The Sign of Immanuel Matthew 1:22,23 Isaiah 7 Wayne O. Cochran
[email protected] Matthew 1-18:25 Isaiah 7:14 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Note: The wicked king Ahaz of Isaiah 7 is listed in the genealogy of Christ in Matthew 1:9. Ninevah, Assyria Tiglath-Pilesar III 734 Oracle of Isaiah 7 Ahaz, King of Judah II Kings 16 II Chronicles 28 Pekah, Israel 12 yrs Rezin, Damascus, Syria Assyrian 722 Captivity Sargon II Historical setting : Syria and Ephraim (northern kingdom of Israel) at war with Judah (southern kingdom). 2 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28 record Ahaz’s alliance with Tiglath- pileser of Assyria. Note : Jonah lived during rein of Jeroboam II (786–746 BC). Maps used with permission from Ralph Wilson http://www.jesuswalk.com/isaiah/maps.htm Isaiah’s Message from YHWY Isaiah 7:3-9 • Isaiah is commanded to go with his son Shear-jashub to meet Ahaz • Isaiah 8:18 : Isaiah and his children are “signs” • Isaiah = “YHWY is salvation” • Shear-jashub = “A remnant shall return” • Ahaz is not to fear Syria nor Ephraim, these “burned-out” kings and their kingdom is about to be shattered. “…If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all” Ask for a sign… anything! • YHWY gives Ahaz a wide opportunity to encourage him to believe. • Wicked Ahaz trusts his political alliance with the brutal, pagan king of Assyria over God (see 2 Kings 16).