Ahaz the grandson of Uzziah, was not a good king, he turned from the Lord to engage in Baal worship, even sacrificing his son in the valley of Ben Hinnom.

Syria (Aram) and Israel threaten Jerusalem and there is great fear (v2). When Isaiah meets with Ahaz he does as he inspects the water supply (v3), the most vulnerable point for Jerusalem when under siege. Isaiah encourages Ahaz to trust and know hope (v4). Isaiah reassures Ahaz by reminding him that the head of Syria and Israel who threaten Jerusalem (v5-6), are mere men (v7-9). Whereas Judah has on its side the Sovereign Lord (v7a).

Ahaz is told to ask for a sign but refuses (v10-12). God is not pleased with Ahaz’s stubborn refusal. The promised sign was both contemporary for Ahaz but also in the future (v14-16). There are layers in prophesy being fulfilled.

The word for virgin (almah) speaks of an unmarried woman of untarnished character (see Genesis 24 v16). This clearly speaks of the coming of Christ, ‘Immanuel’, God with us (see Matthew 1 v20-23). Hope is always in Jesus!