Nothing raises our defenses like a personal attack. Whether it is a disagreement with a co-worker, friend, or family member, or the acute awareness of our own mistakes or failure, we feel the assault and then prepare to repel the invading feeling or criticism. No one likes being wrong; certainly, no one likes being caught being wrong.
Conversely, no one likes being blindsided by adversity either. Sometimes difficult experiences find us, and these, too, can evoke a cascade of "why me?" feelings. So, when those assaults to our pride come (and, simply, that is what it often is) there is a time of "deflation" when we feel the attack, often followed by a time of "inflation" as we mobilize to deal with it: the punchline "I'm going to do something even if it is wrong " isn't far off the mark. After news of an impending assault and in the midst of defensive feelings and thoughts, God dispatched Isaiah to King Ahaz.
In the seventh chapter of Isaiah word comes to the people of Judah and King Ahaz (grandson of Uzziah) that the kings of Syria and Israel were mounting an attack on Jerusalem. Isaiah recounts that “When the house of David was told, “Syria is in league with Ephraim,” the heart of Ahaz and the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind.” Isaiah 7:2 ESV
In the face of multiplied threats and incredible betrayal, both Ahaz and his people had reason to be very concerned. On paper, this was an impossible situation! These potent adversaries were already discussing who they would install as the next king.
Almost immediately God instructs Isaiah to speak a word of faith to Ahaz: "And say to him, ‘Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint because of these two smoldering stumps of firebrands . . .’” Isaiah 7:4 ESV
Still later Isaiah warns, "If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all . . .” (Isaiah 7:9b).
Ahaz needed this advice, because he had other options. Often countries would seek a costly alliance with a neighbor in these circumstances. The Kings of Israel and Judah had often done so--against God's instruction through His prophets. In this circumstance, Ahaz was already leaning toward invoking the help of king Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria who seemed all too willing to jump into this particular war.
Isaiah shares God's perspective and it is pretty direct language. God’s encouragement through Isaiah seems to be (1) be careful (of unbelief[i]), and rash action, (2) do not give voice (or feet) to your fears, and be still; (3) do not let fear consume and immobilize you, (4) do not lose hope, and (5), the threats before you are no longer as threatening as you think they are. Last, Isaiah exhorts Ahaz to hold fast in faith; for faith in God's provision brings strength, stability, resolve, calm, and the ability to wait for God’s deliverance.
The application for modern readers couldn’t be more transparent. There are many threats out there. In addition to the worlds’ fragile economies and its growing political instability, we each have our own valleys of trial from time to time. The encouragement, however, remains the same.
If our faith is not firm (consistent), we lay aside our only defense. In the absence of faith we will collapse into the panic of our fears, and act unwisely.
Isaiah “preached” a lot of imperatives for Ahaz. By heeding them, Ahaz could have “walked” his way back to trusting God and experiencing His deliverance. Ahaz, unfortunately, was not inclined to listen and chose a course that took Judah further away from God and His providential care. The message of Isaiah is reprised in other Scripture passages—most notably:
. . . The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:4-8 ESV
[i] The idea of “taking heed” or “being careful” of doubts or unbelief which motivate seeking the aid of someone other than God is echoed specifically in Wesley Notes, and Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible [Internet], as accessed on August 22, 2012 at http://biblecommenter.com/isaiah/7-4.htm
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