In Isaiah 7 we find the famous prophecy of Immanuel and His virgin birth. Perhaps you have underlined the verse in your Bible. But the historical context of these words can be difficult to sort out. Ray Ortlund gives this helpful summary: “Judah’s unbelieving King Ahaz refuses God’s way of salvation, bringing God’s judgment down on his generation. But God promises a Child whose birth will declare God’s saving presence forever.” The great crisis of Isaiah’s generation was the threat posed by the powerful and cruel empire of Assyria. To protect themselves, the northern kingdom of Israel joined forces with Syria in a pact of mutual defense. They wanted Judah to join them also, but Ahaz refused. So Israel and Syria issue a threat to attack Judah, remove Ahaz, and force Judah to cooperate. The people tremble in fear, forgetting that it was God who was upholding David’s throne (v 1-2). So God sends Isaiah with a message for Ahaz. Taking along his son, whose name means “a remnant shall return,” Isaiah brings this divine assurance of ultimate victory. Urging him to remain calm and confident, Isaiah tells Ahaz that these two bullies, Israel and Syria, will come to nothing. The high King of Heaven rules over all the puny kings of this world. But Ahaz and his people must hold fast to God in faith or they will surely collapse (v 3-9). The LORD is even willing to provide a miraculous sign of His commitment. But with false piety, the faithless Ahaz refuses God’s kind offer. So Isaiah rebukes him for his stubborn unbelief, then promises a miraculous sign anyway. As living proof of God’s saving power, Isaiah announces that the birth of a son will declare God’s abiding presence with His people in all their distress. Isaiah’s own son was likely an immediate fulfillment of the prophecy (8:1-4), but Jesus is the ultimate and conclusive evidence that God is with us to save. Troubles will come and go, but He will never leave us or forsake us (v 10-16). However, in Isaiah’s own time, judgment is coming. Yes, Israel and Syria will fall. But the sovereign Lord of history will also bring down Judah. God’s judgment of His people will come through the invading army of Assyria. And the LORD Himself will summon them with a whistle. Their victory will be easily accomplished and Judah will be completely humiliated (v 17-20). The nation’s hardships will be increased and their accomplishments destroyed (v 21-25). Two lessons for us. First, we are not left to ourselves, but we must trust God to save us. And second, though we may reject Him, God still rules the world. For further meditation: