Font Size
Jerusalem was under siege by the allied forces of Syria and Ephraim. Because Jerusalem had been uncooperative in their attempts to throw off the yoke of Assyria, these two countries turned on Judah and threatened to replace Ahaz with a pawn of their own, Tabeel.
Frightened, Ahaz has decided to inspect the water supply to his city rather than look to the real Supply of his strength. It is there that Isaiah and his son Shear-Jashub are sent to meet Ahaz. His word to Ahaz is clear: “These two little countries to the north are no more of a threat than are two smoldering sticks of firewood. Their plans to invade you will not come to pass.” Isaiah’s son was there as a sign that the forces to the north would be reduced to only a bare remnant. Their demise is spelled out with clarity in vv.8-9a.
Isaiah concludes his word to Ahaz with a warning. It is a well-crafted play on the word 'amen, which means “believe, be established, stand firm” from which we get the word “amen”—let it be established. “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” In that event, Shear-Jashub becomes a name of warning, meaning that Judah itself will be destroyed, with only a remnant left to return.
Clearly Isaiah wants Ahaz to act from a position of faith and trust in God. He must not be threatened by Ephraim and Syria. God would see that they were taken care of. Thus there was no need for Ahaz to run to Assyria (as he unfortunately chooses to do) for help. If he could simply trust in God and not in the power of men, then he would stand firm. But, alas, Ahaz knew no such firmness of faith.