Isaiah 7:10-17

ISAIAH—NOTE ON Isaiah 7:10 Ahaz, king of Judah, sees Syria and Ephraim (the northern kingdom) as a threat, even though the Lord has said Ahaz has nothing to fear from them. Though Ahaz is the heir of David’s throne, he has put his firm faith in the king of Assyria (v. Isaiah 7:9; see 2 Kings 16:1). He placed his hope in human power rather than in the Lord. But Isaiah calls for Ahaz and all of Jerusalem to put their faith in a far more reliable ally: “the Lord himself” (Isaiah 7:14). The Lord invites Ahaz to request a sign to strengthen his faith (v. Isaiah 7:11), but Ahaz refuses to do so, saying I will not put the LORD to the test (v. Isaiah 7:12; see Deuteronomy 6:16). Isaiah then addresses the house of David (Isaiah 7:13). He accuses the royal house of wearying God, but he also offers them a sign from the Lord himself (v. Isaiah 7:14). This sign is the famous announcement of a son born to a virgin, whose name will be Immanuel. This child’s life is to be the sign that confirms the truth of the divine word, which the LORD will bring upon you (v. Isaiah 7:17; see note on vv. 15–17).