The prophecy of Immanuel is found in Isaiah 7:14 and holds profound significance as both a sign to King Ahaz of Judah and a Messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
During the reign of King Ahaz, Judah was threatened by the allied forces of Syria and Israel. Isaiah was sent to reassure the king that their plans would not succeed. When Ahaz refused to ask for a sign from the Lord, Isaiah declared, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).
The name Immanuel means “God with us,” signifying divine presence and assurance. Though there may have been a near-term fulfillment for Ahaz’s time, the full and ultimate meaning points forward to the birth of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1:22–23 directly quotes Isaiah 7:14 in reference to the virgin birth of Christ: “So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’”
This prophecy confirms the supernatural nature of Christ’s conception and His identity as God in the flesh. Jesus is not only born of a virgin but also dwells among humanity to bring salvation, as foretold in Isaiah 9:6 and John 1:14.
The prophecy of Immanuel offers hope and assurance: in times of fear and uncertainty, God is present with His people. It also affirms the doctrine of the incarnation, that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, sent to redeem those who believe in Him.
