Isaiah 7:14

This verse is a major point of controversy dividing conservative and liberal Bible students.  Most who read the Bible are satisfied that Matthew understood this to speak of Jesus (Matt. 1:23).  But liberals, who deny the supernatural including the virgin birth, claimed first that the Hebrew term for virgin in Isa. 7:14 simply meant a young girl.  Second, they insist that those who heard Isaiah’s words would not have understood him to speak of an event 700 years in the future. Third, they claim those listening would have understood Immanuel to mean simply that God was with Israel in power, not as indicating the Incarnation.  We are dealing with this because it helps us understand Messianic hope.  Again we refer you to Buksbazen’s excellent commentary (pp149-156).

·        There are two terms used of a virgin in Biblical Hebrew.  The more common one was not used here, but it is a term that can refer to a married virgin.  This term, used only seven times in the OT, always refers to an unmarried woman who is a virgin.  It actually fits better here and in the story of Jesus’ birth.

·        Did Ahaz understand this to be a Messianic Prophecy? Probably not.  But that is not because he reasoned it out.  Evil Ahaz had no inclination to think that way.  The prophecy speaks of something 700 years in the future.  But …

·        Did Isaiah understand this to be a Messianic Prophecy?  YES!  In Isaiah’s time there was a believing remnant; there always was and is.  Consider this.

o   In this prophecy (remember, it involves Isa. 7-12) this Child is mentioned as to His birth (7:14), His divine character (i.e. His deity; 9:6-7), and His glorious reign (11:1-5).

o   OT believers had this expectation of the Savior.  Isaiah would have been inclined to see the Messiah in these promises.

o   Isaiah would not have confused this prophecy with his wife as some claim.  She did give birth at this time (8:1-4), but she was not then a virgin as there was already one son.  Both Isaiah’s sons had names with meanings, and it was the first one that had the name of hope (Shear-Jashub, mng. a remnant shall return, 1:3).

·        In this prophecy there are actually two references to Immanuel (7:14; 8:8).  And it is the only use of the term/name in the OT.  If you were trusting God for the Savior, and put this name with the description of Messiah in 9:6, you should understand God’s actual presence is at stake here, something God desired and spoke of frequently to Israel.  

Remember what John said about Jesus: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn. 1:14).  The Greek means He tabernacled among us, He pitched His tent so to speak.  The tabernacle in Israel was a reminder of how much God desired to dwell with Israel.  This prophecy told Israel it would happen, and tells us it did happen.  Jesus is the Child born of a virgin.