Isaiah 7:10-13
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The use of "again" here is crucial; it highlights God's persistent patience, offering Ahaz a second chance after his fear and likely skepticism towards Isaiah's initial message. It underscores that even when we fail to respond in faith, God doesn't give up on us, but continues to extend grace and opportunity.
Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz: “Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test.” And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also?
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Isaiah delivered God's message of reassurance against the invading kings of Syria and Israel, Ahaz and his household were still gripped by fear and disbelief. God, demonstrating incredible patience, spoke to Ahaz again through Isaiah, offering a miraculous sign to confirm His promise, which Ahaz pridefully refused.
When faced with fear and doubt, how does God respond to our resistance?
In Isaiah 7, King Ahaz is in a desperate situation. Two hostile kings are at his borders, threatening his kingdom. God, through the prophet Isaiah, offers reassurance and even a sign to bolster Ahaz's faith. Yet, Ahaz, steeped in fear and perhaps secretly aligning with Assyria, refuses to ask for a sign.
This is where the phrase 'Moreover the LORD spake again' becomes so powerful. It highlights God's persistent love and His refusal to give up on His people, even when they push Him away.
What are the subtle ways we might refuse God's offers of help?
Ahaz's refusal to ask for a sign isn't a simple 'no.' It's a calculated, fearful rejection disguised as piety. He says, 'I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord.' This sounds humble, but the context reveals it as a deeper rebellion.
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Understand the original words
'owth · Hebrew Noun
A manifestation, miracle, or prophetic event intended to authenticate a divine message, confirm a promise, or serve as a visible token of God's authority and intervention in human history.
she'owl · Hebrew Noun
The abode of the dead, the underworld, or the place of the departed; it represents the deepest depths of the created order, often used in contrast to the heights of heaven to denote the totality of existence.
nacah · Hebrew Verb
To put to the test, to prove, or to tempt; in a negative sense, it refers to challenging God's faithfulness or power, thereby demanding that He prove Himself rather than trusting His revealed word.
bayith David · Hebrew Noun phrase
The royal lineage established by God through King David, to whom the eternal kingship of Israel and the future Messianic promise were entrusted.
la'ah · Hebrew Verb
To cause distress, burden, or frustration; in a theological sense, it refers to human rebellion or stubbornness that grieves the heart of God.
This passage occurs during a critical military crisis for Judah. The Syrian-Israelite alliance is actively besieging Jerusalem, and King Ahaz is in deep distress. God's offer of a sign is a direct response to Ahaz's fear and his flirtation with seeking aid from the Assyrians, rather than trusting in God.
Late 8th century BC
Syrian-Israelite Confederacy forms
Rezin of Aram-Damascus and Pekah of Israel form an alliance to exert pressure on Judah and potentially replace its king. This alliance aimed to create a unified front against the rising power of Assyria.
c. 734 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War begins
The allied forces of Rezin and Pekah invade Judah, besieging Jerusalem. King Ahaz of Judah is terrified and seeks to make a desperate alliance with Assyria.
c. 734 BC
Isaiah meets Ahaz at the conduit
The prophet Isaiah, with his son Shear-jashub, meets King Ahaz, delivering a message from God to trust Him and not fear the attacking kings. Ahaz rejects this counsel.
c. 734 BC— this verse
God offers Ahaz a sign
After Ahaz refuses to ask for a sign of God's intervention, the Lord, through Isaiah, offers to provide a sign to confirm His promises. Ahaz again refuses, feigning piety.
c. 732 BC
Fall of Damascus
The Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III captures Damascus, the capital of Aram-Damascus, ending the threat from Rezin and significantly weakening the Syrian kingdom.
c. 724-722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire, under Shalmaneser V and then Sargon II, conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting its population and ending its existence as a distinct nation.
This passage directly quotes Isaiah 7:14, applying the prophecy of the virgin birth and the name Immanuel to Jesus Christ, thus fulfilling the sign God offered Ahaz.
1 Corinthians 1:20Paul refers to God's wisdom in making foolish the wisdom of the world, paralleling how God's sign in Isaiah was a demonstration of divine power that transcended human understanding or acceptance.
Hebrews 11:1This verse defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Ahaz's refusal of the sign in Isaiah 7 shows his lack of this kind of faith, demonstrating the critical importance of believing God's word even without immediate visible confirmation.
John 3:16This foundational verse highlights God's love in giving His only Son, mirroring the ultimate gift of Immanuel in Isaiah as God's profound act of provision and salvation for His people, initiated by God's grace.
pooleIsaiah 7:10: "Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying,"
No text from Poole on this verse.
henryIsaiah 7:10-16: "Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying,"
7:10-16 Secret disaffection to God is often disguised with the colour of respect to him; and those who are resolved that they will not trust God, yet pretend they will not tempt him. The prophet reproved Ahaz and his court, for the little value they had for Divine revelation. Nothing is more grievous to God than distrust, but the unbelief of man shall not make the promise of God of no effect; the Lord himself shall give a sign.…
The use of "again" here is crucial; it highlights God's persistent patience, offering Ahaz a second chance after his fear and likely skepticism towards Isaiah's initial message. It underscores that even when we fail to respond in faith, God doesn't give up on us, but continues to extend grace and opportunity.
After Isaiah delivered God's message of reassurance against the invading kings of Syria and Israel, Ahaz and his household were still gripped by fear and disbelief. God, demonstrating incredible patience, spoke to Ahaz again through Isaiah, offering a miraculous sign to confirm His promise, which Ahaz pridefully refused.
After Isaiah delivered God's message of reassurance against the invading kings of Syria and Israel, Ahaz and his household were still gripped by fear and disbelief. God, demonstrating incredible patience, spoke to Ahaz again through Isaiah, offering a miraculous sign to confirm His promise, which Ahaz pridefully refused.
"Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz: “Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test.” And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too litt…" — The use of "again" here is crucial; it highlights God's persistent patience, offering Ahaz a second chance after his fear and likely skepticism towards Isaiah's initial message. It underscores that e…
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Last reviewed October 2026
