“The Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out with your son Shear-jashub to meet Ahaz at the end of the conduit of the upper pool, by the road to the Launderer’s Field. Say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Don’t be afraid or cowardly because of these two smoldering sticks, the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram, and the son of Remaliah. For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted harm against you. They say, ‘Let’s go up against Judah, terrorize it, and conquer it for ourselves. Then we can install Tabeel’s son as king in it.’”
This is what the Lord God says: It will not happen; it will not occur. The chief city of Aram is Damascus, the chief of Damascus is Rezin (within sixty-five years Ephraim will be too shattered to be a people), the chief city of Ephraim is Samaria, and the chief of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.” —Isaiah 7:3-9
Through the Prophet Isaiah, the Lord assures Ahaz that the attack with not be successfull
“This is what the Lord God says: It will
happen; it will not occur.” —Isaiah 7:7
THEN THE LORD CALLS UPON AHAZ TO RESPOND BY
“…If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.” —Isaiah 7:9
THE LORD SHOWS INCREDIBLE GRACE AND
“Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz: “Ask for a sign from the Lord your God—it can be as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven.” But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask. I will not test the Lord.” —Isaiah 7:10-12
THE RESPONSE OF AHAZ
“I will not ask. I will not
the Lord.” —Isaiah 7:12
There’s nothing pious or sincere here. It’s more disbelief. More rebellion.
“Isaiah said, “Listen, house of David! Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men? Will you also try the patience of my God?” —Isaiah 7:13
“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel” —Isaiah 7:14
• We all have to decide if we’re going to
• If all that you have to cling to is God’s
A STEP FURTHER: Discussion Questions
In verse 3, The Lord tells Isaiah to take his son with him as he prophecies to King Ahaz. The name of Isaiah’s son is “Shear-jashub” which means, “A remnant shall return”. This tells us that his mere presence was a message in itself. What do you think that message was?
Isaiah 7:9 says, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” What does this phrase mean, and why was it crucial for the people of Judah?
How does this statement apply to the personal and collective faith of God’s people?
What does King Ahaz’s decision to refuse God’s sign teach us about the dangers of self-reliance or political alliances?
How can we apply this lesson to our lives today?
In what ways do people today often seek security or answers outside of God’s will, and what can we learn from Ahaz’s example?
How does the promise of Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14) serve as a source of comfort and hope in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty?
How can this promise encourage believers facing difficult circumstances today?