From Doubt to Disobedience

Ahaz replies defiantly:  "I shall not ask, neither shall I put Jehovah to the test."  (Isaiah 7:12)  Ahaz is not here observing the words of the law: "You must  not put Jehovah God to the test."  (Deuteronomy 6:16) Centuries later, Jesus quotes that same law when Satan tempts him.  (Matthew 4:7)  In Ahaz's case, though, Jehovah is inviting him to turn back to true worship and is offering  to strengthen his  faith by performing a sign.  However, Ahaz prefers to seek protection elsewhere.  It is possibly at this point that the king sends  a large sum of money to Assyria, seeking help against his northern enemies.  (2 Kings 16:7,9) Meanwhile, the Syro-Israelite army encircles Jerusalem and the siege is on.

With the king's lack of faith on his mind, Isaiah says:  "Listen, please, O house of David.  Is it such a little thing for you to tire out men, that you should also tire out my God?"  (Isaiah 7:13)  Yes, Jehovah can get tired of constant defiance. Observe, too, that the prophet now says "my God," not "your God." an ominous change!  When Ahaz rejects Jehovah and turns to Assyria, he loses a find opportunity to restore his relationship with God by compromising  our Scriptural beliefs in order to gain temporary advantages.

Next time: The Sign of  Immanuel

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind