The Significance Of The Identity Of Immanuel

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Introduction This essay will attempt to address the problem and the significance of the identity of Immanuel in Isaiah 7:14 by reviewing the theological viewpoints regarding the true identity of the child and the future of the Davidic Kingdom without the corrupt King Ahaz. The meaning of almah and the use of text by both Isiah 7 and Matthew 1:23 will additionally be explored by providing theological documentation to the true meaning. Theological documentation will be cited as this is explored to gain a better understanding and defend my view point of this ongoing controversy. Background of Passages The gospel of Matthew, states, ““The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with…show more content…
But God revealed a sign to Ahaz the very one in question. (2 Kings 16:7-8) Dr. Gary Yates supports this information and states that Ahaz has no relationship with God and chose to worship those who could defeat him. Webb seems to argue that due to King Ahaz’s refusal in (7:13-25), “God will be with the faithful remnant who gather round Isaiah (cf. 8:16) not with the unbelieving Ahaz and the rebellious nation as a whole.”2 Webb further asserts that the virgin sign is due to Ahaz’s refusal and appears to find fulfillment in Isaiah (7:14) ,”there can be little doubt, then, that this oracle points directly to the coming of the Messiah, the great son of David and the true light” (Is. 9:2-7). 3 What is the Sign and who is Immanuel At this point we know that Isaiah 7 shows the child named Immanuel was a sign ___________________ 1. Unless otherwise noted all biblical references are in the NIV Bible (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2000) 2. Barry G. Webb, The Bible Speaks Today: The Message of Isaiah, On Eagles Wings. ed., J. A. Motyer (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 62. 3. I. Bid, pg.68 2. to not only King Ahaz but He will show mercy to the Davidic Kingdom. This sign then or token to Ahaz is that in his time a present danger will be averted but with only with God’s compassion the land will be
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