In the Bible, a name often signifies a person's identity, purpose, and reputation. It's not just a way to distinguish one person from another; it's a profound statement about who they are. Throughout this study, we'll explore how the names given to Jesus—from Old Testament prophecies to New Testament revelations—build a complete picture of His role in God's redemptive plan.
In this first session we will compile a list of names/titles that appear in the Bible and we will take an initial look at the name/title Immanuel
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." - Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:23 NLT “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
The profound truth that God is not distant, but intimately present with humanity through Jesus Christ, our Immanuel/Emmanuel.
Jesus: His given name, meaning "The Lord saves" or "Yahweh is salvation." (Matthew 1:21)
The Name "Jesus" (Yeshua - "The Lord Saves" / "Yahweh is Salvation")
Matthew 1:21: "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
Here are some of the names we will be studying in these sessions. This is not an exhaustive list but when we finish we will know without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus is God and we will know much more about his attributes and character through these names and titles.
Christ/Messiah: "Anointed One," indicating His role as the promised Savior and King. (Matthew 16:16, John 1:41)
Immanuel: "God with us." (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23)
Son of God: Emphasizing His divine relationship with the
Father. (Luke 1:35, John 1:49)
Son of Man: Highlighting His humanity and identification with mankind, as well as a messianic title from Daniel. (Daniel 7:13-14, John 5:27)
Lord: A title of authority and divinity. (John 21:7, Acts 2:36)
God: Explicitly called God in various passages. (John 1:1, Titus 2:13)
The Word/Logos: Represents Him as the divine expression and revelation of God. (John 1:1, 14)
I AM: A direct reference to God's self-revelation to Moses. (John 8:58, Exodus 3:14)
Alpha and Omega: The beginning and the end, signifying His eternal and all-encompassing nature. (Revelation 1:8, 22:13)
Almighty: Reflecting His supreme power. (Revelation 1:8)
Names related to His role and work:
Savior: He saves His people from their sins. (Luke 2:11, Matthew 1:21)
Redeemer: One who buys back or sets free. (Job 19:25)
Lamb of God: Refers to His sacrificial death for the sins of the world. (John 1:29)
Good Shepherd: He cares for, guides, and protects His flock. (John 10:11, 14)
Bread of Life: He provides spiritual sustenance. (John 6:35)
Light of the World: He illuminates spiritual darkness. (John 8:12)
The Way, the Truth, and the Life: He is the sole path to God and embodies ultimate reality and eternal existence. (John 14:6)
Resurrection and the Life: He has power over death and grants eternal life. (John 11:25)
True Vine: Believers are connected to Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness. (John 15:1)
High Priest: He mediates between God and humanity. (Hebrews 3:1)
Mediator: The one who reconciles God and humanity. (1 Timothy 2:5)
Advocate: One who intercedes on our behalf. (1 John 2:1)
Author and Finisher of Our Faith: He initiates and perfects our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
Names related to His reign and authority:
King of Kings and Lord of Lords: Supreme ruler over all. (Revelation 17:14, 19:16)
Prince of Peace: He brings reconciliation and inner peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father: Prophetic titles from Isaiah highlighting His wisdom, power, and eternal nature. (Isaiah 9:6)
Lion of the Tribe of Judah: Symbolizing His power and royal lineage. (Revelation 5:5)
Son of David: Indicating His fulfillment of the messianic prophecy of a king from David's line. (Matthew 1:1)
Head of the Church: The supreme authority over the body of believers. (Ephesians 5:23)
Introduction:
The name "Emmanuel" (often translated as "Immanuel" in the Old Testament) is a powerful and foundational truth in Christianity.
The difference between the spellings Immanuel and Emmanuel primarily comes down to the original languages of the Bible and how the name was transliterated into English. Both spellings mean "God with us."
Here's a breakdown:
Immanuel (with an "I"): This spelling is a direct transliteration from the Hebrew. The Old Testament, where the prophecy of Immanuel is first given in Isaiah 7:14, was originally written in Hebrew. Many modern English Bible translations (like the ESV, NASB, NLT, NIV) tend to use "Immanuel" in Old Testament passages.
Emmanuel (with an "E"): This spelling is a transliteration from the Greek. The New Testament, specifically Matthew 1:23, quotes the prophecy from Isaiah and applies it to Jesus.
Matthew 1:23 NLT “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
This name speaks to the very heart of God's character and His redemptive plan for humanity. More than just a name, it encapsulates the astonishing reality that the Creator of the universe chose to dwell among us, to experience our human condition, and to bridge the chasm of sin that separated us from Him. This study will explore the origins of this name, its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, and its ongoing relevance for our lives today.
I. The Prophecy of Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:10-16)
Isaiah 7:10-16 NLT [10] Later, the Lord sent this message to King Ahaz: [11] “Ask the Lord your God for a sign of confirmation, Ahaz. Make it as difficult as you want—as high as heaven or as deep as the place of the dead.” [12] But the king refused. “No,” he said, “I will not test the Lord like that.” [13] Then Isaiah said, “Listen well, you royal family of David! Isn’t it enough to exhaust human patience? Must you exhaust the patience of my God as well? [14] All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). [15] By the time this child is old enough to choose what is right and reject what is wrong, he will be eating yogurt and honey. [16] For before the child is that old, the lands of the two kings you fear so much will both be deserted.
This prophecy was given to King Ahaz of Judah during a time of great fear and political instability. Ahaz was facing a military alliance threatening Jerusalem, and God, through Isaiah, offered a sign of His faithfulness and presence.
To understand Isaiah 7:10-16, it's crucial to grasp the historical and political climate in Judah during the reign of King Ahaz.
I. Historical Context: The Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 735-732 BC)
Setting the Scene: The passage takes place during a tumultuous period in the ancient Near East. The powerful Assyrian Empire, under King Tiglath-Pileser III, was rapidly expanding its dominance.
The Northern Coalition: To resist Assyrian aggression, the northern kingdom of Israel (also called Ephraim, as its capital was Samaria) under King Pekah, and the kingdom of Aram (Syria) under King Rezin, formed an alliance.
Judah's Dilemma: They attempted to pressure the southern kingdom of Judah, ruled by King Ahaz, to join their anti-Assyrian coalition. Ahaz, however, refused.
The Invasion of Judah: In response to Ahaz's refusal, Rezin and Pekah launched an attack on Judah, with the intent to depose Ahaz and install a puppet king, "the son of Tabeel," who would join their alliance (Isaiah 7:6).
Ahaz's Fear: The invasion caused great panic in Judah and among the royal household. Isaiah 7:2 describes Ahaz and his people as being "shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind."
Isaiah 7:1-9 NIV [1] When Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, King Rezin of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to fight against Jerusalem, but they could not overpower it. [2] Now the house of David was told, “Aram has allied itself with Ephraim”; so the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind. [3] Then the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out, you and your son Shear-Jashub, to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. [4] Say to 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. [5] Aram, Ephraim and Remaliah’s son have plotted your ruin, saying, [6] “Let us invade Judah; let us tear it apart and divide it among ourselves, and make the son of Tabeel king over it.” [7] Yet this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “ ‘It will not take place, it will not happen, [8] for the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is only Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be too shattered to be a people. [9] The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah’s son. If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.’ ”
II. King Ahaz's Lack of Faith and Strategic Miscalculation
A Wicked King: Ahaz was a particularly unfaithful king of Judah. He engaged in idolatry, even sacrificing his own children, and introduced pagan religious practices into Judah, defying the Lord.
2 Kings 16:1-4 NIV[1] In the seventeenth year of Pekah son of Remaliah, Ahaz son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign. [2] Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God. [3] He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. [4] He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. (2 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28).
God's Intervention through Isaiah: Despite Ahaz's wickedness and fear, God sent the prophet Isaiah to him. Isaiah's message was one of reassurance: God would protect Judah, and the plans of Syria and Israel would not succeed. Isaiah urged Ahaz to trust in the Lord and to "be careful, keep calm, and don't be afraid" (Isaiah 7:4).
The Offer of a Sign (Isaiah 7:10-12): In our specific passage, God, through Isaiah, offers Ahaz a sign to confirm His promise of protection. Ahaz is told to ask for any sign he desires, no matter how great or profound. This was an incredible offer from God to bolster his faith.
Isaiah 7:10-12 NIV [10] Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, [11] “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” [12] But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.”
Ahaz's Refusal and False Piety: Ahaz, however, refuses to ask for a sign, claiming, "I will not test the Lord like that." This sounds pious, but it was actually a demonstration of his profound lack of faith and his hidden agenda. He had already decided to seek help from the mighty Assyrians rather than relying on God. He was essentially rejecting God's direct offer of divine intervention.
The Consequences of Unbelief: Ahaz's decision to trust in Assyria instead of God ultimately led Judah into vassalage under Assyria, initiating a long period of foreign domination.
2 Kings 16:7-9 NIV [7] Ahaz sent messengers to say to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, “I am your servant and vassal. Come up and save me out of the hand of the king of Aram and of the king of Israel, who are attacking me.” [8] And Ahaz took the silver and gold found in the temple of the Lord and in the treasuries of the royal palace and sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. [9] The king of Assyria complied by attacking Damascus and capturing it. He deported its inhabitants to Kir and put Rezin to death.
2 Chronicles 28:16-21 NIV [16] At that time King Ahaz sent to the kings of Assyria for help. [17] The Edomites had again come and attacked Judah and carried away prisoners, [18] while the Philistines had raided towns in the foothills and in the Negev of Judah. They captured and occupied Beth Shemesh, Aijalon and Gederoth, as well as Soko, Timnah and Gimzo, with their surrounding villages. [19] The Lord had humbled Judah because of Ahaz king of Israel, for he had promoted wickedness in Judah and had been most unfaithful to the Lord. [20] Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came to him, but he gave him trouble instead of help. [21] Ahaz took some of the things from the temple of the Lord and from the royal palace and from the officials and presented them to the king of Assyria, but that did not help him.
III. The Immanuel Prophecy (Isaiah 7:13-16)
God's Patience Exhausted: Because of Ahaz's stubborn unbelief and refusal to accept God's gracious offer, Isaiah denounces the "house of David" (the royal family).
Isaiah 7:13 NIV Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also?
Isaiah declares that since Ahaz refused to ask for a sign, the Lord Himself would give one.
The Sign of Immanuel: This is the famous prophecy: "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’)." (Isaiah 7:14 NLT).
Meaning in Isaiah's Time: In its immediate context, this prophecy likely referred to a young woman (the Hebrew word "almah" can mean "young woman" or "virgin") who would soon conceive and bear a child. Before this child was old enough to discern right from wrong (eating yogurt and honey, implying a basic diet), the threat from Syria and Israel would be eliminated. This served as a tangible and immediate sign to Ahaz that God was indeed "with" Judah and would deliver them from the present crisis. Historically, Assyria did eventually conquer Damascus (Syria) and annex parts of Israel, fulfilling the immediate aspect of the prophecy.
Messianic Significance: This prophecy also has a profound future, Messianic fulfillment, as understood in the New Testament.
Matthew 1:23 NIV “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
This explicitly connects Isaiah 7:14 to the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that Jesus is the ultimate "Immanuel," "God with us." The dual fulfillment is a common theme in prophecy, where an immediate historical event points to a greater, future reality.
What does this passage reveal about God's character in times of distress?
This passage reveals several profound aspects of God's character in times of distress:
Compassion and Grace: Even though Ahaz was a wicked king who openly defied the Lord, God still reached out to him in his distress, offering a path to deliverance and a sign to confirm His promise. This demonstrates God's persistent grace and willingness to engage with humanity, even when they are unfaithful.
Patience (and its limits): God offered Ahaz a choice of any sign, displaying immense patience with his lack of faith. However, Ahaz's refusal exhausted God's patience to the point where Isaiah denounced the house of David. This shows that while God is patient, there are limits to His tolerance for deliberate unbelief and defiance, especially when His direct offers of help are rejected.
Sovereignty and Control: Despite the overwhelming military threat and Ahaz's unfaithfulness, God clearly stated that He was in control of the situation. The plans of the enemy kings would not stand. This emphasizes God's ultimate sovereignty over nations and human events.
Faithfulness to His Promises (especially to the Davidic Covenant): Even when His human representatives (like Ahaz) are unfaithful, God remains faithful to His larger covenant promises. The prophecy of Immanuel, while having an immediate fulfillment, also implicitly reinforced God's promise to the house of David that a successor would always sit on the throne, ultimately pointing to the Messiah.
Proximity and Presence ("God with Us"): The very name "Immanuel" signifies God's active presence. In a time of fear and anxiety, God assures His people that He is not distant but intimately involved in their circumstances, ready to protect and deliver.
How might Ahaz have understood the sign of "Immanuel" in his immediate situation? (Consider that "Immanuel" might have initially signified God's presence as a protector for Judah).
In his immediate situation, King Ahaz would have understood the sign of "Immanuel" primarily as a promise of God's protective presence and intervention on behalf of Judah against the Syro-Ephraimite threat.
God as Protector: The name "Immanuel" directly means "God is with us." For Ahaz, facing imminent invasion, this would have been understood as God being "with" Judah in a military and defensive capacity. It meant God was on their side, acting as their shield and deliverer against the two kings he feared.
A Sign of Impending Deliverance: The timeframe given ("before the child is that old, the lands of the two kings you fear so much will both be deserted") would have been crucial for Ahaz. It was a concrete, time-bound assurance that the crisis would pass and his enemies would be neutralized within a relatively short period, signifying that God Himself would bring about this defeat.
Confirmation of Isaiah's Earlier Message: This sign reinforced Isaiah's initial message to Ahaz in Isaiah 7:4-9, which urged him not to fear and to trust that the plans of Pekah and Rezin would fail.
The birth of Immanuel was the tangible proof that God's word was true and that His protective presence guaranteed their safety.
While we understand its greater messianic significance, for Ahaz, consumed by the immediate political and military crisis, "Immanuel" would have been a direct, urgent message of God's active, saving presence in his specific moment of national distress. His tragedy was that he refused to believe and act upon this divine assurance.
We’ll continue our study of the Name/Title Immanuel next week.
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