Isaiah 7:11

KJV

Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ask {H7592} thee a sign {H226} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}; ask {H7592} it either in the depth {H6009}, or in the height {H1361} above {H4605}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Ask ADONAI your God to give you a sign. Ask it anywhere, from the depths of Sh'ol to the heights above."

Berean Standard Bible

“Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven.”

American Standard Version

Ask thee a sign of Jehovah thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:11 captures a pivotal and extraordinary moment where the sovereign Lord, through the prophet Isaiah, extends an unprecedented invitation to King Ahaz of Judah. Amidst the looming threat of the Syro-Ephraimite War, God proactively offers Ahaz the opportunity to request any sign imaginable, whether from the deepest recesses of the earth or the highest reaches of the heavens, as a tangible and undeniable confirmation of His divine promise to protect Judah. This remarkable offer underscores God's boundless power, His profound grace, and His earnest desire to cultivate faith and trust in His people, even when they are paralyzed by fear and doubt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the narrative of the Syro-Ephraimite War, detailed in [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Immanuel Prophecy") through [Isaiah 12](/isaiah/12 "Isaiah 12 - Song of Salvation"). Immediately preceding [Isaiah 7:11](/isaiah/7-11 "Isaiah 7:11 - God's Offer of a Sign"), the prophet Isaiah has been divinely commissioned to confront King Ahaz, who is consumed by fear over the impending invasion by King Rezin of Aram and King Pekah of Israel, an alliance formed to depose him and install a puppet ruler (as described in [Isaiah 7:1-6](/isaiah/7-1-6 "Isaiah 7:1-6 - The Syro-Ephraimite Threat")). God's initial message to Ahaz, delivered in [Isaiah 7:7-9](/isaiah/7-7-9 "Isaiah 7:7-9 - God's Assurance to Ahaz"), is one of unwavering assurance: "It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass." The divine counsel urges Ahaz to "believe" (or "be firm") in order to "be established." [Isaiah 7:10](/isaiah/7-10 "Isaiah 7:10 - The Lord Speaks Again") then explicitly states that the Lord spoke *again* to Ahaz, directly leading to the open-ended offer of a sign in verse 11. Ahaz's subsequent refusal in [Isaiah 7:12](/isaiah/7-12 "Isaiah 7:12 - Ahaz's Refusal"), cloaked in a guise of piety, ironically sets the stage for God's sovereign and unsolicited provision of the profound Immanuel sign in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Immanuel Prophecy").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Isaiah 7:11 is the tumultuous period of the Syro-Ephraimite War, approximately 734 BC. The Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Aram (Syria) had forged an alliance, primarily as a defensive measure against the burgeoning power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Their strategy involved coercing Judah into joining their anti-Assyrian coalition. When King Ahaz of Judah resisted, they launched a military campaign to overthrow him and install a more compliant ruler on the Davidic throne. This era was characterized by intense geopolitical instability, with smaller nations constantly navigating alliances and threats from regional superpowers. Within this context, the concept of "signs" (Hebrew: _ʼôwth_) was culturally significant, often encompassing everything from natural phenomena and omens to miraculous events that served as divine confirmations, prophetic indicators, or validations of a message. God's direct, open-ended, and proactive offer of a sign to Ahaz was exceptionally unusual, transcending typical human requests for omens and powerfully demonstrating His personal involvement and deep concern for His covenant people amidst their crisis.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 7:11 profoundly articulates several foundational theological themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Initiative and Abundant Grace**: God does not wait for Ahaz to plead for help; instead, He proactively extends an unmerited and open-ended offer of a sign. This demonstrates God's boundless grace and His earnest desire to bolster Ahaz's faith, despite the king's evident fear and lack of trust, as vividly depicted in [Isaiah 7:2](/isaiah/7-2 "Isaiah 7:2 - Ahaz's Fear and Judah's Trembling"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Boundless Sovereignty and Omnipotence of God**: The invitation to ask for a sign "in the depth, or in the height above" unequivocally declares that God's power is utterly unconstrained by human imagination, physical limitations, or the laws of nature. He is capable of any miracle, anywhere, asserting His absolute dominion over all creation and the unfolding of history. Finally, the passage sets up the critical theme of **Faith Versus Unbelief**: God's extraordinary offer serves as a profound test of Ahaz's trust. Ahaz's subsequent refusal, under the pretense of piety (as recorded in [Isaiah 7:12](/isaiah/7-12 "Isaiah 7:12 - Ahaz's Refusal")), tragically reveals his underlying unbelief and his preference for relying on human political alliances and strategies rather than on divine intervention. This contrasts sharply with the example of Gideon, who, despite initial hesitations, humbly sought and received multiple signs from God to confirm His word and strengthen his resolve (see [Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36-40 "Judges 6:36-40 - Gideon's Fleece and Divine Confirmation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ask (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** This primitive root (H7592) signifies "to inquire," "to request," "to demand," or "to beg." In this context, it is a direct, open-ended, and earnest invitation from God, not a command or a test of God by Ahaz. The repetition of "ask" in the verse (KJV: "Ask thee... ask it...") emphasizes the genuine nature and the extraordinary freedom of God's offer, implying a divine desire for Ahaz to engage with Him and seek tangible proof of His word.
* **Sign (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** Probably from a root meaning "to appear," _ʼôwth_ (H226) refers to a signal, mark, token, or miraculous proof. It is something visible, perceptible, or extraordinary that serves to confirm a message, validate a promise, or indicate a divine presence or intervention. In Isaiah 7:11, the sign would serve as undeniable evidence of God's power and faithfulness to protect Judah, specifically designed to bolster Ahaz's wavering faith and provide assurance amidst his fear.
* **Depth (Hebrew, _ʻâmaq'_):** This primitive root (H6009) means "to be deep" or "to make deep." In this context, it refers to the lowest possible extreme, often metaphorically associated with Sheol (the underworld) or the deepest parts of the earth. When paired with "height above," it forms a comprehensive scope, indicating that God's power extends to the absolute extremes of existence, from the lowest, hidden depths to the highest, visible heavens. It implies a sign that could involve a profound, perhaps even unsettling, disruption of the natural order or a revelation from beyond the ordinary realm of human experience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God;":** This opening clause presents a direct, personal, and extraordinary invitation from God Himself, conveyed through His prophet Isaiah, to King Ahaz. The phrase "the LORD thy God" is significant, emphasizing God's covenant relationship with Judah and with Ahaz as the Davidic king. It serves as a powerful reminder of the divine faithfulness that has been extended to his lineage and nation throughout history. The invitation to "ask for a sign" is an act of profound divine condescension and grace, offering Ahaz a tangible, undeniable demonstration of God's commitment to His word and His people in their moment of crisis.
* **"ask it either in the depth,":** This phrase specifies the first extreme of the sign's potential manifestation. "In the depth" (Hebrew: _ʻâmaq_) refers to the lowest conceivable place, often associated with the underworld, the grave, or the deepest, most hidden parts of the earth. This suggests a sign that might involve a profound, perhaps even unsettling, disruption of the natural order, a revelation from beneath the ground, or an intervention from a realm beyond typical human experience. It underscores God's absolute dominion over all hidden, unseen, and seemingly impossible realms.
* **"or in the height above.":** This completes the comprehensive scope of God's limitless power. "In the height" (Hebrew: _gâbahh_) refers to the highest heavens, the celestial realm, while "above" (Hebrew: _maʻal_) reinforces the upward direction and transcendence. This suggests a sign that might involve celestial phenomena, a miraculous intervention from the heavens, or a visible display of divine power in the sky. Together, "in the depth, or in the height above" form a powerful **merism**, signifying the entirety of creation and implying that God is capable of performing any sign, anywhere, demonstrating His absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all things, from the lowest abyss to the highest firmament.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 7:11 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Merism**, vividly demonstrated in the phrase "in the depth, or in the height above." This rhetorical technique utilizes two contrasting or opposing parts to represent a complete totality or an entire range. Here, "depth" (alluding to the underworld or the deepest parts of the earth) and "height above" (referring to the highest heavens) collectively encompass all possible realms of existence. This merism powerfully emphasizes God's omnipotence and His boundless ability to perform a sign of any magnitude, whether hidden and profound or visible and celestial, thereby highlighting the limitless scope of His power and the unrestricted nature of the sign Ahaz could request. There is also a subtle yet significant **Irony** at play; God, in His infinite grace, extends an unprecedented, open-ended invitation for a miraculous sign, yet Ahaz, under the guise of piety and a false humility, refuses it. This refusal tragically exposes Ahaz's underlying lack of faith and his preference for human strategies over divine intervention. This initial irony then sets up a greater, divine irony: God, despite Ahaz's unbelief, sovereignly proceeds to provide a sign (Immanuel) that Ahaz did not ask for and likely did not desire, further underscoring God's unwavering will and faithfulness despite human unbelief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:11 stands as a profound testament to God's active, personal involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It reveals a God who is neither distant nor passive, but intimately concerned with the fears, doubts, and faith of His people. The divine invitation to "ask for a sign" demonstrates God's gracious condescension and His desire to meet humanity at the point of their doubt, offering tangible, undeniable evidence of His power and faithfulness. While King Ahaz's subsequent refusal tragically highlights the human propensity for unbelief, even in the face of such extraordinary divine grace, the verse ultimately magnifies God's absolute sovereignty. He proceeds to give a sign (the Immanuel prophecy) regardless of Ahaz's response, underscoring that God's redemptive plans are not contingent on human faith, though He graciously invites and abundantly rewards it. This passage affirms that God's power knows no bounds, encompassing all dimensions of existence.

* [Exodus 4:1-9](/exodus/4-1-9 "Exodus 4:1-9 - Moses Asks for Signs and Miracles")
* [Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36-40 "Judges 6:36-40 - Gideon's Fleece as a Sign")
* [Matthew 12:38-39](/matthew/12-38-39 "Matthew 12:38-39 - The Sign of Jonah and an Evil Generation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 7:11 serves as a profound and challenging reminder of God's incredible grace and His earnest desire for us to trust Him fully, especially when circumstances appear overwhelming or impossible. While we may not receive a direct, open-ended invitation to ask for a miraculous sign in the same manner as Ahaz, the underlying principle remains eternally true: God is eager to demonstrate His faithfulness to those who genuinely seek Him and humbly rely on His unfailing promises. This verse compels us to honestly examine the hidden roots of our own fears and to critically assess where we truly place our trust when confronted with daunting challenges or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Do we, like Ahaz, subtly reject God's gracious invitation to faith by prioritizing our own limited strength, human wisdom, or worldly solutions, or do we humbly lean into His boundless power and perfect provision? Our ultimate and most profound "sign" is found not in a fleeting miracle, but in God's eternally revealed Word and, supremely, in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's faithfulness, power, and redemptive plan. This passage calls us to cultivate a posture of expectant, unwavering faith, believing that God is not only able but willing to act in ways far beyond our comprehension, from addressing the "depth" of our deepest needs and fears to manifesting His glorious power from "the height" of His divine throne.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently tempted to rely on your own strength, human strategies, or worldly solutions rather than fully trusting in God's sovereign provision?**
* **How does God's willingness to offer an extraordinary sign to Ahaz, despite the king's evident fear and eventual unbelief, speak to the boundless nature of God's character and His persistent grace?**
* **What "signs" of God's unwavering faithfulness have you personally witnessed in your own life or in the lives of others that profoundly encourage and deepen your trust in Him today?**
* **How can a deeper reflection on God's limitless power, as symbolically represented by "the depth" and "the height," transform your worship and bolster your confidence in His ability to act in your life?**

### FAQ

**Was Ahaz wrong to refuse the sign?**

Answer: Yes, Ahaz was unequivocally wrong to refuse the sign. While he attempted to cloak his refusal in a guise of piety, stating, "I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD" ([Isaiah 7:12](/isaiah/7-12 "Isaiah 7:12 - Ahaz's Refusal")), God had explicitly and graciously invited him to ask. This was not an attempt by Ahaz to test God, but rather a divine offer intended to strengthen Ahaz's faith and provide tangible assurance in a time of severe national crisis. Ahaz's refusal tragically demonstrated his profound lack of faith and his preference for relying on his own flawed political strategies—such as seeking an alliance with Assyria—over the miraculous intervention and steadfast protection of God. To reject God's gracious provision was to reject His very invitation to trust Him.

**What does "in the depth, or in the height above" mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful **merism**, a literary device where two contrasting parts are used to represent a complete whole or an entire range. "In the depth" refers to the lowest conceivable place, often associated with the underworld (Sheol), the grave, or the deepest, most hidden parts of the earth. "In the height above" refers to the highest heavens, the celestial realm, or the very dwelling place of God. Together, they signify that God's power is absolutely limitless and extends over all creation, from the lowest abyss to the highest firmament. It means Ahaz could have asked for any sign imaginable, no matter how impossible, grand, or hidden it seemed, thereby demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and His infinite ability to perform any miracle, anywhere.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While King Ahaz, in his unbelief, tragically refused the extraordinary sign offered in [Isaiah 7:11](/isaiah/7-11 "Isaiah 7:11 - God's Offer of a Sign"), God, in His sovereign and unwavering grace, still provided a sign—the ultimate sign—through the prophecy of Immanuel in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Immanuel Prophecy"). This profound prophecy, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel," finds its complete and glorious fulfillment not in Ahaz's immediate historical context, but centuries later in the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus Christ, as unequivocally affirmed in [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - The Virgin Birth Prophecy Fulfilled"). Jesus is the true "God with us," the definitive and eternal sign of God's tangible presence, omnipotent power, and redemptive salvation. He is the one who, in His incarnation, descended to the "depth" of humanity's sin and brokenness, experiencing death and even the grave, only to be raised to the "height above," ascending triumphantly to the right hand of the Father ([Ephesians 4:9-10](/ephesians/4-9-10 "Ephesians 4:9-10 - Christ's Descent and Ascent")). Thus, Jesus Himself embodies the very scope of boundless power and divine intervention offered in Isaiah 7:11, demonstrating God's ability to act from the lowest depths of human despair to the highest heights of divine glory, bringing salvation and hope to all who believe. He is the ultimate demonstration of God's faithfulness, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and the One through whom all of God's promises are eternally secured, far surpassing any temporary sign Ahaz might have requested.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 37:30

And this [shall be] a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat [this] year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which springeth of the same: and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.

Isaiah 38:7

And this [shall be] a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken;

Isaiah 38:8

Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.

Isaiah 38:22

Hezekiah also had said, What [is] the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?

2 Kings 19:29

And this [shall be] a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such things as grow of themselves, and in the second year that which springeth of the same; and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruits thereof.

Judges 6:36

And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,

Judges 6:40

And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.