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