GOD PROMISES
Isaiah 7:7–17
God Intervenes (7–9)
King Ahaz worried that Syria and Ephraim would succeed in their attacks against Judah. God sent Isaiah to reassure Ahaz that both would fail. However, Ahaz did not trust the word of God through Isaiah, instead preferring to rely on another nation, Assyria, for help.
Ahaz’s situation is a lot like what we face as Christians today. It is easy to look around at circumstances and ignore the promises God makes to us in Scripture. While times may be uncertain politically, socially and even militarily, we know we can trust God and believe His promises.
Jesus tells us not to worry in Matthew 6:34, and we need to trust God despite our circumstances.
God Expects (10–13)
To comfort Ahaz, God told him to ask for a sign. God was going to show Ahaz that He would carry out the defeat of these invading armies. However, Ahaz tried to act righteous by claiming he did not want to put God to the test, when in reality, he refused to trust God and instead was looking to other military allies to help his cause. This shows Ahaz’s lack of faith in God.
We often face this attitude as well. God tells us not to put our hope in wealth, in our careers or in our family, yet we often look to these things for assurance. If we have enough money, we think we can weather anything that comes our way. But Jesus reminds us money and riches are not eternal. They can disappear at a moment’s notice. Instead, Jesus reminds us to focus on eternal things that do not fade away (Matt. 6:25–34). Our trust needs to be in God, not in anything else.
God Announces (14–15)
Despite Ahaz’s unbelief, God was going to give a sign anyway. The sign was that a virgin would be with child and His name would be Immanuel. This is one of the most famous passages on the prediction of Christ’s birth to Mary. It is important to note that most scholars believe this prophecy of Isaiah had fulfillment in his own day, as well as fulfillment in the birth of Christ. Many scholars believe it referred to a woman who was engaged but not yet married at the time of the prophecy, getting married and then conceiving. We know for sure though that this prophecy looked forward to Christ.
Often, prophecy or statements in the Old Testament have a meaning for the people of that time while also holding a meaning for the future. Since the Holy Spirit is the author of all of Scripture, He is free to provide meaning in this way.
The fact that this promised child would be named Immanuel meant, for Ahaz, a slap in the face. Here is a man, the King of Judah, who is supposed to be trusting in God, yet he trusts in men. The prophecy calls this child Immanuel — God with us — to show that despite Ahaz’s lack of faith, God is still with His people.
The name Immanuel also signifies Christ, the true God of the universe coming to reside among men, the real God with us.
God Judges (16–17)
Because of Ahaz’ refusal to trust God, God would remove Ahaz from power. In fact, Assyria, the nation that Ahaz wanted to ally with, would be the power that would overtake Syria and Ephraim and invade Judah. God has control over all the nations, so certainly Ahaz should have trusted in God, not men.
All of this confirms that God is sovereign, and He is the judge of the universe. As Christians, knowing this should bring us great comfort, since we know that God is going to put to right all the injustices that have ever been committed on the earth. We know God will save us from our sins through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, so that nothing can remove us from the love of God (see Rom. 8:18–39).
We can trust God in all our circumstances. This should give us great hope when we face uncertainties on earth.
By Robert L. Olsen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
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