Dec 18 – 4 Advent
Isaiah 7:10-16
Isaiah Gives Ahaz the Sign of Immanuel

Background: The first 39 chapters of Isaiah are considered a unit, typically referred to as First Isaiah. Chapter 7 is in the midst of a section commonly titled “The Testimony of Isaiah.” In this section Isaiah tries to lead the king of Judah (Ahaz) to trust in God and God’s promise to remain with the faithful of the tribes of Israel.

Theme: In this passage Isaiah attempts to comfort Ahaz and show that God is committed to a lasting relationship with his chosen people. God even offers Ahaz to answer any request for a sign that would prove God’s trustworthiness. Yet, with God’s promise offered Ahaz rebuffs God by not engaging with God.

Questions to Ponder:
* Read Isaiah 7:10-16.
* Briefly describe the political, social, and religious situation in Israel for this passage.
* Why might Aram and the northern tribes be pressing Jerusalem/Judah to join them? What is God’s reaction to Aram and the northern tribe’s efforts?
* Taking verse 10 literally, when had God (Isaiah) spoken to Ahaz previously?
* What had God offered Ahaz in their previous exchange? How had Ahaz reacted to God’s offer in their previous encounter?
* Why might Ahaz decline God’s offer of a sign? Why might Ahaz claim that his reluctance to request a sign from God was to honor the commandment to not put God to the test?
* Do you think Ahaz’ response to God’s offer would have been considered putting God to the test? If not, why might Ahaz not want a sign from God?
* Which young woman do you think Isaiah was referring to in his prophetic vision?
* How long would it take for a child to be weaned (able to eat curds and honey)?
* What do you think it means to say that a child would know how to refuse evil and do good?
* Why might the child be named Immanuel? What do you think Immanuel meant in the realm of the Israelites in that age?
* What is the hope that is offered to Judah/Jerusalem in light of the impending besiegement by Aram and the northern tribes?
* Part of the prophesy appears to say that the Arameans and Ephraimites will be unsuccessful in forcing Judah into the coalition. Another part of the prophesy implies that the failure of Aram and Ephraim will not help Judah in the long run? Why might the prophesy be a blessing and a curse for Judah?
* How is the prophesy of the downfall of Judah (and Israel) a blessing for the Jews? How does that bring hope for Jew and Christian alike?
* How do we address the difficult claim that the one who bears Immanuel will be a virgin (popular translation)?
* How do we capture this passage into our current life of faith?