Isaiah 7: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 7 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Ahaz, king of Judah, hears that Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah, son of Remaliah, king of Israel, march against Jerusalem (vv. 1-2). His heart trembles with fear, so Yahweh instructs Isaiah to meet him and say, ‘Be careful, and keep calm.

Key verse

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 7:1–4 Ahaz's Fear of Enemies
Isaiah 7:5–9 God's Assurance Through Isaiah
Isaiah 7:10–14 The Sign of Immanuel
Isaiah 7:15–25 Judgment and Future Desolation

Discussion questions

In v1, who are the two kings allied against Jerusalem?
What does God instruct Isaiah to tell Ahaz in v4?
Ahaz's refusal to ask for a sign in v12: what might this indicate about his faith?
The term 'Immanuel' in v14: how does this name connect to the overall prophecy?
When has fear caused you to hesitate in seeking guidance, like Ahaz in v12?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 7: Matthew 1, John 1, Isaiah 9.

Before next time: read Isaiah 8.