. 732 BC
Fall of Damascus
Tiglath-Pileser III conquers the Syrian capital, Damascus, and deports its population, effectively ending the threat from Syria.
c. 732 BC— this verse
Prophecy of Immanuel
Isaiah delivers the sign of Immanuel (God with us), prophesying that before a child can speak 'my father' or 'my mother', the kings of Syria and Israel will be overthrown.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) is conquered by the Assyrian Empire under Shalmaneser V and Sargon II, with its population largely deported.
This verse echoes Isaiah's confidence, stating that if the Lord is with them, they need not fear the people of the land, highlighting the power of God's presence against any opposition.
Psalm 46:6-7Similar to Isaiah, this psalm assures that nations rage and kingdoms totter, but with Jehovah of hosts with them and the God of Jacob as their refuge, they will stand firm against any earthly threat.
Romans 8:31The apostle Paul directly uses the concept of 'God is with us' to declare that if God is for us, no power can stand against us, powerfully reinforcing Isaiah's message of divine protection.
1 Peter 2:8This passage connects the idea of a 'stone of stumbling' and 'rock of offense,' which Isaiah also mentions in this chapter, showing how God's presence can be a source of salvation for some and a cause of ruin for others who reject Him.
pulpitIsaiah 8:10: "Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us."
Verse 10. - Take counsel together; literally, devise a device; i.e. form some plan, even the cleverest possible, against God's people, and the result will be utter failure. It shall not stand (comp. Isaiah 7:7). For God is with us. In the Hebrew, ki 'immanu-El, "for with us (is) God" words declarative of the true meaning of the name which God had made a sign to his peop…
barnesIsaiah 8:10: "Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us."
Take counsel together - This is an address to the same foreign nations. It refers to the designs which they would form to destroy the Jewish state. Speak the word - That is, give the command - to overturn the nation of the Jews. It shall not stand - It shall not be accomplished. For God is with us - Hebrew 'For Immanuel.' It indicates the confidence of the prophet in vi…
The most striking part here is how the prophetic declaration of God's presence ("for God is with us") is presented as the reason why all the enemies' plans will fail. It's not just a statement of fact; it's the ultimate defense against any earthly strategy, highlighting that divine presence trumps all human might and counsel.
In this passage, Isaiah is addressing the combined forces of Syria and the northern kingdom of Israel who have allied against Judah. Despite their plotting and military might, Isaiah declares that their plans will utterly fail because "God is with us"—a direct reference to the name Immanuel, which he had prophesied would be a sign of God's presence and deliverance. This promise is a stark contrast to the insecurity and faithlessness of Judah's king, Ahaz, and the people who sought alliances with powerful nations instead of trusting God.
In this passage, Isaiah is addressing the combined forces of Syria and the northern kingdom of Israel who have allied against Judah. Despite their plotting and military might, Isaiah declares that their plans will utterly fail because "God is with us"—a direct reference to the name Immanuel, which he had prophesied would be a sign of God's presence and deliverance. This promise is a stark contrast to the insecurity and faithlessness of Judah's king, Ahaz, and the people who sought alliances with powerful nations instead of trusting God.
"Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us." — The most striking part here is how the prophetic declaration of God's presence ("for God is with us") is presented as the reason why all the enemies' plans will fail. It's not just a statement of f…
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Last reviewed October 2026