Isaiah opens this chapter with an encouragement to the king of Judah. He was being threatened by the kings of Israel and Syria, and Isaiah told him to be quiet and not be afraid. The plans of Israel and Syria will not come to pass, but they will be defeated. That is good advice for anyone. Don’t fret or stress. Believe God for your victory.
Isaiah then delivers the famous Immanuel prophecy. Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV)
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.Ahaz is instructed to ask the Lord for a sign, but he balks at the prospect. However, the Lord then declares the coming of Immanuel, a Son born to a virgin. The child will know good from evil, and will choose good. However, before His ministry begins, the kings of Syria and Israel will be deposed. However, Assyria will come against Judah. This Son, though, will be a Savior, and show the people right and truth. He will flourish, even in the midst of oppression, and show the way to salvation.
What a beautiful picture for the world! Even though Judah was facing military pressure and impending doom, God would send His Son to bring hope and life. In the midst of tough times, even political oppression, the world can have hope in Christ. Instead of fighting, rioting, and killing, turn to Immanuel, God with us. He alone has the answers to our pain and woes!
