The sign of Immanuel
Isaiah 7:1–17; Matthew 1:22–23
When Aram and Israel attacked Judah, Isaiah urged King Ahaz to trust God and gave him a sign: a virgin would conceive and bear a son named Immanuel, “God with us.”
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14 (World English Bible)
Ahaz refused to ask for a sign, preferring to buy help from Assyria. God gave the sign anyway. Matthew declares it fulfilled in the virgin birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:22–23).
Places
JerusalemSamariaSyriaDamascusWasher’s Field
Dating notes
Early in Ahaz's reign (Ussher, 742 BC). Christians have understood the prophecy as fulfilled in Christ; some also see a near-term sign for Ahaz's day.