Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: Immanu'el, a Hebrew name meaning "God with us," is a significant theological term found in the Bible, symbolizing the presence of God among His people. The name is most notably associated with the prophecy in the Book of Isaiah and its fulfillment in the New Testament. Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 7:14 : "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." This prophecy was delivered by the prophet Isaiah to King Ahaz of Judah during a time of political turmoil and threat from surrounding nations. The name Immanu'el served as a sign of hope and divine intervention, assuring the people of Judah that God was with them despite their circumstances. 2. Isaiah 8:8, 10 : "It will sweep through Judah, swirling over it, passing through it, and reaching up to the neck. Its spreading streams will cover the breadth of your land, O Immanuel!" "Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us." These verses further emphasize the protective and sovereign presence of God with His people, even in the face of impending invasion and adversity. 3. Matthew 1:22-23 : "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')." The Gospel of Matthew identifies Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, affirming that Jesus is Immanu'el, God incarnate, dwelling among humanity. This connection underscores the Christian belief in the divinity of Christ and His role as the Savior. Theological Significance: Immanu'el is a profound declaration of God's intimate involvement in the world. In the Old Testament context, it reassured the Israelites of God's protection and presence during times of crisis. In the New Testament, it is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, affirming the incarnation of Jesus Christ as God dwelling among His people. This name encapsulates the mystery of the divine becoming human, bridging the gap between God and humanity. Historical and Cultural Context: The prophecy of Immanu'el was given during the Syro-Ephraimite War (circa 734-732 BC), when Judah faced threats from the northern kingdom of Israel and Syria. King Ahaz, fearing for his kingdom, was encouraged by Isaiah to trust in God's deliverance rather than seeking alliances with foreign powers. The promise of Immanu'el was a call to faith and reliance on God's sovereignty. Christological Implications: In Christian theology, Immanu'el is central to understanding the nature and mission of Jesus Christ. It affirms the belief in the hypostatic union—the union of divine and human natures in the person of Jesus. This doctrine is foundational to the Christian faith, emphasizing that through Jesus, God is truly present with His people, offering redemption and eternal life. Conclusion: The name Immanu'el, "God with us," continues to be a source of comfort and assurance for believers, reminding them of God's unwavering presence and faithfulness throughout history and in their personal lives. Concordance Imman'u-el (2 Occurrences)Isaiah 7:14 Isaiah 8:8 Thesaurus Imman'u-el (2 Occurrences)Imman'u-el. Immanuel, Imman'u-el. Immature . Multi-Version Concordance Imman'u-el (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord ... /i/imman'u-el.htm - 7k Immanuel (3 Occurrences) Immature (1 Occurrence) Resources What are the different names of God, and what do they mean? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the word Elohim? | GotQuestions.org What are the attributes of God? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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