The Virgin Shall Conceive (The Dual Fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14) Matthew records a promise that a virgin would conceive and bear a son (Matt 1:20-23). A great variety of opinions have been entertained by interpreters in regard to this passage Isaiah 7:14-16. , and Isaiah 8:3 seems to be a fulfillment of this prophecy. He was prophesying that the birth of his son Maher- Shalal-Hash-Baz would be a sign guaranteeing God’s temporal salvation of Judah, in danger of being destroyed by two superpowers to the North. 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights. But this was easily shown by Jerome to be false. (i) The first opinion is that which supposes that by the 'virgin' the wife of Ahaz is referred to, and that by the child which should be born, the prophet refers to Hezekiah. For Ahaz, the sign centered around a time span ( For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that you dread will be forsaken by both her kings ). The sign of Shear-Jashub. Isaiah 17:9 Greek reads, the deserted places of the Amorites and Hivites, which they abandoned. (Read Isaiah 7:10-16) Secret disaffection to God is often disguised with the colour of respect to him; and those who are resolved that they will not trust God, yet pretend they will not tempt him. Isaiah 7 – Shear-Jashub and Immanuel A. This is the opinion of the modern Jewish commentators generally. endstream endobj 81 0 obj <> endobj 82 0 obj <>/Rotate 0/Type/Page>> endobj 83 0 obj <> endobj 84 0 obj <> endobj 85 0 obj <> endobj 86 0 obj <>stream Isaiah 7:11-16 New International Version (NIV). The Prophetic Virgin Birth of Immanuel Isaiah 7:10-16 Truth Taught- Jesus is the final and greater prophetic fulfillment of the sign that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a Son who is Immanuel, God with us. One key is that the Hebrew word often translated “virgin” can also be rendered “young woman” or “maiden.” Thus, a miraculous birth is not necessary for an immediate fulfillment. the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings; meaning not the land of Judea, now distressed by them, which they should leave; for that could not be said to be abhorred by Ahaz, or the house of David; but the land of Israel and Syria, called one land, because of the confederacy between the kings of them, Rezin and Remaliah's son, which Ahaz and his nobles abhorred, because of their joining together against them; and so it was, that in a very little time both these kings were cut off; Pekah the son of Remaliah was slain by Hoshea the son of Elah, who reigned in his stead, 2 Kings 15:30 and Rezin was slain by the king of Assyria, 2 Kings 16:9. The plural "you" indicates that Isaiah was addressing all the members of the house of David and perhaps the whole nation (cf. For before the child shall learn to refuse the, Desolate shall be the land, before whose two. The prediction was fulfilled in the siege of Samaria by Salmaneser, and its capture by Sargon (1Kings 16:9; 1Kings 17:6), a fulfilment all the more remarkable in that it was preceded by what seemed an almost decisive victory over Judah (2Chronicles 28:5-15), of which the prophet makes no mention. He realized that Isaiah 7:14 is a direct prophecy that was fulfilled in Isaiah’s day, but its fulfillment portended a future event. When Ahaz was king of Judah, Rezin, king of Aram, and Pekah, king of Israel, marched toward Jerusalem to depose Ahaz and install their own puppet king. We have thus arrived at a knowledge of the time intended by Isaiah in Isaiah 7:16. Isaiah 17:10 Or gardens of Adonis, a mythological god. This interpretation prevailed among the Jews in the time of Justin. The woman in Isaiah’s day was a virgin at the time of the prophecy, but Mary was a virgin at the time of conception. This study is aimed at finding the true meaning of Immanuel in Isaiah 7:14. Resurrection of Jesus Read the following verses: Psalms 2:2, 6-7; 16:10-11; Isaiah 53:10; and Matthew 28:1-6. The fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14 is found in Isaiah chapter eight.” Matt was stunned. It is a message that challenges our faith. Isaiah was not prophesying a virgin birth. The land that thou abhorrest.—The words imply the “horror” of fear as well as of dislike. The statement, therefore, in Isaiah 7:14-16, to a child of the prophet that would be soon born, and that would be a “pledge” of the divine protection, and a “proof or sign” to Ahaz that his land would be safe. The 'you' in verse 16 is again singular, meaning Ahaz. It may be useful, therefore, to state briefly what those opinions have been, and then what seems to be the true meaning. the land—namely, Syria and Samaria regarded as one (2Ki 16:9; 15:30), just two years after this prophecy, as it foretells. Charles Dyer reminds us: The only safe approach to determining the fulfillment of prophecy is first to understand the prophecy in its original context. What New Testament verse is the fulfillment of this prophecy? Isaiah reveals the answer as we read on. 16. when Tiglath–Pileser III of Assyria destroyed Damascus (The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament, edited by Walvoord and Zuck, ©1985, p.1048). The real sign to King Ahaz is that Isaiah’s child will be born quickly and before he matures (knowing the difference between good and evil and father and mother) the nations who threaten the Kingdom of Judea will be defeated. There is however a second sign, in verses 15-16, and this time it is specifically for Ahaz. Contrary to popular belief, this passage does NOT affirm Jesus as God. The near fulfillment of this prophecy centered around Ahaz, Jerusalem, and the attack from Israel and Syria. But if we stay with the major ideas and probable interpretations we shall find a straightforward interpretation and a powerful message. The prophet reproved Ahaz and his court, for the little value they had for Divine revelation. The Messiah would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver, which would be cast into the temple and … Ahaz began to reign in the seventeenth year of the reign of Pekah, and as Pekah was slain after he had reigned twenty years, it follows that he was slain in the fourth year of the reign of Ahaz - perhaps not more than two yearn after this prophecy was delivered; see 2 Kings 15:27, 2 Kings 15:30; 2 Kings 16:1. (iii) Others suppose that the 'virgin' was not an actual, but only an ideal virgin. Rezin king of Aram and Pekah king of Israel)” (Isa 7:16) was fulfilled in 732 BC when Pekah was killed by Hoshea and shortly thereafter Rezin was killed. Pekah, the son of Remaliah, was slain by Hoshea, the son of Elah, who conspired against him, killed him, and reigned in his stead. There are a few matters of interpretation that need to be addressed before a careful examination of Isaiah 7:14 can be undertaken. Ahaz reigned in Jerusalem but sixteen years 2 Kings 17:2, and Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he began to reign 2 Kings 18:2, and of course was not less than nine years old when this prophecy was delivered. Yahweh had made covenant promises that David"s dynasty would continue forever ( 2 Samuel 7:16; 1 Kings 8:25 ). Examination of Isaiah 7:14. interpretation of Isaiah 7:14. Commentary on Isaiah 7:10-16. Ahaz should not fear the kingdoms of Syria and Israel because the Lord is aware of their plans (see Isaiah 7:5–6) and will not allow them to succeed: “Thus saith the Lord God, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass” (Isaiah 7:7). by a combined force of Rezin (750–732 B.C.) (ii) Others have supposed, that the prophet designated some virgin who was then present when the king and Isaiah held their conference, and that the meaning is, 'as surely as this virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, so surely shall the land be forsaken of its kings.' The original prophecy is found at Isaiah 7:14. Thus Aben Ezra, Jarchi, Faber, and Gesenius. He concluded that a dual-fulfillment view of the prophecy is Isaiah 7:14–16 (ASV) 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (iv) Others suppose that the 'virgin' was the prophet's wife. Isaiah 7:14 Immanuel fulfilled in the Old Testament. historic interpretation. Read Isaiah 2:1-4 … this is the grand picture of the future peace which the prophet sees coming to ALL the earth. Will you try the patience of my God also? Introduction The OT context of the Immanuel prophecy… King Ahaz had proven himself to be a… He gives a thorough discussion of the problems created by the double-fulfillment . 12 But Ahaz said, "I will not ask. In an earlier post I wrote about Jesus’ self identification as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets and how the New Testament writers frequently used the prophets in proclaiming the good news of Jesus. For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings. The context of Isaiah 7 will show that verses 15 and 16 of Isaiah 7 had nothing at all to do with Jesus. Nowhere in the seventh chapter of Isaiah does the text indicate or even hint of a second fulfillment. 13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! This was formerly my opinion; and this opinion I expressed and endeavored to maintain, in the first composition of these notes. Isaiah 7:14-16 (correct Hebrew) ... As I demonstrated above, the promised deliverance of 7:3-9 was not fulfilled. Kimchi and Abarbanel then resorted to the supposition that Ahaz had a second wife, and that this refers to a child that was to be born of her. Thus Isenbiehl, Bauer, Cube, and Steudel held, as quoted by Hengstenberg, "Christol." 3) (Isaiah 7:14-16) The sovereign extension of God’s grace centers on Messianic fulfillment of kingdom objectives c. (Isaiah 7:17-25) The exercise of God’s sovereignty over wicked world rulers -- Shocking judgment comes from the hand of the Lord as He uses wicked instruments for judgment to bring about almost total desolation i. p. 341. Isaiah 8:3 was the present fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14-16. Isaiah 7:10-16 ~ Isaiah Intervenes with Ahaz a Second Time 10 Yahweh spoke to Ahaz again and said: 11 "Ask Yahweh your God for a sign, either in the depths of Sheol or in the heights above." 15 Butter and honey shall he eat, when he knoweth to refuse the evil, and choose the good. The reasons for this opinion I shall soon state. ˜xê\̧áž(촉aûUƋŒ%´Ì˜^0 0èaxÁª Ëpœi ×æòýb6¼Šõæ7Ø[1l`L`mc×áÚ Ã Èp‡I€µÉ‡þLj@$v À ­ƒ. However, some claim that the additional "fulfillments" are also strict fulfillments. But a more careful examination of the passage has convinced me of its error, and satisfied me that the passage has reference to the Messtah. for … the land that … abhorrest … forsaken of … kings—rather, desolate shall be the land, before whose two kings thou art alarmed [Hengstenberg and Gesenius]. 16 For before the boy will know enough to refuse evil and choose good, the land whose two kings you dread will be forsaken (Isa 7:14–16).2 In Isaiah 7:1 Ahaz (735–715 B.C.) Cowles also criticized the growing double-fulfillment influence upon conservative . The expression "butter and honey" described the good economic conditions that would exist in the days of Ahaz. Ahaz should not have feared being replaced by a puppet king ( Isaiah 7:6 ). from Syria and of Pekah (752–732 B.C.) Hasn’t happened yet. Problem: The prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 concerns the conception of a virgin and the bringing forth of a son whose name would be Immanuel. God promised Ahaz he need not worry, for the plot against him will fail. 7:10-16 Secret disaffection to God is often disguised with the colour of respect to him; and those who are resolved that they will not trust God, yet pretend they will not tempt him. If the destruction of the two kings was the sign confirming that promise, it was a false sign, because the impending attack did occur, and drastic destruction resulted. xœÅzy|ÕÚÿ”b2*‚4ª ‚";Ê"ˆ‚È.kÙwèN÷%mÓìÉLfæÌLÖ6mšîû^JB)û" ² ¢Àܽ^¯÷zR‡ûó=éz¯ï}ïýë÷ù„Ò&™gÎ9Ïó]žs&. If not, perhaps we do not fully understand the Word of the LORD or the confirming sign He has given. Thus Eichhorn, Paulus, Hensler, and Ammon understand it; see "Hengstenberg.". Isaiah 7:9 ). the land before whose two kings thou cowerest shall be deserted, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. This occurred but a short time after the threatened invasion of the land by Rezin and Remaliah, in the "third" year of the reign of Ahaz, and, consequently, about one year after this prophecy was delivered. of the southern kingdom is confronted in 734 B.C. Chapter 8:3 Maher-shalal-hash-baz is very questionable as a fulfillment of the sign promised in Chapter 7 since the prophet's wife conceived after having sex with Isaiah. 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test. Thus Michaelis expresses it: 'By the time when one who is yet a virgin can bring forth (that is, in nine months), all will be happily changed, and the present impending danger so completely passed away, that if you were yourself to name the child, you would call him Immanuel.' The ancient Jews, it is believed, referred it mainly to the Messiah. 2 This notion of a dual prophecy was contrived in order to conceal a stunning theological problem – the seventh chapter of Isaiah does not support Matthew’s virgin birth story. (o) Not meaning Christ, but any child: for before a child can come to the years of discretion, the kings of Samaria and Syria will be destroyed. It has been adopted by the Jews, because they were pressed by the passage by the early Christians, as constituting an argument for the divinity of Christ. Read it for yourself! Isaiah 8:4. March 2, 2021. Induced by this, the king of Assyria marched against Damascus and killed Rezin, 2 Kings 16:9. This was fulfilled two or three years later in 732 B.C. Verse 16 also contains language pointing to … Isaiah 17:14 The fulfillment of this prophecy (cf also Is 10:33, 34; 30:31; 31:8) is found in Is 37:36, following the repetition of the prophecy first recorded in 2 Kin 19:29-36. Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? from the northern kingdom. So I would settle on a third view: the salvation part of the prophecy awaits fulfillment during the future period of peace brought in by Christ in the 2nd coming. Against this supposition there is only one objection which has been urged that is of real force, and that is, that the prophet already had a son, and of course his wife could not be spoken of as a virgin. Here, the duality is at the points of fulfillment. The prophet reproved Ahaz and his court, for the little value they had for Divine revelation. b. Ahaz paid tribute to Tiglath-pileser III (aka Pul) for protection against Rezin, king of Damascus. This supposition cannot be proved to be false, though it is evidently a mere supposition. Second, the context of Isaiah 7 points to the prophecy’s fulfillment in Isaiah’s lifetime. Often this messianic prophecy is used as proof texts for the deity of Jesus Christ because of the words, “Immanuel,” (God with us). writers. Of both her kings - Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the temple, and sent it as a present to the king of Assyria. Are we secure in our faith? (1-2) The northern nation of Israel and Syria combine to attack Judah. However, verse 16 seems to place the birth of the child before the invasion of the Assyrian armies and the fall of Samaria in 722 b.c. Jesus as the Fulfillment of Isaiah’s Vision of the Future of Israel. Horsley takes it, "The land (Judah and Samaria) of (the former of) which thou art the plague (literally, 'thorn') shall be forsaken," &c.; a prediction thus, that Judah and Israel (appropriately regarded as one "land") should cease to be kingdoms (Lu 2:1; Ge 49:10) before Immanuel came. This would, of course, exclude all reference to the Messiah. Opinions on the Intrepretation of Isaiah 7:14-16. The concept of double fulfillment is legitimate as long as the additional fulfillments are parallels, as illustrated above in the discussion of Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:22-23. 1. The oracle given to King Ahaz in this chapter has occasioned so many discussions and views that one hardly knows where to begin. In other words, the woman and child in Isaiah’s day foreshadowed Mary and her son Jesus. Now it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up to Jerusalem to make war against it, but could not prevail against it. But this objection is entirely removed by the supposition, which is by no means improbable, that the former wife of the prophet was dead, and that he was about to be united in marriage to another who was a virgin. Is our faith strong enough to see us through crises? This occurred in the fourth year of the reign of Ahaz, for Pekah reigned twenty years. The historical setting is criti… (Isaiah 7:1–4; compare 2 Kings 16:5) [13] Isaiah’s message is one of faith and patience. The sign of this son named Immanuel would signify that before this son was old enough to discern good and evil (a reference to his age) “the land would … The whole space of time was not, probably, more than two years. February 12, 2021 by Ed Jarrett. In fact, just a few verses later, in Isaiah 7:22, Isaiah used this same expression again. In regard to the prophecy itself, there have been three opinions: (i) That it refers "exclusively" to some event in the time of the prophet; to the birth of a child then, either of the wife of Ahaz, or of the prophet, or of some other unmarried female. Clearly, the woman mentioned in Isaiah 7:14 and 8:3-4 are one and the same and that she is Isaiah’s wife. I will not put Yahweh to the test."