The Birth of Immanuel
8:1 to 9:7

This section is closely related to the previous chapter. It concerns the same event, namely, the deliverance from the Syria-Isra’el alliance, and the subsequent Assyrian invasion that would eventually extend to Judah. Chapter 7:1-25 included several negatives – Ahaz’s rejection of God’s Word through Isaiah, Ahaz’s continued unbelief, and the difficult times that would come to Judah. This section, from 8:1 to 9:7, focuses on a positive note; the nation would be delivered and this deliverance would picture another Deliverer, who will bring an even greater deliverance in the future.30 Here, Isaiah calls us to believe that God is at work in human history. He calls us to trust in Him to work all things for the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). We don’t need to worry about current events. This is not to say we should take no interest in them, but rather we shouldn’t be overwhelmed with anxiety about them. We should focus on our relationship with ADONAI and pleasing Him. Then we can walk in confidence.