By Deanna Huff, Ph.D.

Isaiah 7:10-14

“Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, ‘Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; make it deep as Sheol or high as heaven.’ But Ahaz said, ‘I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!’ Then he said, ‘Listen now, O house of David! Is it too slight a thing for you to try the patience of men that you will try the patience of my God as well? Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.‘”

In times of trouble, we often fret and worry. When circumstances or enemies press in on us, we are tempted to walk in fear. When we lack information, anxiety can arise about the outcome. Yet, in the Bible, God provides hope even when we lack information, reassuring us that He is working out a perfect plan for us. King Ahaz also seemed to struggle with trusting God’s plan to deliver His people. However, God sent comfort through the prophet Isaiah. Along with encouragement, God sent a miraculous sign, a beacon of hope, expressing a Savior to come.

In the context of Isaiah 7, King Ahaz hears threats of Syria and Israel against Judah, and the Bible says, “his heart and the heart of his people shook” (Isa 7:2). Through the prophet Isaiah, God sends word to comfort King Ahaz. Isaiah assures King Ahaz, saying, “Keep calm and don’t be afraid” (Isa 7:4). But Ahaz is waning. God then instructs Ahaz to ask for a sign for surety, yet he resists because he says, “I will not test the Lord” (Deut 6:16). However, it seems King Ahaz has been trying Isaiah’s patience, and now he is pushing the patience of God.

When people lack information, we can be reminded through the Bible that God knows all things and He can be trusted. He desires good for His people. The Lord has a plan to deliver His people, and He provides a sign to King Ahaz. He is sending a Savior. Although some people may attribute the sign to a kingly figure closer in time to King Ahaz, in hindsight, it is evident that the true fulfillment was yet to come. The ancient people had a short-term figure in mind, but God had a long-term Messiah in mind.

The miraculous sign offered the future hope necessary for humanity. At first glance, it would appear that King Ahaz only needed relief from the pressing enemies, and his troubles would cease. Indeed, removing the enemies would relieve the immediate conflict, but more problems would surely come. Due to the Fall in the Garden of Eden, humanity’s heart is turned against God. Apart from God, people often pursue their desires and pleasures, even if it means adverse outcomes for others. Only a Savior can change man’s heart for the good. And He is coming.

In this prophecy, the Savior’s coming consists of two essential pieces: a miraculous virgin birth and His name, Immanuel. First, the mother will be a virgin and will bear a son. The idea of this being a virgin is crucial because it signifies a miraculous conception by God. The salvation that is coming to the people will only arrive through God’s miraculous work. Second, the child will be called Immanuel, which means “God with us.” This represents God’s presence and deliverance of his people.

Isaiah’s sign is evidence of God’s faithfulness, proclaiming the arrival of a Savior. In times of trouble, it may seem easier to question what God is doing in life because we lack information and become fearful. But do as Isaiah instructed King Ahaz, “Keep calm and don’t be afraid.” God provides the amount of information we need to calm our fears. He is working out a perfect plan for all who believe in the Savior. One day, He will right all wrongs because a Savior has come and is coming again to make all things new. Now, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb 10:23). When things press in on you, cling to the hope that God has a perfect plan, and the Savior is coming.