The Virgin Birth and Immanuel

Northwest Bible Church – June 25, 2017 – Christ in the OT series – Alan Conner

The Virgin Birth and Immanuel

Isa. 7:14-16

Intro:

A. CONTEXT

1. Ahaz, son of Uzziah, is king of Judah (Is. 7:1).

2. The Syrians (Arameans) and Israel have formed an alliance to attack Judah (7:1).

3. God sends Isaiah to Ahaz to encourage him that the alliance will fail (Is. 7:2-9).

4. The LORD commands Ahaz to ask for a sign (Is. 7:10-12).

5. God gives Ahaz a sign (Is. 7:14-16).

B. THE MEANING OF “VIRGIN” (Is. 7:14).

The Hebrew word ’almah refers to an unmarried young maiden, of good reputation. It is used 7 times in the OT and there is no clear case where it does not imply a virgin.  The LXX translation and the NT (Mt. 1:23) clearly understood a virgin, by their use of “parthenos”.

B. IDENTIFYING THE SON CALLED “IMMANUEL” (Is. 7:14-16).

1. Dual fulfillment.

a. Far fulfillment: the birth of Jesus Christ.

b. Near fulfillment: some say the second son of Isaiah (Is. 8:3), Maher-shalal-hash- baz;  others say Hezekiah.

2. Christ only view. Mt. 1:21-23.

C. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NAME “IMMANUEL.”

1. The purpose of the sign.

2. The glory of Immanuel - “God with us”.

a. God’s word is true.

b. God with us - 3 ways.

Conclusion