But Ahaz replied
Ahaz was the king of Judah during a tumultuous period marked by threats from surrounding nations. His reign is documented in 2 Kings 16 and 2 Chronicles 28. Ahaz is often criticized for his lack of faith and reliance on foreign alliances rather than trusting in God. His response here is significant as it reflects his character and leadership style.

“I will not ask;
This phrase indicates Ahaz's refusal to seek a sign from God, despite being offered one by the prophet Isaiah. In the cultural and historical context, asking for a sign was a way to confirm God's will or presence. Ahaz's refusal can be seen as a lack of faith or an attempt to appear pious, avoiding the responsibility that might come with a divine sign.

I will not test the LORD.”
This statement echoes Deuteronomy 6:16, where the Israelites are instructed not to test God. However, Ahaz's use of this principle is ironic and perhaps disingenuous. While it seems to show reverence, it actually masks his unwillingness to trust in God's promise. This moment foreshadows the prophecy of the virgin birth in Isaiah 7:14, which Christians interpret as a type of Christ, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate sign from God.

1. Ahaz
King of Judah during the time of Isaiah. Known for his lack of faith and reliance on foreign alliances rather than trusting in God.

2. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament who served as God's messenger to the people of Judah, including King Ahaz.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Ahaz reigned. It was under threat from surrounding nations during this period.

4. Syria and Israel
These were the northern kingdoms that formed an alliance against Judah, prompting Ahaz to consider seeking help from Assyria.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who offers Ahaz a sign to confirm His promise of protection.Faith Over Fear
Ahaz's refusal to ask for a sign reflects a lack of faith. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises rather than succumbing to fear.

God's Sovereignty
Despite Ahaz's refusal, God still provides a sign, demonstrating His control and commitment to His covenant.

The Danger of False Piety
Ahaz's statement may seem pious, but it masks his unwillingness to trust God. True faith requires genuine reliance on God, not just outward expressions.

The Importance of Seeking God
In times of crisis, believers should seek God's guidance and be open to His signs and direction.

Prophetic Fulfillment
The prophecy given to Ahaz points to a greater fulfillment in Christ, reminding believers of God's long-term plan and faithfulness.(12) I will not ask . . .--The king speaks as in the very accents of faith. He will not put Jehovah to any such test. Not, perhaps, without a sneer, he quotes almost the very formula of the Law: "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" (Exodus 17:2; Deuteronomy 6:16). Was the prophet going to forget his own teaching, and become a tempter to that sin? That which lay beneath this show of humble trust was simply self-will and utter unfaith. He had already made up his mind to the Assyrian alliance, against which he knew Isaiah was certain to protest. The fact that the words that follow are spoken to the whole house of David, may, perhaps, imply that the older members of the royal family were encouraging the king in his Assyrian projects, and had, perhaps, suggested his hypocritical answer.

Verse 12. - I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord. Ahaz, who has no wish for a sign, because he has no wish to believe in any other salvation than flint which will follow from the realization of his own schemes, finds a plausible reason for declining to ask for one in those passages of the Law which forbade men to" tempt God" (Exodus 17:7; Deuteronomy 6:16). But it could not be "tempt-tug God" to comply with a Divine invitation; rather it was tempting him to refuse compliance.

Parallel Commentaries ...


But Ahaz
אָחָ֑ז (’ā·ḥāz)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 271: Ahaz -- 'he has grasped', two Israelites

replied,
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I will not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

ask;
אֶשְׁאַ֥ל (’eš·’al)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

I will not
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

test
אֲנַסֶּ֖ה (’ă·nas·seh)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5254: To test, to attempt

the LORD.”
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 7:12 But Ahaz said I will not ask (Isa Isi Is)