What is the meaning of Isaiah 7:14? Let’s keep this verse in context.
In 734 B.C., Isaiah prophesies hope to King Ahaz of Judea (735–715 B.C.) who is facing pressure to join the coalition of Rezin (750–732 B.C.) from Syria and of Pekah (752–732 B.C.) from the northern kingdom. The coalition was formed to prevent Assyrian dominance. If Ahaz resisted, they would depose and replace him to gather additional forces against Assyria.
Ahaz is the king of Judea of the house of David and is in the linage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:9). It is therefore vitally important that the house of David continue so that the promised lineage of the Messiah continue. Indeed, Isaiah 7:14 concerns the continuation of the lineage of the Messiah.
Isaiah 7:14 has two parts.
Part One (Isaiah 7:14): A Virgin Will Conceive
Isaiah 7:1414 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah prophesies that the Davidic line will not die out, which the coalition is threatening. The promise is fulfilled in Matthew 1:23 in the birth of Jesus and the promise confirms that the Davidic line would be preserved.
Part Two: (Isaiah 7:15-16): Both Kings And Their Land Will Be Destroyed
Isaiah 7:15–1615 He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted.
Here, Isaiah prophesies specifically to Ahaz. Isaiah prophesies from the timeline of the child’s life, not from Isaiah’s time. Before the child would reach the age of discernment, the two nations and their kings will be destroyed. Assyria destroyed Pekah and Rezin within what is the normal timeline of a child’s life. The fact that Isaiah’s prophecy of Pekah and Rezin came true confirmed that indeed a virgin would conceive and bear a son named Immanuel.
Conclusion
Now that you understand the meaning of Isaiah 7:14-16, take it to heart. God’s word will always come true. And as you celebrate Christmas or simply that God’s word is always reliable, grow in your trust in the Lord’s word.
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