By Micah Miller-Eshleman, web developer/designer
Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16 (NRSV)
“Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, ‘Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.’”
Ahaz’s reluctance to ask God for a sign caught my attention, especially in light of Isaiah’s clear, unblushing recommendation to do so.
In prior verses we learn that Ahaz is preparing for war, fearful of invasion by the kings of Israel and Syria. Isaiah disrupts his brooding. He challenges Ahaz to trust God’s providence: “If you do not stand firm in faith, you shall not stand at all.” These words surely feel like a slap in the face to the king of Judah.
Ahaz’s embittered reaction to the idea of tabling his military strategy in exchange for a divine sign is not hard to identify with! To be human is to be afraid. Anger comes easily when the things that keep us up at night are dismissed, even if for good reason and by those we respect.
Regardless, Ahaz is out of line. He counters Isaiah’s invitation by quoting Scripture back at him, feigning concern for the letter of the law. This passage reveals the disconnect between the monarch’s worldview and the reality of God’s enduring covenant with Israel, a covenant reiterated in a prophecy of God’s choosing: salvation will come through the house of David, no matter how wearisome it has become.
Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16 (NRSV)
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. 12But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. 13Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? 14Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. 15He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.