“‘Ask a sign for yourself from the LORD your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.’ But Ahaz said, ‘I will not ask, nor will I test the LORD!'” (vv.11-12)
God made an amazing offer through Isaiah to the wayward King Ahaz, He was basically saying, “Name it Ahaz! Anything you need to help you believe.” Ahaz’s response may seem polite at first reading; but when read carefully, we find that it is really an obstinate, headstrong refusal to make any agreement with God.
God made an amazing offer through Isaiah to the wayward King Ahaz, He was basically saying, “Name it Ahaz! Anything you need to help you believe.” Ahaz’s response may seem polite at first reading; but when read carefully, we find that it is really an obstinate, headstrong refusal to make any agreement with God.
This chapter is a sharp, abrupt contrast between the disobedience of Ahaz, as he refused to submit to God, and the quick obedience of Isaiah in the preceding chapter. When the Lord called to Isaiah, he was instantly compliant saying, “Here am I! Send me” (Isa. 6:8). But King Ahaz was stubborn and refused to even respond to God’s offer.
The point is that our heavenly Father is so gracious He was willing to be tested by an unbelieving king so He could reveal Himself to the king personally. God seeks a personal, intimate relationship with each of us in His creation. King Ahaz’s most famous ancestor, King David, wrote this about knowing God: “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man that trusts in Him!” (Ps. 34:8).
"Here I am LORD, send me." (Isaiah 6:8)
