The LORD spoke to me again: This quote frame indicates that the following words are from Yahweh, though spoken by the prophet. Again is a reference to the LORD’s first speech, started in verse 1.

Because this people have refused the waters of Shiloah that flow gently: This is the first of two clauses giving the reasons for the action that will result (verses 7-8a). This people refers to the people of Judah (see the comments on this expression at 6.9). Shiloah is probably the same as “Siloam” (so the Septuagint) and refers to the open-air aqueduct on the west side of the Kidron Valley to the east of Jerusalem. It brought water from the Gihon Spring to a pool inside the city. This aqueduct predates the cutting of the Siloam Tunnel in the time of King Hezekiah. The specific meaning of the waters of Shiloah that flow gently is not clear since this is its only occurrence in the Old Testament. However, this gently flowing stream is contrasted with the overwhelming flood of the Assyrian army. So we can presume that this quiet stream is a metaphor for God’s protective presence. The people of Judah would have experienced God’s protection if they had accepted Isaiah’s warnings and recommendations. Instead they refused. It is best not to make the meaning of the metaphor explicit here. However, it may be given in a footnote.

And melt in fear before Rezin and the son of Remaliah: This seems an obvious reference to 7.2, but the RSV footnote draws attention to a different text in Hebrew. Instead of melt in fear, the Hebrew text has “rejoice,” which is supported by Hebrew Old Testament Text Project. Although it may not be the original text, the authors of Hebrew Old Testament Text Project believe there is no valid reason to change it. This is the reading found in New International Version, which renders this clause as “and rejoices over Rezin and the son of Remaliah.” Contemporary English Version is similar with “and have gladly gone over to the side of King Rezin and King Pekah.” The problem with the Hebrew text is obvious: why would Judah happily join its enemies? There are scholars who have argued that there was a large group within Judah who would have been happy to support Syria and Israel against Assyria. So this group might be the target of Isaiah’s words here.

Revised English Bible makes a slight change to the Hebrew word for “rejoice,” so that it reads “gently.” Revised English Bible links it to the first part of verse 6 by saying the river of Shiloah flows “softly and gently.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh is similar. However, Revised English Bible and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh delete the phrase before Rezin and the son of Remaliah, which is difficult to justify. Most English translations have the meaning melt in fear. Although it seems to fit the overall context best, it is not the meaning of Masoretic Text. It comes from a reconstructed text.

We suggest that translators retain the traditional rendering melt in fear but add a footnote to indicate that the Hebrew text is “rejoice,” as Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation do. There is no need for translators to explain the problem beyond this since it cannot be solved.

For the son of Remaliah, see 7.4.

For the translation of this verse consider:

• “Because these people have rejected the gently flowing waters of Shiloah and melt out of fear* for Rezin and the son of Remaliah….
* Instead of “melt out of fear,” the Hebrew text has “rejoice.”

• “Since the people of Judah have abandoned the gently flowing stream of Shiloah and since they rejoice over Rezin and the son of Remaliah….

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .