Within how many years would Ephraim be broken, according to Isaiah?

The prophecy concerning Ephraim in the book of Isaiah indicates that within a certain timeframe, the Northern Kingdom would face destruction. This is notably mentioned in Isaiah 7:8, where it states that "within sixty-five years, Ephraim will be broken, so that it will not be a people." This timeframe is critical as it underscores the impending judgment the nation would face due to their unfaithfulness to God and highlights God's sovereignty in determining the fate of nations.

The choice of 65 years captures the specific duration that the prophet Isaiah, under divine inspiration, foresaw for Ephraim's downfall. This detail serves as a prophecy for the people of Israel, illustrating the severity of their situation and calling them to repentance and a return to faithfulness to God. Understanding this timeframe provides insight into the historical context of the nation of Israel during Isaiah’s ministry and the consequences of turning away from God.