Page 69 - Divinity_F5

Divinity for Advanced Secondary Schools

It pointed to the new covenant Jesus was Therefore, these two powers asked
going to make with his people through Judah to join them in their struggle.
his blood, which would be eternal. This However, Judah was unwilling to join
implies that true faith in God involves their alliance. This annoyed the two
following Jesus Christ by obeying his powers, who tried to use force to ensure
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
commands. that Judah joined their alliance.

In other words, the episode is about Pekah the King of Israel and Rezin
Jesus’ relationship with his disciples the King of Syria sent their armies
and all his people. The true vine refers into Judah to force Ahaz to join their
to the good actions of love, peace and alliance, or they would replace him with
faithfulness, which all believers are
encouraged to demonstrate in their lives. another king willing to join them in their
struggle. The invading army terrified

Activity 4.2 Ahaz and his people, and they trembled
like trees shaking in the wind (Isa. 7:2).
Use the library and internet sources to This was the crisis during which Isaiah
discuss current evils in society. was sent to Ahaz.

Exercise 4.2 Prophet Isaiah’s message to King Ahaz

1. Discuss different ways in which God told Isaiah to go with his son
people have significantly participated Shear Jashub and meet king Ahaz.
in increasing evils in society. Shear Jashub conveyed a message to
2. How should the current religious the king and the people of Judah, who
leaders address those evils? were greatly worried. It meant that the
remnants would return.

Isaiah and King Ahaz (Isaiah 7:8) Going with Shear-Jashub, God wanted
Ahaz was one of the wicked kings of to encourage Ahaz and his subjects
Judah. During his reign, Judah faced a that, even if Israel and Syria overrun
political crisis. Assyria had become so their kingdom, not all people would go;
powerful that it planned to conquer all some would stay behind. Isaiah wanted
the neighbouring states and transform to show that God would intervene and
into an empire.
defend the kingdom of Judah. It implied

The threat from the armies of Assyria that God would avail protection to his
caused the Northern Kingdom of people of Judah. Therefore, he did not
Israel and Syria to ally against Assyria. need to join their alliance.

60 Form Five Student’s Book