The Meaning of Isaiah 7:12 Explained

Isaiah 7:12

KJV: But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.

YLT: And Ahaz saith, 'I do not ask nor try Jehovah.'

Darby: And Ahaz said, I will not ask, and will not tempt Jehovah.

ASV: But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt Jehovah.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

But Ahaz  said,  I will not ask,  neither will I tempt  the LORD. 

What does Isaiah 7:12 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Ahaz refused to ask for a sign. He did not want God to confirm that He would protect Judah because he had already decided not to trust God but to make other arrangements. He tried to justify his disobedience and his lack of faith with a pious statement that he did not want to test Yahweh (cf. Deuteronomy 6:16). Testing the Lord got Israel into big trouble in the wilderness and at other times, but asking for a sign was not testing God when He commanded it. God prohibited testing Him (demanding proof) when His people doubted or rebelled against Him (cf. Psalm 95:9; Matthew 16:4; Mark 8:12; Luke 11:29), not when they wanted a sign to strengthen their faith (cf. Judges 6:36-40; 2 Kings 20:8-11; Psalm 34:6; Malachi 3:10). Ahaz wanted to appear to have great faith in God, but he had already decided to make an alliance with Assyria.
"This was like a mouse sending for the cat to help him against two rats!" [1]
Ahaz may even have convinced himself that this alliance was the means God would use to deliver Judah. A sign from God would only prove that Ahaz"s plan was contrary to God"s will. Compare King Saul"s refusal to obey God and its consequences.

Context Summary

Isaiah 7:1-17 - The Sign Of Immanuel
A new cycle of prophecy begins here, covering the reign of Ahaz. The complete history which illustrates these chapters is given in 2 Chronicles 28:5. The invasion of Judah by Syria and Samaria was permitted because a severe warning was needed to enforce Isaiah's remonstrances and appeals. See 2 Kings 15:37. The Holy City, as Isaiah predicted, was not to be trodden by the invader, though it would pass through severe suffering and anxiety. This immunity, which neither Ahaz nor his people deserved, was secured by Isaiah's faith and prayer, pleading as he did, God's ancient covenant.
This great prophecy of the coming Immanuel must have greatly encouraged that generation, as it has all succeeding ones. It inspired Psalms 46:1-11. What greater comfort have we than that Jesus is the companion of our pilgrimage? See Matthew 1:21-23. Though the corn-lands were desolate, the cattle on the mountain-pastures would yield butter and the wild bees honey; and this would supply the nation's needs till the invader had withdrawn. Though God chastens us, He will not forget our daily bread. [source]

Chapter Summary: Isaiah 7

1  Ahaz, being troubled with fear of Rezin and Pekah, is comforted by Isaiah
10  Ahaz, having liberty to choose a sign, and refusing it, has for a sign, Christ promised
17  His judgment is prophesied to come by Assyria

What do the individual words in Isaiah 7:12 mean?

But said Ahaz not I will ask nor will I test - Yahweh
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אָחָ֑ז לֹא־ אֶשְׁאַ֥ל וְלֹֽא־ אֲנַסֶּ֖ה אֶת־ יְהוָֽה

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר  But  said 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Verb, Qal, Consecutive imperfect, third person masculine singular
Root: אָמַר 
Sense: to say, speak, utter.
אָחָ֑ז  Ahaz 
Parse: Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: אָחָז  
Sense: king of Judah, son Jotham, father of Hezekiah.
אֶשְׁאַ֥ל  I  will  ask 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Imperfect, first person common singular
Root: שָׁאַל 
Sense: to ask, enquire, borrow, beg.
וְלֹֽא־  nor 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Adverb, Negative particle
Root: הֲלֹא 
Sense: not, no.
אֲנַסֶּ֖ה  will  I  test 
Parse: Verb, Piel, Imperfect, first person common singular
Root: נָסָה  
Sense: to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test.
אֶת־  - 
Parse: Direct object marker
Root: אֹות 
Sense: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative.
יְהוָֽה  Yahweh 
Parse: Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: יהוה 
Sense: the proper name of the one true God.