Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracy.In the context of Isaiah's time, the people of Judah were surrounded by political turmoil and threats from powerful nations like Assyria. The term "conspiracy" here refers to the alliances and plots that the people believed were forming against them. Isaiah, speaking God's words, warns against adopting the same fearful mindset as the surrounding nations. This phrase emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty rather than succumbing to the fear of human schemes. Historically, the people of Judah were tempted to form alliances with other nations, which often led them away from reliance on God. This warning is a call to discernment and faithfulness, urging believers to focus on God's plan rather than human conspiracies. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to trust in God's wisdom over human understanding (
Proverbs 3:5-6).
Do not fear what they fear;
Fear was a common response to the threats posed by powerful empires like Assyria. The people of Judah were anxious about their future and the potential destruction of their nation. This phrase calls believers to a different standard, one that is rooted in faith rather than fear. The Bible frequently addresses the issue of fear, reminding God's people that He is their protector and provider (Psalm 27:1,2 Timothy 1:7). In a broader biblical context, fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), contrasting with the fear of worldly threats. This call to reject fear is a reminder of God's ultimate control over history and His promise to be with His people.
do not live in dread.
Living in dread implies a constant state of anxiety and hopelessness. For the people of Judah, the threat of invasion and the uncertainty of political alliances could easily lead to a life dominated by dread. Isaiah's message is a call to live in the peace and assurance that comes from trusting in God. This assurance is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, where believers are encouraged to cast their anxieties on God (1 Peter 5:7) and to find peace in His presence (Philippians 4:6-7). The call to not live in dread is also a prophetic foreshadowing of the peace that Jesus Christ brings, as He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), offering rest for the weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28-30).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah was called by God to deliver messages of both judgment and hope to the people of Judah and Jerusalem.
2.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing threats from surrounding nations during Isaiah's time.
3.
AssyriaA powerful empire that posed a significant threat to Judah, often causing fear and anxiety among the people.
4.
AhazThe king of Judah during Isaiah's prophecy, known for his lack of faith and reliance on foreign alliances rather than trusting in God.
5.
The People of JudahThe audience of Isaiah's prophecy, who were prone to fear and conspiracy thinking due to the political and military threats they faced.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's SovereigntyIsaiah's message encourages believers to trust in God's control over all situations, rather than succumbing to fear and conspiracy theories.
Discernment in Times of FearChristians are called to exercise discernment and not be swayed by the fears and conspiracies that dominate the culture around them.
Faith Over FearBelievers should cultivate a faith that overcomes fear, focusing on God's promises and His power rather than the threats perceived by the world.
Living Without DreadThe call to not live in dread is a reminder to find peace and assurance in God's presence and His plans for our lives.
Community InfluenceAs part of a faith community, Christians should encourage one another to remain steadfast in faith and not be led astray by societal fears.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 8:12?
2.How does Isaiah 8:12 guide us in responding to societal fears today?
3.What does "do not call conspiracy" mean in Isaiah 8:12?
4.How can Isaiah 8:12 help us trust God over worldly narratives?
5.Connect Isaiah 8:12 with Philippians 4:6 on handling anxiety.
6.How can we apply Isaiah 8:12 in our daily conversations and decisions?
7.What does Isaiah 8:12 mean by "conspiracy" in the context of ancient Israel?
8.How does Isaiah 8:12 address fear and trust in God?
9.What historical events might Isaiah 8:12 be referencing?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 8?
11.What does QAnon represent?
12.How do Christians view conspiracy theories?
13.What does QAnon represent?
14.What does the Bible say about chemtrail conspiracy?What Does Isaiah 8:12 Mean
Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracyIn Isaiah’s day the people of Judah saw the alliance of Aram and Israel (2 Kings 16:5) and cried “conspiracy!” (Isaiah 7:2). The Lord corrected that mindset.
• He reminds them that events unfolding are under His direct hand, not hidden human schemes (Isaiah 8:11;Psalm 2:1–4).
• Calling everything a plot denies God’s revealed purpose and feeds suspicion (Proverbs 14:15;Ephesians 5:6).
• Believers today likewise resist adopting the world’s alarmist narratives, choosing instead to interpret history through the lens of Scripture (Acts 4:27–28).
Taking the verse literally, God’s people are forbidden to label as “conspiracy” what He has plainly declared and is orchestrating for His glory.
Do not fear what they fearThe surrounding nations feared invasion, exile, and political upheaval. The Lord counters with His timeless directive: “When you go out to battle against your enemies… do not be afraid of them” (Deuteronomy 20:1).
• Fear loses its grip when we remember that “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).
• Jesus echoed this principle: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body… Rather, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
• Peter citedIsaiah 8 when encouraging persecuted believers: “Do not fear their threats” (1 Peter 3:14–15).
Literal obedience means exchanging the world’s anxieties for a healthy, reverent fear of the Lord.
Do not live in dreadDread is fear that stays, shaping daily choices. God offers the opposite—steady peace.
• “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast mind, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).
• “Have no fear of sudden danger… for the LORD will be your confidence” (Proverbs 3:25–26).
• Paul applies the same truth: “Be anxious for nothing… and the peace of God… will guard your hearts” (Philippians 4:6–7).
A literal reading calls us to walk through turbulent times with calm assurance, confident that the Almighty holds every moment.
summaryIsaiah 8:12 commands God’s people to reject panic narratives, refuse the world’s fears, and resist a lifestyle of dread. Because the Lord is sovereign, every apparent “conspiracy” is ultimately subject to His plan. We respond by trusting Him, fearing Him alone, and resting in His peace.
(12)
Say ye not, A confederacy . . .--The words have been very differently interpreted. (1) The confederacy has been thought to be that between Syria or Ephraim, which had at first filled the people with terror, and then had seemed so powerful that men had been willing to join it (
Isaiah 7:2;
Isaiah 8:6). (2) Translating the word as
conspiracyas in
2Kings 17:4--it was the word used by Athaliah when she cried, "Treason, treason!" (
2Chronicles 23:13)--interpreters have seen in it the cry of the Assyrian alliance party against the prophet and his followers, whom they accused of conspiracy against their country, such as was afterwards imputed to Jeremiah (
Jeremiah 37:14). (3) Others, following a conjectural amendment of the text, have read, "Ye shall not call everything a holy thing which this people calleth a holy thing," and find in the words a protest against the idolatrous reverence for that which has no real holiness, analogous to the warning against soothsayers or diviners in
Isaiah 8:19; or possibly an allusion to such an object of worship as the brazen serpent, which Hezekiah had destroyed by Isaiah's advice (
2Kings 18:4). Of these, (2) seems the most in harmony with the sequence of facts and thoughts. . . .
Verse 12. -
Say ye not. The transition from the singular to the plural is noticeable. It implies that Isaiah did not stand alone, but had followers - a "little flock," it may be - but still enough to give him the support of sympathy (comp. ver. 16).
A confederacy; rather,
treason, or
conspiracy (see
2 Samuel 15:12;
1 Kings 16:20;
2 Kings 11:12;
2 Kings 12:20;
Jeremiah 11:9;
Ezekiel 22:25, etc.). The command is, not to call a course of conduct treasonable simply because the people generally so call it. Jeremiah was charged with treason for preaching the hopelessness of offering resistance to Nebuchadnezzar (
Jeremiah 20:1;
Jeremiah 26:8-11). Those who opposed an Assyrian alliance were probably now taxed with treason.
To all them to whom; rather,
everything which. Translate the entire clause thus:
Call ye not conspiracy everything which this people shall call conspiracy.
Neither fear ye their fear. They feared man (
Isaiah 7:2). Isaiah and his disciples are commanded to fear no one but God.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
“Do notלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nocallתֹאמְר֣וּן(ṯō·mə·rūn)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 559:To utter, sayconspiracyקֶ֔שֶׁר(qe·šer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7195:An, allianceeverythingלְכֹ֧ל(lə·ḵōl)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everytheseהַזֶּ֖ה(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatpeopleהָעָ֥ם(hā·‘ām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockregardיֹאמַ֛ר(yō·mar)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayas conspiracy.קָ֑שֶׁר(qā·šer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7195:An, allianceDo notלֹֽא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nofearתִֽירְא֖וּ(ṯî·rə·’ū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3372:To fear, to revere, caus, to frightenwhat they fear;מוֹרָא֥וֹ(mō·w·rā·’ōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4172:Fear, a fearful thing, deeddo notוְלֹ֥א(wə·lō)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nolive in dread.תַעֲרִֽיצוּ׃(ṯa·‘ă·rî·ṣū)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6206:To cause to tremble, tremble
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 8:12 Don't say 'A conspiracy! (Isa Isi Is) 
