Surrey Chapel Fellowship Group Notes 24th-25th November 2010
Isaiah 7-8
Note: A Study Bible will be very useful in preparing or participating in this study.

These two chapters provide a mixture of history, predictions of the future, warnings and comfort and a well known messianic prophecy of the Virgin birth. 

Isaiah Sent to King Ahaz 7:1-9
Aram (Syria) and Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom of Israel) join forces against Assyria with the intention of forcing the kingdom of Judah into their alliance. King Ahaz was running scared because he had previously been defeated by Aram and Ephraim (2 Chronicles 28:5-8). But God intervenes and comforts Ahaz (v.4) and declares that the alliance will fail.
What is the implication for God’s people?
V.9 See New Testament references about standing firm: 1 Corinthians 15:58 & 16:13, Ephesians 6:13-14, James 5:8.
Of what relevance are these verses to you?

The Sign of Immanuel 7:10-23
King Ahaz is a descendant of David but instead of trusting in God he has put his faith in the King of Assyria. God then offers Ahaz a sign to strengthen his faith, see Exodus 3:12.
Why did Ahaz refuse God’s offer of a sign?
Ahaz’s refusal result’s in the divine King again taking the initiative by offering the sign of Immanuel.
Was this prophecy fulfilled in the life of Ahaz or does it speak exclusively of Jesus?
What do we learn about the coming Messiah from this passage?

The Coming Assyrian Invasion 8:1-10
(Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz means quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil; or, the spoil speeds, the prey hastens.)
God provides, through Isaiah’s son a witness to the promise of deliverance from the Syrian – Ephramite coalition. The similarities between 7:14-17 and 8:1-4 suggest that God is promising short term assurance in chapter 8 in addition to the long term deliverance promised in chapter 7.
Compare verses 6 and 7. The way of faith in God seems inadequate to Judah, yet the worldly alternative results in near “drowning” at the hands of oppressive armies.

Fear God, Wait for the LORD 8:11-22
In verses 11-15, God impresses on Isaiah two sides of his character. One the one hand he is a sanctuary for troubled human beings, on the other he is a snare for those who do not fear him. 
Verses 16-22 highlight the difference between the faithful remnant and the hardened nation. 
These verses provide a stern warning to unbelieving Judah. What do they say to us today?

Prayer Points
Issues arising from last week’s Church meeting and Christmas outreach.		ADB