Q1. Ahaz's Test of Faith

[Pastor Ralph]

Q1. (Isaiah 7-8) What was the gist of Isaiah’s prophetic instruction to Ahaz? Why do you think Ahaz chose to disregard it? What did Ahaz do instead? What was the consequence of this disobedience? Why do we sometimes seem to think that we’re smarter than God? Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do?

[Jen]

Q1. (Isaiah 7-8) What was the gist of Isaiah's prophetic instruction to Ahaz? Why do you think Ahaz chose to disregard it? What did Ahaz do instead? What was the consequence of this disobedience? Why do we sometimes seem to think that we're smarter than God? Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do?

God is saying if you will trust in me and obey me it will not happen (Aram and Israel invading Judah).  Ahaz was fearful with good reason, a strong sense of guilt and lack of faith because being an evil and arrogant man he could not exercise faith in God who is pure and holy.  The two were diametrically opposed.

Ahaz preferred indebtedness to the Assyrians to the grace and mercy of God.  The result was that they with who Ahaz allied himself with rather that God turned on Ahaz and became a tool of God's judgement on the them. 

We are evil inside and decide we know more than God.  We go on our own strength and wisdom which is fatally flawed.

We find opposition from those around us and succumb to the pressures of people and our own lack of faith and knowledge in and of God.

 

God Bless!

Jen

Romans 15:13

[Stan]

Believe in God don't fear his enemies.Ajaz lacked faith he gave up his wealth

became a servant to buy protection that he didn't need.The result wad he became

A servant.king and.lost his true protector Yawyah(God).I don't think we consider

Our selves smarter than God we forget He is in control and don'twait for Him

We often forget to listen.It becomes very hard to do as God directs when we don't.don't listen and know what He wants us to do.

[Ron2]

Ahaz was not a true believer and was not fallowing God, so when he heard the prophecies they did not ring true with him. If we are not seeking Jesus when the Holy Spirit speaks to us we do not hear or it is easy to ignore what the Holy Spirit says. Then we try to figure out what to do just like Ahaz did. Gods ways are not our ways.

[Windcatcher]

• stand your ground regardless of what you "see" around you. Trust me. (God)

fear and unbelief. Pressure from people around him.

Ahaz contacted Assyria for aid and became a vassal.

Perhaps it is not a matter of thinking we are smarter but rather questioning God's existance or His intentions toward us.

Because often what we see, feel and hear is louder than what God whispers. So - fear and unbelief.

[IvoryEagle]

What was the gist of Isaiah’s prophetic instruction to Ahaz?

 Isaiah conveys to Ahaz the word of Yahweh concerning this impending attack: "It will not take place, it will not happen." (7:7) Then he reassures Ahaz that these allied kings are mere men after all. He tells Ahaz not to panic. "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all" (7:9b). His future will hinge on what he does here. Ahaz is at a point of no return; he must decide. 

 

 

Why do you think Ahaz chose to disregard it? What he thought he knew, unbelief, and pure fear

 

What did Ahaz do instead?  Ahaz chooses to become a vassal of Assyria, an enemy far worse than either Israel or Syria.  King Ahaz does not believe or obey Isaiah's prophecy to trust in the Lord. He pays tribute to Assyria and becomes its vassal.

 

 

What was the consequence of this disobedience? The king of Assyria complied by attacking Damascus and capturing it. He deported its inhabitants to Kir and put Rezin to death." (2 Kings 16:7-9)True, Assyria destroys the Syrian and Israelite kings who had threatened Ahaz, but the cost of this protection is high indeed. Ultimately, the Lord will bring the king of Assyria upon Judah as a "razor" to shave them completely (7:20).

 

 

Why do we sometimes seem to think that we’re smarter than God?  FREE WILL, we think that we must THINK. To us, the evidence is not concrete.  The devil loves a dialogue; he always win when we doubt God.

 

 

Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do?  Because God never gives us a guarantee; He only test our FAITH. Faith by its very nature is the things we HOPE for the evidence of things UNSEEN.  In many cases, we live on "what you see is what you get."  God says, what you BELIEVE is what you get. Man lives based on evidence that can be seen;  It flies in the face of FAITH.

 

[Allan]

Ahaz was told to keep the faith, and watch what God does. But, he evidently did not have a strong faith and thought that he should take the bull by the horns, so to speak, and deal with the attackers as he saw fit. Reminds me of the lack of faith of the Israelites as they felt they were trapped at the red sea before the Lord parted the waters and kept pharaoh from getting to them. The complaining and the moaning that went on. Maybe Ahaz felt that he was the one who was King that it was his job to protect the people. An ego thing.

Ahaz took the silver and gold that was in the temple of the Lord and the  treasuries of the royal palace and gave them to the king of Assyria to come and fight Israel an Syria. That Judah would become Assyrias' vassal. Ahaz kinda paid off the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser to come to his aid now that Judah would be theirs. King Tligath-Pileser was only protecting his own interest.

The consequences for Ahazs' disobedience would be that Judah, short of complete destruction, would be destroyed.

We tend to think that we need to protect or step in to take over and handle things because we feel that we can and that this is our job. It takes a strong faith to be obedient and to let God be God. I sometimes wonder how strong my faith is. It can be a real test. That's why it is so important to stay in the word.

Sometimes it is hard to do what God wants us to do because it is so far from the natural thing. It would be a supernatural thing and we would only benefit from stepping aside and seeing God at work.

[joey felipe]

 What was the gist of Isaiah’s prophetic instruction to Ahaz?

It is simply to have faith in God, listen to His instruction and follow it.

 

 Why do you think Ahaz chose to disregard it?

Lack of faith in God.

 

 What did Ahaz do instead?

Instead of trusting God, he trusted men.

 

 What was the consequence of this disobedience?

His displeased God with his action.

 

 Why do we sometimes seem to think that we’re smarter than God? 

First is our little faith, second we might be thinking that God is an understanding God and He will consider our action and decision.

 

 Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do?

Because we do not want to come out from our COMFORT ZONE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guitar Jim]

Q1. (Isaiah 7-8) What was the gist of Isaiah’s prophetic instruction to Ahaz?

 

Just trust in The Lord and everything will turn out fine. Despite appearances to the contrary, God will be with Judah and protect her from the alliance that threatens to overpower Judah.

 

 

 

Why do you think Ahaz chose to disregard it?

 

Ahaz simply didn't believe strongly enough in God. He was completely wishy-washy, so to speak, in his faith.

 

 

 

What did Ahaz do instead?

 

He became a vassal to Assyria, a mightier kingdom and world power than the nearby hostile alliance, and asked Assyria to protect Judah from the alliance. To do this he had to strip the temple of its treasures. That was a decision based solely on worldly politics and not on the prophetic word Isaiah had given him. He refused to even ask God for a sign that God would do as Isaiah had prophecied. No wonder God took issue with that!

 

 

 

What was the consequence of this disobedience?

 

God would eventually give Judah over to Assyrian control completely. True, temporarily Judah had been saved, but in the long run Ahaz had set the country on a slippery slope. By the time his grandson had become king the prophecy of Judah's defeat came to pass.

 

 

 

Why do we sometimes seem to think that we’re smarter than God?

 

We look at problems with human worldly eyes and lack the faith to allow God to have His way. We conceive a solution that makes sense on the surface that doesn't involve stepping out in faith.

 

 

 

Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do?

 

God's plans and directions for us may be in contrast to what we want to do. They may involve sacrifices that include giving up worldly things that we cling to. Many times we're called to "enter through the narrow gate" because the popular way to go maybe the wrong way. The road to hell is wide and paved with good intentions.

Jesus was always talking about how God confounds the wisdom of the world. Sometimes a child-like faith is all we need rather than great worldly wisdom that will steer us wrong.

 

 

[Skinnykenny]

As Moses reminded the Hebrews of all that God had done for them and this despite the fact that they were stiff-necked and for the most part faithless. Yet God spared them with minimal want and then fed them with manna.

 

So also Isaiah lays out God's plan and salvation before Ahaz. More or less telling Ahaz that God has again set before Judah and it's king blessings and curses, life and death. Blessings and life if the king will chose wisely and curses and death if he choses poorly.

 

Ah, but Ahaz sees himself as wise, sly and crafty, therefore he using false piety thereby deceptive words declares declaring, 'He will not chose either proposition set before him.' Thus, he saying neither yes or no, thereby giving the appearance of a pious response, but in truth is simply a non-committal lukewarm response to an ultra important choice.  

 

However, what Ahaz fails to realize is that God hates anything lukewarm. God would prefer his people to either be hot or cold, for these can be molded into something useful that will bring glory to God and his holy name. But the lukewarm, these God will spew out upon the earth back into the dust and ashes from which they came.  

 

The same applies to all believers, there can be no fence riders, either the believer is obedient and faithful thereby standing righteous before the Lord, or they are disobedient and unfaithful and will stand before the Lord in shame. But the lukewarm, the Lord has no use for, these unless they repent quickly will soon be cast into the unquenchable fire.

 

Today, authentic Christians face even worse enemies, for the very worst enemies are among us, and they declare themselves to be Christians, and they invite and approve of every foul form of deceit for an advantage or up-ward mobility, or practice a little white lie to save a few dollars on insurance or taxes, or look the other way when there is the killing of the unborn by the tens of millions, the killing of the defenseless whether newborn or disabled or elderly, or anyone that does not meet their personal or national standards of productivity, and on and on, etc..  So, before we nonchalantly declare others, whether in history or in the present, as unbelievers, heretics, or worse, let us look at our very own selves and see if we even avail our selves to their low standards? Let us see if indeed we are so lukewarm that we won't truly commit our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls to the service and worship of God alone, simply because we have become so comfortable and accustomed to all forms of blood letting, treachery and deceit.

 

I do not suggest being careful, but being renewed in Christ Jesus, proclaiming his death and professing his resurrection and actually live His light and love with white hot confidence in His will alone, and thereby no longer approve of sin and no longer look the other way in the face of murder.

[humblejon]

Isaiah was relaying God's message to Ahaz to trust His strength and promises. Not once but several times did God do this for Ahaz. Ahaz, however, was a slave to the flesh, and lack a faithful relationship with God. He turns instead his trust and allegiance to Assryia.

When we do not connect, trust and obey God, our focus (or love) is with the world. God,s promises just seem like supernatural naive superstitions. The carnal mind chooses to have nothing to do with what is Godly and righteous. We see and discern with our eyes, and only can see the physical world--therefore we only trust in the world that we see. As it was with Ahaz and holds true today, we have two paths to take. We can trust in the "flesh" and only believe in what we sense with our bodies OR welcome Christ into our hearts, and welcome the HolySpirit as our guide to follow the path of God's wisdom and truth.

[wjcargile]

Isaiah instruction to Ahaz was do not be afraid of Rezin king of Syria and do not be afraid of Pekan king of Israel.

 

Ahaz chose to disregrad Isaiah's instruction because he was afraid of losing his kindgom and, he would be saved it if he paid the Assyrians off with silver and gold.

 

Ahaz became a vassal of Assyria.

 

Because of the consequence of Ahaz's disobedience: Judah was conquered by the Assyrian army.

 

Why do we sometimes think we are smarter than God?

(Proverbs 14:12) "THERE IS A WAY THAT SEEMS RIGHT TO A MAN, BUT IN THE END IT LEADS TO DEATH."

We are not always willing to wait on God. Our way seems easy and a quick-fix.

 

Why is it sometimes seems so hard to do what God tells us to do? Lack of faith and impatient.

[angelbaby]

Q1 a)  What is the gist of the prophetic instructions to Ahaz?

Isaiah told Ahaz that the Syro-Ephramite  Confederacy  was nothing to fear: as it would  be unsuccessful and would not harm him. He gave two positive commands….. ..Be Careful and Be Still and two negative commands….. Do not Fear and Do not Doubt. God desired that Ahaz stand firm in the Lord and not allow doubts and fears to weaken him. .Isaiah assured him that God was with him as revealed by a sign …..…the birth of a child called Immanuel meaning “‘God is with us” and that the Israelites and Syrians would be unable to destroy Judah in the face of  “God being with us “The name of his son  Shear-jashub  means “Quick to plunder .Speedy to spoil” indicating that Assyria would conquer and plunder Israel and Syria .before the child  speaks. Isaiah warns  Ahaz that  refusal to accept  the sign would lead Assyria to overtake  Judah and desroy it and  the name Maher- shalal- hash- baz  meant “ a remnant would remain”  Isaiah concluded his prophecy by warning “Trust in the LORD or you will be destroyed”.

      Why do you think Ahaz chose to disregard it?

Faith is the confidence in the unseen things hoped for in the future. This faith was beyond Ahaz’s grasp. Ahaz was a human being and since he  had been living a sinful life he had lost communion with God.. He could not sense the strength in Gods words and amidst panic and fear resorted to the human instinct to protect his people in the way he thought best…as most of us do in solving small problems.

c)    What did Ahaz do instead?

Ahaz disregarded the advice of Isaiah and instead used his human skills and ungodly manouvres offering his wealth and admitting to become a vassal of Assyria to rally the support of the king  to protect him from his enemies Ephraim and Syria .     

d)     What was the consequence of  this disobedience?

He trusted Tigleth Pileser who ruled Assyria and Babylon as well and wanted to increase his empire to the farthest North. In the reign of Hezekiah the fortified cities of Judah were destroyed and later in 701 BC besieged Jerusalem also…he shaved Judah like a razor to the ground.

e)        Why do we sometimes seem to think we are smarter than God?

Faith and fear are contrary to one another .Prov 25:26  When a godly man joins a wicked man it is like polluting a fountain or muddling a spring..we just do not realize where we are heading when we take carnal counsel and this leads to ruin. We forget to wait on the Lord when circumstances are overwhelming. Nobody thinks he is smarter that God.

 

f)    Why is it so hard to do what God tells us to do?

   Very simple ..no excuses ..we lack Faith and Obedience.  We cannot  sacrifice and deny ourselves….We  wish to remain comfortable. .. 

[Squirt]

Q1. (Isaiah 7-8) What was the gist of Isaiah's prophetic instruction to Ahaz?
    Isaiah told Ahaz to be strong and courageous (do not fear and do not be a coward) because the One who was with him was stronger than those who were against him:   “It will not happen; it will not occur.”    
    How many times do we respond just as Ahaz responded here?  He trembled from the threat from Syria and the northern kingdom of Israel.  Instead of trusting in God, trusting in His promise, he decided to rely on his own wisdom.

Why do you think Ahaz chose to disregard it?
    While Ahaz heard with his ears that the LORD could and would protect Judah, his faith was not strong enough to rest on that knowledge.  It takes courage to do nothing in the face of a significant threat and to rely on an invisible God.     He may have welcomed Isaiah’s proclamation that the defeat of Judah would not happen; he just didn’t believe it.   

 What did Ahaz do instead?
    Ahaz made an alliance with Assyria, sending all the gold and silver there was in the temple and in the palace  and announcing that they would be subject to Assyria if Assyria would defend them now.   In the HCSB translation, Ahaz said “I am your servant and your son” to the king of Assyria.  But they were never going to be ‘sons’ to the Assyrians.  And when God, through Isaiah, said to ask for a sign, Ahaz blustered and claimed that he would not ‘test God.’  

What was the consequence of this disobedience?
    The LORD would eventually send Assyria against Judah as a ‘razor.’   Assyria would roll over Judah and right up to the gates of Jerusalem.

Why do we sometimes seem to think that we're smarter than God?   
    It’s worldly blindness .  We see the prosperity of others around us, perhaps our own prosperity,  people who have gained reputations for brilliance through their occupations and their money and we make heros of them.   Or we hear about wars and violence and terrible storms and we become afraid of what is going to happen to us.    We know that God promises us blessings and strength and guidance, and that’s wonderful, but just for now, just this time, I’m going to (do, buy, follow, try) something else.   I don’t see it so much as “thinking” we’re smarter than God, but that we’re not thinking OF God.


Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do?

It is difficult for us to do what God tells us,  to take that step of faith, when our love for God is weak,  when we live by sight and not by faith.   A weak love leaves us uncertain, unable to trust fully in a God we can’t see, so we turn to what is familiar to us.  We are like waves of the sea, unsteady in all our ways.   Maybe  it’s fear of what God is going to ask, or where He’s going to send you, or how your family or friends will react.  We have our catalog of things we can’t do, or don’t like to do, or don’t want to do.  Sometimes it’s doubt that what we ‘heard’ was from God and not just an overactive imagination.  The more we resist, the easier it becomes.  


 

[blezed]

What was the gist of Isaiah’s prophetic instruction to Ahaz? 

1.  To reassure him.  Stay calm and don't be scared.  There would be no attack.

 

Why do you think Ahaz chose to disregard it? What did Ahaz do instead?

2.  He did not believe isaiah's prophecy.  Also, he felt if they lost that the king would be dethroned.  Instead of believing Isaiah, he tried to buy protection from Assyrians.   

 

What was the consequence of this disobedience?

3. He brought on more trouble.  The Lord bring the king of Assyria upon Judah.  

 

Why do we sometimes seem to think that we’re smarter than God?

4.  Human nature. 

 

Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do?
5.  We figure we have a better way. Lack of faith.

 

 

 

[Lion of Grace]

Isaiah's prophetic instruction to Ahaz was to not trust in mere men to help him but to trust in the Lord. 

Isaiah conveyed to Ahaz that the impending attack by Israel and Syria would not happen, but Ahaz refuses this Word from God and chooses to become a vassal of Assyria (who was a worse enemy that either Israel or Syria!) He chose military might for protection over God's protection. He turned from God's help to help from men.

I think Ahaz chose to disregard Isaiah's word because he didn't trust God, but was also thinking of ways he could retain his kingship and power. Israel and Syria wanted to replace him with a puppet king so they could control all the geographical areas. By becoming a vassal of Assyria, Ahaz hoped to retain his position through compromise and alliance. He also knew if Assyria eventually conquered him by force, he would be killed and deposed as king, so he chose to become an ally with the hopes of retaining his kingship.

Because of Ahaz's disobedience, his victory is short lived. Assyria did destroy the Israelite and Syrian kings for him, but ultimately, God brought the King of Assyria upon Judah as a "razor" to shave them completely. By Hezekiah's reign, Assyria had conquered and destroyed all of Judah's fortified cities except Jerusalem. Sadly, God's protection would have been lasting and faithful. The Assyrian protection was only temporary and like a vapor, totally lacking faithfulness.

Why do we think we are smarter than God? Pride and our human condition come to mind. We think we can control and manipulate our circumstances by our own cunning and for our own good. Without faith and trust in God we try to "fix" things "our" way but why....I don't know! It never works!!! 

When I do this....and fail....I put it down to lessons learned. I learn to not depend on myself and to grow in trust in God and to see over and over, He is sovereign and all knowing and trustworthy.

It's hard to do what God tells us sometimes if we haven't developed that trust relationship or learned how good God is. Before that, we tend to look at God's faithfulness like man's faithfulness and we choose to go with what we "see" in the flesh for help. After we find out how futile that usually is, we grow in faith and learning God's character, we choose to walk by faith relying more on what is "unseen."

[dmmelo9]

Hello,

 

 

It is trust in God.

Sometimes we think that everything is in control, but we are wrong. God is in control.

Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do?

Lack of faith in our lives.

[JanMary]

 

Q1. (Isaiah 7-8) What was the gist of Isaiah’s prophetic instruction to Ahaz? Why do you think Ahaz chose to disregard it? What did Ahaz do instead? What was the consequence of this disobedience? Why do we sometimes seem to think that we’re smarter than God? Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do .

a. God's message to Ahaz through Isaiah was that Syrian King Rezin and Pekah, usurper of the throne of Israel, though planning to wage war against Judah, they would not be allowed to act..."Take heed and be quiet, fear not, neither be faint hearted over threats of these two "stumps of smoking firebrands".

 

b.  Ahaz feared man ("sickening dread") more than he trusted the faithfulness of God and His promise.

 

c.  II Kings 16: 7-9: Ahaz sent a message to Tiglath-Pileser, King of Assyria to come and save him, accompanied with the temple's and treasuries silver and gold, becoming a vassal.

 

d.  His decision to "save his own bacon" with his own methods,  brought future trouble upon the whole nation,such as hadn't been seen....stripped of their belongings, leaving Judah with open scorn and shame.

 

e.   We rely on our own understanding believing that "a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush". We can't see the unseen realm, so we trust what we can see and understand more readily than what seems impossible to our ears.We like the sure thing, and think we know what that is! Often we disobey because we don't like what we hear, or what is expedient for us.

 

 Faith sometimes feels like we're jumping off a cliff with no net to catch us. We learn to trust God more and more as we have experience of His "net" of faithfulness in past "jumps".

 

 

 

. 

[hanks]

Q1. (Isaiah 7-8)

What was the gist of Isaiah's prophetic instruction to Ahaz?

Why do you think Ahaz chose to disregard it?

What did Ahaz do instead?

What was the consequence of this disobedience?

Why do we sometimes seem to think that we're smarter than God?

Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do?

God told Ahaz through the prophet Isaiah that he need not fear both Syria and Israel’s attack on Judah. He was warned that an attack was imminent and will occur but will largely fail. Ahaz was to ask for a sign. In other words to put his trust in the Word of the Lord. He refuses with false righteousness and humility, and instead places his trust in Assyria for protection. God had given Israel ample warning about the Assyrian invasion, but over the years they continued ignoring these warnings. Eventually Assyria does invade Israel destroying the country completely. People are carried away and resettled in a country with foreigners. Israel had become nothing but a pagan nation. We, like Ahaz, do not obey, or even listen to God, mostly because of our disobedience and rebelliousness. Sin has separated us from God and we are not in fellowship with Him and cannot hear His voice. We also sometimes find it hard to obey God because of our sin of pride. Our self-centredness demands that we do things our way.

 

 

[RD35]

When Ahaz hears of the impending attack on Jerusalem, he is terrified. The Lord sends Isaiah to reassure him.  "Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood -- because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah." (7:4)

Isaiah conveys to Ahaz the word of Yahweh concerning this impending attack: "It will not take place, it will not happen." (7:7)

Then he reassures Ahaz that these allied kings are mere men after all. He tells Ahaz not to panic.

 

King Ahaz does not believe or obey Isaiah's prophecy to trust in the Lord. He pays tribute to Assyria and becomes its vassal.

 

As a consequence of this disobediences Assyrian army conquered all of Judah and besieged Jerusalem. 

 

When we are not rooted in the word of God and because of our little faith we tend to think we know better than God.  God has his timings for everything but we are not willing to wait on the Lord and sometimes think we can to do things faster and better.

 

Sometimes it is hard to do what God tells us to do because our circumstances look bigger than God, because of our little faith and sometimes because of pressure of people around us.  We just find it difficult to trust that God can do something about our circumstances.

[Delivered]

Q1. (Isaiah 7-8) What was the gist of Isaiah's prophetic instruction to Ahaz? The gist of this prophecy reveals God's mercy is there if one would only put their "TRUST" in Him. Ahaz was terrified when he heard of impending attack on Jerusalem, and he remained terrified even after hearing the word of the LORD telling him not to lose heart, it will not take place.

The gist to me is "DISOBEDIENCE" is a step backwards in "FAITH" - instead of believing God's Word and having the house of David stand in "FAITH" which is the "KEY" and gist to this prophecy, Ahaz blasphemed God by placing his "FAITH" in the king of Assyria, and in their gods.

Why do you think Ahaz chose to disregard it? He chose to disregard it because he was following the plans of mankind which are futile when they oppose the will of God, replacing "FAITH" with the arrogance of man.

What did Ahaz do instead? Ahaz continued to turn his back on God as he refused to put his "FAITH" in God, therefore, he would not ask God for a sign; Ahaz chose to put his "TRUST" in the cruel and evil king of Assyria and in their gods, turning his back on the "MERCY" that was offered up to him.

What was the consequence of this disobedience? Destruction will come to all those who choose to turn their back on God.  The consequence of Ahaz disobedience was, God left Ahaz (and Judah) to the god's they served.

Samaria and the northern kingdom of Israel were both destroyed within fourteen years, in God's mercy, Judah was temporarily spared - God offered them a time to "REPENT", a time was given in order for them to turn from serving other god's, and to come back and worship the God of Israel.

The consequences of turning your back on God's "MERCY" is tragic, not only did the Assyrians attack Judah, they were also invaded by the Egyptians, bringing unbearable shame and great mourning, as well as despicable slavery, but for the REMNANT that will return.

Why do we sometimes seem to think that we're smarter than God? A true believer will never think they are smarter than God, instead they would truly understand- we are nothing without God and His wisdom.

Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do? We are in a constant battle between doing good when we want to do badly, and doing bad when we want to do well - The longer we win this battle, the easier it becomes to do what God tells us to do.

 

 

[Alexander Mengistu]

#1

1. God will protect Jerusalem, so don’t get frightened.
2. Because what he was seeing and what God was telling him about what would happen in the future is totally different.
3. He pays tribute to Assyria and becomes its vassal.
4. God let King of Assyria to destroy Judah except Jerusalem.
5. Some issues may seem for our conscious mind that what God was telling is unbelievable. That is why we think smarter than God.
6. If we are not filled by the Holy Spirit we may fear the consequences of doing God’s will coz some of God’s will on our life are hard to believe when we see it from our own perspective. But when we ask the help of the Holy Spirit everything is easy.

 

 

[parkerslope]

What was the gist of Isaiah's prophetic instruction to Ahaz?

Follow God's instructions of don't try to get an alliance with any other nation and trust God.

 

Why do you think Ahaz chose to ignore it?

Ahaz was following other gods and did not believe in God or want to follow His advise.

 

What did Ahaz do instead?

Ahaz chose to make an alliance with the king of Assyria, against Syria and Israel.

 

What was the consequence of this disobedience?

Judah became a vassal nation to Assyria.  Ahaz took all the gold and silver from the temple and gave to the king of Assyria as tribute.

 

Why do we sometimes seem to think that we're smarter than God?

God is not visible.  We operate on vision to get things done.  And most of the time, God takes longer than we want to wait.  So we trust what we know (of the past) and don't trust God (who knows the future end) to do it right.

 

Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do?

We know the answer.  We don't need God to tell us something different.  And usually God's way takes longer than we want.

[Sank T Monius]

Isaiah 7-8
Q). What was the gist of Isaiah's prophetic instruction to Ahaz?
A). Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid... Isaiah 7:4
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Q). Why do you think Ahaz chose to disregard it?
A). Because he was afraid of the king of Aram and of the king of Israel, who were attacking him.
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Q). What did Ahaz do instead?
A). He chose to become  a vassel (servant) for the king of Assyria. This would protect him against syria and Israel.
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Q). What was the consequence of this disobedience?
A). the cost of this protection is high indeed. Ultimately, the Lord will bring the king of Assyria upon Judah as a "razor" to shave them completely (Isaiah 7:20). By Hezekiah's time, Assyria had destroyed all of Judah's fortified cities; only Jerusalem escaped.
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Q). Why do we sometimes seem to think that we're smarter than God?
A). We sometimes think that we're smarter than God because we are influenced by our natural senses. We depend on our natural senses because they appear to be more reliable than living by faith. When we rely on our natural senses rather than faith we behave as though we are smarter than God.
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Q). Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do?
A). It's sometimes hard to do what God tells us because we are oppressed by fear and doubt.
 

[haar]

Q1. (Isaiah 7-8) What was the gist of Isaiah's prophetic instruction to Ahaz? Why do you think Ahaz chose to disregard it? What did Ahaz do instead? What was the consequence of this disobedience? Why do we sometimes seem to think that we're smarter than God? Why is it sometimes so hard to do what God tells us to do?
 

 

 

God sent a message to Ahaz that he should not be afraid because Israel and Syria would not attack his land as  the Lord God was with him to protect him.

 

But Ahaz was scared of the might of Assyrians that he stripped the gold and  silver of the temple and sent to the Assyrian king asking him to come and fight Israel and Syria. The Assyrian responded and destroyed Israel and Syria but God punished Judah for her dis- belief by allowing Assyria to invade Judah

 

We often choose to fear and respond  to the physical threat we see and fail to trust God that we cannot see.