Daily Bible Reading, December 2022: God’s Renewing Word of JoySýnishorn

December 18

Introduction

King Ahaz ruled Judah (southern kingdom) from 735-715 B.C., and King Pekah ruled the northern kingdom of Israel from 752-732 B.C. Between 735 and 732 B.C., Israel and Syria invaded Judah (2 Kings 15:27—16:20; 2 Chronicles 28:1-27). At first Pekah and King Rezin of Syria tried to force Ahaz to join them in their battles against Assyria. When Ahaz didn’t cooperate, Pekah and Rezin tried to replace him with a king who would be friendlier to their purpose (verses 5, 6). Isaiah tells Ahaz that the Lord will give him a sign to indicate that God will be with Judah and that there will be no need for Judah to seek an alliance with Assyria. Against Isaiah’s advice, Ahaz turned to Assyria for help; but eventually, Assyria also invaded Judah (2 Kings 18:13-37; 2 Chronicles 32:1-19; Isaiah 8:6-8; 36:1-22). The reading concludes with a description of the Assyrian threat of invasion.

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 7:1-25

Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 7:14

“The Lord himself will give you a sign: a young woman who is pregnant will have a son and will name him ‘Immanuel.’”

Reflect

The name “Immanuel” in Hebrew means “God with us.” (Note: In the reading for December 30, Matthew 1:23 quotes Isaiah 7:14 in his account of the birth of Jesus, and “virgin” reflects a Greek translation of the Hebrew term for “young woman” as rendered in the Isaiah passage.) The birth of Immanuel at the time of Isaiah and King Ahaz was a sign to indicate that Kings Pekah and Rezin would be unsuccessful in their attack on Judah. Why did Ahaz fail to trust in God and heed Isaiah’s advice? What consequences were foretold (verses 17-25)?

Pray

Immanuel, you are indeed God with us. In you, Lord God, I place my trust and hope. Order my steps this day and guide me in the way of your truth. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Isaiah 8:1-20: Isaiah’s wife bears a son.