Immanuel

"Once again YAHWEH addressed Ahaz, 'Ask for a sign from YAHWEH your GOD, let it come either from the deepest depths or from the heights of heaven.'

But Ahaz answered, 'I will not ask, I will not put YAHWEH to the test.'

Then Isaiah said, 'Now listen, descendants of David.  Have you not been satisfied trying the patience of people, that you also try the patience of people, that you also try the patience of my GOD?  Therefore the LORD HIMSELF will give you a sign:

The Virgin is with child and bears a son and calls HIS name Immanuel. - Isaiah 7:10-14 

(The prophecy about the Virgin giving birth is one of the most important in the Scriptures even though it leaves some questions unanswered.

To support his warnings, Isaiah offers a miraculous sign to the king: Ask the LORD....  Ahaz piously refuses to hide his determination not to turn back.  Then, the prophet explodes in anger: these descendants of David whom GOD has always protected are useless: a descendant of David of another kind will be able to bring salvation to GOD's people.  YAHWEH is preparing to send HIM.  HIS mother [called here the Virgin] gives HIM the name HE will deserve.

Immanuel means GOD-with-us.  This child not only gives us GOD's blessings, or miraculous and divine liberation, but through HIM, GOD becomes present among humankind and the promises heard so many times come true: I will be their GOD and they will be MY people [Hosea 2:25; Ezekiel 37:27; Revelation 21:3].)

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