December 20, 2023

Isaiah 7:10-17 (HCSB)
The Immanuel Prophecy
10 Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz: 11 “Ask for a sign from the Lord your God—from the depths of Sheol to the heights of heaven.” 12 But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask. I will not test the Lord.” 13 Isaiah said, “Listen, house of David! Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men? Will you also try the patience of my God? 14 Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.15 By the time he learns to reject what is bad and choose what is good, he will be eating butter and honey. 16 For before the boy knows to reject what is bad and choose what is good, the land of the two kings you dread will be abandoned. 17 The Lord will bring on you, your people, and the house of your father, such a time as has never been since Ephraim separated from Judah—the king of Assyria is coming.”

Jason Ricciardi
This passage of scripture had both a near and distant element to it. On the one hand, the son that Israel got to see at first was likely born within 2-3 years after this prophecy was spoken. It would signal God’s faithfulness despite faithlessness of Ahaz. A virgin girl at the time of the prophecy got married and had a son. A few years later, the young boy would be too young to know how to choose to be good or bad and God would defeat two kings Israel feared. It was a HUGE blessing and reminder of God’s sovereign goodness.On the other hand, that distant fulfillment, though, was SOOOOO much better! THAT fulfillment came in the form of a lowly virgin girl that God chose. THAT Child wasn’t just a promise to a small Ancient Near Eastern nation but to ANY that would turn to him. THAT Child would always choose right and never choose wrong. That Child lived a life you couldn’t live, died a death you were supposed to die and gave you a gift you didn’t deserve. THAT’S a Child worth celebrating!