1 In the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah [Praised], Rezin the king of Syria [Elevated], and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel [God prevails], went up to Jerusalem [City of peace] to war against it, but could not prevail against it. 2 David [Beloved]’s house was told, “Syria [Elevated] is allied with Ephraim [Fruit].” His heart trembled, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the forest tremble with the wind. 3 Then
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12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, neither will I tempt
13 He said, “Sh'ma ·Hear obey· now, house of David [Beloved]. Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of my God also? 14 * MP: A virgin female will conceive and bear a son, (combined with Gen 3:15, seed of a woman).
Note on textual variations: Why a virgin female as compared to young female? In the Hebrew Masoretic text, the prophecy in Isaiah uses the Hebrew word almah [a woman of marriageable age] whereas the verse in Matthew uses the Greek word parthenos [a pure virgin or woman of marriageable age]. However the translators of the Greek Septuagint, which is older than any existing Hebrew text, used parthenos in their translation of the verse in Isaiah. Therefore the translators understood the verse in Isaiah as referring to a literal virgin birth. (Luke 1:27, 1:30-31) Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. [b] Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, ‡ MP: The name Immanu'el, meaning [God with us]. This is an attributed title, not his literal name. Consider (Is 8:7-8) also uses the Hebrew Immanu'el. (Matt 1:21-23; Col 2:9; Rev 21:3) and shall call his name [d] 'Immanu El [God is with us]. [e] 15 He shall eat butter and honey when he knows to refuse the evil, and choose the good. 16 For before the child knows to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land whose two kings you abhor shall be forsaken. 17