Excerpt - Apocalyptic Commentary of the Book of Isaiah by Avraham Gileadi, Ph.D.

7:10–12 Again Jehovah addressed Ahaz, and said, Ask a sign for yourself from Jehovah your God, whether in the depths below or in the heights above. But Ahaz said, I will not. I will not put Jehovah to the test.

Isaiah’s word to Ahaz—“from Jehovah your God”—is twofold: (1) it is a symbolic reminder of Jehovah’s covenant with King David, Ahaz’ ancestor, including the idea that the scheme to overthrow Ahaz will bring covenant curses on those who attempt it (vv 1–9); and (2) it constitutes a “sign” or “confirmation” (’ot) that Jehovah will fulfill his promise (vv 10–17). Ahaz, however, responds with pious hypocrisy, quoting Deuteronomy 6:16 about not putting Jehovah to the test. In his disloyalty and inability to believe Jehovah’s word, Ahaz refuses confirmation and thus puts himself above Isaiah.

7:13 Then [Isaiah] said, Take heed, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men? Must you also try the patience of my God?

By addressing Ahaz as “the house of David,” Isaiah reminds Ahaz verbally, not just symbolically, of his duty toward his people under the terms of the Davidic Covenant. At the same time, he rebukes Ahaz for his people’s suffering under his oppressive rule. In addition, Isaiah alters the covenant formula “your God” (v 11) to “my God,” inferring that by rejecting Jehovah’s word Ahaz has rejected his God, breaking the terms of the Davidic Covenant. Meanwhile, the presence of Isaiah’s son Shear-Jashub (“A Remnant Shall Return”) symbolically predicts the consequences of Ahaz’ recalcitrance.

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