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Divinity for Advanced Secondary Schools

that God would pass judgment to the in God. Christians should acknowledge
majority and restore the remnants. the presence of God just as the sign of
Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14) “Immanuel”, which means that God was
with the Israelites.
Again, Isaiah provided another sign
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through a woman who would have a son Christians should listen to religious
by the name “Immanuel”, meaning that leaders. Failure to do so leads to
God is with us, which was an assurance punishments, just like Ahaz and the
of the disappearance of the enemies if Israelites were attacked by the Assyrians
Ahaz had faith in God alone. The sign as a punishment from God. They should
of “Immanuel” also reminded Ahaz that humble themselves and respect God
all things were possible before Yahweh. because only remnants shall return
It showed that God was ready to protect during God’s punishment. The remnants
the nation of Israel if Ahaz changed from are those who are obedient and humble
apostasy and syncretism to monotheism. before God.

Mahershal al hash-baz (Isaiah 8:3) They should depend on God instead
It was a warning that Israel would be of making foreign alliances with
invaded by enemies who would destroy unchristian states like Ahaz, who made
it, and that would be a shame to God’s foreign alliances. Christians should
chosen nation. It warned the Israelites acknowledge God’s presence in times of
to change their pagan acts and repent despair and stress. God will always send
their sins. It was also a warning to the his messengers to encourage believers,
leaders of Israel that the enemies would just as He sent Isaiah to King Ahaz.
overthrow their reign. The name also
meant that Damascus and Samaria They should believe in God’s protection
would be looted and plundered by the in all circumstances, unlike King Ahaz,
king of Assyria (Isa. 8:4). who never believed in what Prophet
Isaiah told him to the extent of shaking
Relevance of such symbolic names to like leaves of a tree blown by winds.
Christians in today’s world
They should give their children Evils committed by King Ahaz of
Christian names like Immanuel, which Judah
means God is with us. Christians should The evils committed by King Ahaz led
have faith and a strong inspiration in to a serious conflict between him and
the Lord God. These symbols were Prophet Isaiah. He failed to follow the
performed to increase Ahaz’s faith in good example of his ancestor, king
God. However, he showed a lack of faith David. Instead, he did what was not

62 Form Five Student’s Book