Isaiah 7:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.

Complete Jewish Bible:

But Achaz answered, "I won't ask, I won't test ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible:

But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.”

American Standard Version:

But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt Jehovah.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But Ahaz^{H271} said^{H559}, I will not ask^{H7592}, neither will I tempt^{{H5254}{H853}} the LORD^{H3068}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Isaiah 7:12

Isaiah 7:12 is a verse set within the broader historical context of the late 8th century BCE, a time of political turmoil and military threat in the ancient Near East. The kingdom of Judah, under the reign of King Ahaz, faced an imminent invasion from a coalition of the northern kingdom of Israel and the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, an event known as the Syro-Ephraimite War. This alliance sought to depose Ahaz and install a more compliant ruler who would join them against the rising power of Assyria.

In this precarious situation, the prophet Isaiah approaches Ahaz with a message from the Lord. Isaiah offers Ahaz a sign to reassure him that God would protect Judah and that the threat from the northern coalition would not succeed. The sign could be as deep as Sheol or as high as the heavens, indicating that Ahaz could choose any miraculous proof of God's power and intention to save.

However, Ahaz, displaying a façade of piety, refuses to ask for a sign, claiming that he will not put the Lord to the test. This response, while seemingly humble, actually reveals Ahaz's lack of faith and his unwillingness to trust in the Lord's protection. Instead of relying on God, Ahaz was already seeking an alliance with Assyria, a decision that would have long-term negative consequences for Judah.

The themes present in this verse include the nature of true faith and trust in God, the consequences of political maneuvering and alliances based on fear rather than trust in divine providence, and the tension between human autonomy and divine will. Ahaz's reluctance to seek a sign from God highlights the complexity of discerning genuine humility from false piety and the dangers of refusing God's offers of reassurance in times of crisis. Isaiah 7:12 thus captures a pivotal moment of decision that would have lasting effects on the history of Judah.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H271
   There are 521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָחָז
   Transliteration: ʼÂchâz
   Pronunciation: aw-khawz'
   Description: from אָחַז; possessor; Achaz, the name of a Jewish king and of an Israelite; Ahaz.
   
2. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
3. Strong's Number: H7592
   There are 157 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁאַל
   Transliteration: shâʼal
   Pronunciation: shaw-al'
   Description: or שָׁאֵל; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand; ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish.
   
4. Strong's Number: H5254
   There are 34 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָסָה
   Transliteration: nâçâh
   Pronunciation: naw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; to test; by implication, to attempt; adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try.
   
5. Strong's Number: H853
   There are 87 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֵת
   Transliteration: ʼêth
   Pronunciation: ayth
   Description: apparent contracted from אוֹת in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely); (as such unrepresented in English).
   
6. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.