Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. Now it came to passThis phrase is a common biblical introduction that signals the unfolding of a significant event in the narrative. In Hebrew, it is often rendered as "וַיְהִי" (vayehi), which can denote the sovereignty of God in the unfolding of history. It reminds us that the events of the world are under divine orchestration, and nothing occurs outside of God's providential plan. in the days of Ahaz
Ahaz was the king of Judah, and his reign is marked by a departure from the faithfulness of his predecessors. The historical context here is crucial; Ahaz's reign was characterized by idolatry and political alliances that were contrary to God's commands. His lack of faith is a backdrop to the events that unfold, highlighting the need for reliance on God rather than human alliances. son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah
This genealogical reference situates Ahaz within the Davidic line, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with David. Jotham and Uzziah were kings who, despite their flaws, were more faithful to God than Ahaz. This lineage serves as a reminder of the promises God made to David, which are ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the true and eternal King. king of Judah
Judah, the southern kingdom, is the focus here, and its capital, Jerusalem, is the city under threat. The mention of Judah underscores the division of the once-united Israelite kingdom into two: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. This division is a result of disobedience and serves as a backdrop for the prophetic messages of Isaiah, calling for repentance and trust in God. Rezin king of Aram
Rezin was the king of Aram (Syria), and his alliance with Israel against Judah is a significant historical event. Aram was a constant threat to Israel and Judah, and Rezin's actions are part of the geopolitical struggles of the time. This alliance against Judah is a test of faith for Ahaz and the people of Judah, challenging them to trust in God's protection. Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel
Pekah was the king of Israel, the northern kingdom, and his alliance with Rezin against Judah is indicative of the internal strife and division among God's people. The northern kingdom's apostasy and eventual downfall serve as a warning to Judah. Pekah's actions are a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of unity under God's covenant. marched up to wage war against Jerusalem
The military campaign against Jerusalem is a direct threat to the Davidic line and God's promises. The Hebrew verb for "marched up" suggests a determined and aggressive action. This phrase sets the stage for God's intervention, as Jerusalem is not just any city but the chosen city of God, where His temple resides and where His presence is manifest. but they could not overpower it
This outcome is a testament to God's faithfulness and protection over His people. Despite the formidable alliance against Judah, God's promise to David and His covenant with His people ensure that Jerusalem remains secure. This phrase is a powerful reminder that no matter the odds, God's purposes will prevail, and His promises are sure. It encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable challenges. Persons / Places / Events 1. AhazKing of Judah, son of Jotham, known for his lack of faith and reliance on foreign alliances rather than trusting in God. 2. JothamFather of Ahaz, a king of Judah who was generally faithful to God. 3. UzziahGrandfather of Ahaz, a king of Judah who started well but faltered later in life. 4. RezinKing of Aram (Syria), who allied with Israel to attack Judah. 5. PekahSon of Remaliah, king of Israel, who joined forces with Rezin against Judah. 6. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, central to the events as the target of the attack. Teaching Points Trust in God Over Human AlliancesAhaz's reliance on foreign powers rather than God serves as a cautionary tale. Believers are encouraged to place their trust in God, especially in times of crisis. God's Sovereignty in AdversityDespite the threat from Rezin and Pekah, Jerusalem was not overpowered. This demonstrates God's control over nations and events, reassuring believers of His protection. The Importance of Faithful LeadershipThe contrast between Ahaz and his predecessors, Jotham and Uzziah, underscores the impact of a leader's faithfulness on a nation. Christian leaders are called to lead with integrity and reliance on God. Prophetic AssuranceThe context of Isaiah 7 sets the stage for the prophecy of Immanuel, reminding believers of God's promises and their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the historical context of Ahaz's reign influence our understanding of Isaiah 7:1, and what lessons can we learn from his leadership? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of trusting God over human alliances in our personal lives today? 3. How does the account of Rezin and Pekah's failed attack on Jerusalem demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this encourage us in our current challenges? 4. What are the implications of the prophecy of Immanuel later in Isaiah 7 for our understanding of God's promises and their fulfillment in the New Testament? 5. How can the leadership qualities of Jotham and Uzziah serve as a model for Christian leaders today, and what specific actions can we take to emulate their faithfulness? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 16Provides a historical account of Ahaz's reign and his interactions with Rezin and Pekah, offering a broader context for the events in Isaiah 7. 2 Chronicles 28Details the spiritual and political failures of Ahaz, including his idolatry and alliances with Assyria. Isaiah 7:14Later in the chapter, the prophecy of Immanuel is given, which is significant in Christian theology as a messianic prophecy. Matthew 1:23Connects the prophecy of Immanuel to the birth of Jesus, highlighting the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. People Ahaz, Aram, David, Immanuel, Isaiah, Jashub, Jotham, Pekah, Remaliah, Rezin, Shearjashub, Tabeal, Tabeel, UzziahPlaces Assyria, Damascus, Egypt, Euphrates River, Jerusalem, Samaria, Syria, Washer's FieldTopics Able, Ahaz, Aram, Battle, Conquer, Fight, Jerusalem, Jotham, Judah, Marched, Overcome, Overpower, Pass, Pekah, Prevail, Remaliah, Remali'ah, Rezin, Syria, Towards, Uzziah, Uzzi'ah, Wage, WarDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 7:1 7233 Israel, northern kingdom Isaiah 7:1-2 5205 alliance Library Immanuel
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name IMMANUEL , God with us. T here is a signature of wisdom and power impressed upon the works of God, which evidently distinguishes them from the feeble imitations of men. Not only the splendour of the sun, but the glimmering light of the glow-worm proclaims His glory. The structure and growth of a blade of grass, are the effects of the same power which produced the fabric of the heavens and the earth. In His Word likewise He is …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1Honour and Glory unto Him.
IN Revelation V, that great worship scene, beginning some day in heaven and going on into future ages, we read of the Lamb to whom honor and glory are due. He alone is worthy. And every heart who knows Him rejoicing in His love, cries out, "Thou art worthy!" Yea, the sweetest song for the redeemed soul is the outburst of praise, which we find on the threshold of His own Revelation. "Unto Him that loveth us and washed us from our sins in His own blood and hath made us kings and priests unto God and …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory Estimate of St. Augustin.
Augustin, the man with upturned eye, with pen in the left hand, and a burning heart in the right (as he is usually represented), is a philosophical and theological genius of the first order, towering like a pyramid above his age, and looking down commandingly upon succeeding centuries. He had a mind uncommonly fertile and deep, bold and soaring; and with it, what is better, a heart full of Christian love and humility. He stands of right by the side of the greatest philosophers of antiquity and of …
St. Augustine—The Confessions and Letters of St On Turning the First Page of the Review which Follows...
On turning the first page of the review which follows, follows, "by Rowland Williams, D.D. Vice-Principal and Professor of Hebrew, St. David's College, Lampeter; Vicar of Broad Chalke, Wilts,"--we are made sensible that we are in company of a writer considerably in advance of Dr. Temple, though altogether of the same school. In fact, if Dr. Williams had not been Vice-Principal of a Theological College, and a Doctor of Divinity, one would have supposed him to be a complete infidel,--who found it convenient …
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Letter vi (Circa A. D. 1127) to the Same
To the Same He protests against the reputation for holiness which is attributed to him, and promises to communicate the treatises which he has written. I. Even if I should give myself to you entirely that would be too little a thing still in my eyes, to have recompensed towards you even the half of the kindly feeling which you express towards my humility. I congratulate myself, indeed, on the honour which you have done me; but my joy, I confess, is tempered by the thought that it is not anything …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux The Debt of Irenæus to Justin Martyr
If we are to proceed with safety in forming a judgment as to the relation between Justin and Irenæus in respect of the matter which they have in common, it will be necessary not merely to consider a number of selected parallels, but also to examine the treatment of a particular theme in the two writers. Let us set side by side, for example, c. 32 of Justin's First Apology with c. 57 of the Demonstration. Justin has been explaining to his Roman readers who the Jewish prophets were, and then …
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
When geologists began to ask whether changes in the earth's structure might be explained by causes still in operation, they did not disprove the possibility of great convulsions, but they lessened necessity for imagining them. So, if a theologian has his eyes opened to the Divine energy as continuous and omnipresent, he lessens the sharp contrast of epochs in Revelation, but need not assume that the stream has never varied in its flow. Devotion raises time present into the sacredness of the past; …
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World Jewish views on Trade, Tradesmen, and Trades' Guilds
We read in the Mishnah (Kidd. iv. 14) as follows: "Rabbi Meir said: Let a man always teach his son a cleanly and a light trade; and let him pray to Him whose are wealth and riches; for there is no trade which has not both poverty and riches, and neither does poverty come from the trade nor yet riches, but everything according to one's deserving (merit). Rabbi Simeon, the son of Eleazer, said: Hast thou all thy life long seen a beast or a bird which has a trade? Still they are nourished, and that …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Scriptures
Q-II: WHAT RULE HAS GOD GIVEN TO DIRECT US HOW WE MAY GLORIFY AND ENJOY HIM? A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. 2 Tim 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' By Scripture is understood the sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but is divine in its origin. The image of Diana was had in veneration …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Mercy of God
The next attribute is God's goodness or mercy. Mercy is the result and effect of God's goodness. Psa 33:5. So then this is the next attribute, God's goodness or mercy. The most learned of the heathens thought they gave their god Jupiter two golden characters when they styled him good and great. Both these meet in God, goodness and greatness, majesty and mercy. God is essentially good in himself and relatively good to us. They are both put together in Psa 119:98. Thou art good, and doest good.' This …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Questions.
LESSON I. 1. In what state was the Earth when first created? 2. To what trial was man subjected? 3. What punishment did the Fall bring on man? 4. How alone could his guilt be atoned for? A. By his punishment being borne by one who was innocent. 5. What was the first promise that there should be such an atonement?--Gen. iii. 15. 6. What were the sacrifices to foreshow? 7. Why was Abel's offering the more acceptable? 8. From which son of Adam was the Seed of the woman to spring? 9. How did Seth's …
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People Commencement of the Legends Concerning Jesus --His Own Idea of his Supernatural Character.
Jesus returned to Galilee, having completely lost his Jewish faith, and filled with revolutionary ardor. His ideas are now expressed with perfect clearness. The innocent aphorisms of the first part of his prophetic career, in part borrowed from the Jewish rabbis anterior to him, and the beautiful moral precepts of his second period, are exchanged for a decided policy. The Law would be abolished; and it was to be abolished by him.[1] The Messiah had come, and he was the Messiah. The kingdom of God …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
1. A brief recapitulation of the leading points of the whole discussion. The scope of this chapter. The necessity of the doctrine of faith. This doctrine obscured by the Schoolmen, who make God the object of faith, without referring to Christ. The Schoolmen refuted by various passages. 2. The dogma of implicit faith refuted. It destroys faith, which consists in a knowledge of the divine will. What this will is, and how necessary the knowledge of it. 3. Many things are and will continue to be implicitly …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, Spring a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 35-51. ^d 35 Again on the morrow [John's direct testimony bore fruit on the second day] John was standing, and two of his disciples [An audience of two. A small field; but a large harvest]; 36 and he looked [Gazed intently. The word is used at Mark xiv. 67; Luke xxii. 61 Mark x. 21, 27. John looked searchingly at that face, which, so far as any record shows, he was never to see on earth again. The more intently we look upon Jesus, the more powerfully …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Upbringing of Jewish Children
The tenderness of the bond which united Jewish parents to their children appears even in the multiplicity and pictorialness of the expressions by which the various stages of child-life are designated in the Hebrew. Besides such general words as "ben" and "bath"--"son" and "daughter"--we find no fewer than nine different terms, each depicting a fresh stage of life. The first of these simply designates the babe as the newly--"born"--the "jeled," or, in the feminine, "jaldah"--as in Exodus 2:3, 6, 8. …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Isaiah 7:1 NIVIsaiah 7:1 NLTIsaiah 7:1 ESVIsaiah 7:1 NASBIsaiah 7:1 KJV
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