Helps

God Helps Those Who (Cannot) Help Themselves (Isaiah 7:1-6, 10-17) A Godless Man (People) (Ahaz/Judah) A Godless Man, like Ahaz, fears what other men (Israel/Syria) can do (Isaiah 7:2). A Godless Man trusts in “earthly arrangements” (i.e. helps himself) for salvation (Payoff to Assyria, 2 Kings 16:7-8 and 2 Chron. 28:21). Perhaps there is some of King Ahaz in us all. When our safety is threatened, we tend to run to those things that seem offer us some hope of security, like money (1 Tim. 6:17) or social/political leaders/connections (Ps. 146:3). Such trust will ultimately prove to be misplaced (Isaiah 7:9 & 17). A Godly Man (People) Fears God, not men (Isaiah 7:4, compare Deut. 20:3, Joshua 1:6, Matt. 10:28). Trusts in God for salvation (Ps. 7:1, 18:1-2, 44:1-7). Ahaz’s son, King Hezekiah, trusted in God for salvation (2 Chron. 32:7-8). God Keeps His Promises God made an unbreakable promise to David. (2 Sam. 7:12-13 & 16). Ahaz was a descendant of David which is why Isaiah addressed Ahaz as the “House of David” (Isaiah 7:2 & 13). God will not stand for those who conspire against his plan/promises (Isaiah 7:6-8). Isaiah’s son, Shearjashub’s name means “a mere remnant shall return”. This offered a hope of salvation for God’s people, and in particular for David’s line, even in the face of a difficult time of judgment. God’s Love & Faithfulness By inviting Ahaz to ask for virtually any sign, no matter how great, God was in essence telling Ahaz that He was willing to go to any length to help him turn from his unbelief and to trust in God’s faithfulness (Isaiah 7:10). God helps those who cannot help themselves. He does what we cannot do. He overcame sin and death where we were overcome by them. He fights for us where we would surrender. He conquers where we are conquered. The Sign (Isaiah 7:14) Almah, Heb. : Maiden, girl, young woman, virgin Immanuel: God is with us. The concept of dual (minor/major) fulfillment (see Matt. 1:23).