We will first look at what the Lord God spoke unto Ahaz and proclaimed unto Him. For he was given a sign of His coming. He then further explained what He meant by Immanuel to Isaiah. What is so interesting is that it was the very next chapter in Isaiah (chapter 8) that the Lord God expounded these things unto Isaiah. Let us start with chapter 7. It reads, 1“therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” So Ahaz, the king, was the first to hear of this miraculous baby that was to be born of a virgin. And part of that knowledge that he was given was that this baby would be called Immanuel. This surely is of great significance but it wasn’t until Isaiah got a similar vision that things came together. For now we know what Immanuel means. Is it a physical name or a phrase that this person would have? This knowledge would be important to have, for then the people would know whom is coming. The people looked for a Messiah to come and if it was God in the flesh, then the prophesy would be the most amazing news ever. For anyone in the faith to know that their Lord and King was to be born, would have them rejoice and give praise to the Lord.
So to answer this question on who Immanuel was or meant to be, we will read from a portion of Isaiah, chapter 8. It reads, 2“therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks: And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.” 2“Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.” So now the news is confirmed. This baby would be born and then walk through Jerusalem and many other lands. We know this to be true, for the Lord Jesus walked in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee, Samaria and many other places. The prophesy says that He will speak the word of truth and many will be amazed and see His glory, for God is with us. This is important for Matthew, chapter 1, confirms that Immanuel is interpreted as 3“God with us”. So with this knowledge, the people could greatly rejoice for the Lord their God would soon be born to free His people from bondage. And surely Jesus did come. All glory to His Name.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I am so grateful to study about Your coming to this earth. It is refreshing to know that You were born of a virgin and came to save us all from our sins. You could see that we were all in trouble, therefore, You took upon Yourself the weight of our sins, that we could find freedom. You were born and lived a perfect life. However, evil people despised You, my Lord, and lifted You up on a cross. Though it was necessary for our salvation, it would have been so difficult to see You go through this and die. Surely, You paid the price for all our sins and did it all because of Your love for us all. I will never understand everything You’ve done for me but always know that Your grace is sufficient for me. I know that Your mercy endures forever and that was shown by the sacrifice You made for us all. I am so grateful for the cross. I am so grateful for Your birth and Your desire to free us from bondage. You are my King and I give You my life and my whole heart. I love You Lord. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Isaiah 7:10-16 (KJV)
10 Moreover the Lord spake again unto Ahaz, saying,
11 Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord.
13 And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?
14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.
16 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.
2Isaiah 8:7-10 (KJV)
7 Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:
8 And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.
9 Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.
10 Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.
3Matthew 1:18-25 (KJV)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.
