The prophecy concerning the Messiah being called "Immanuel" is a significant element in the tapestry of messianic predictions found in the Old Testament. This prophecy is rooted in the book of Isaiah and finds its fulfillment in the New Testament, specifically in the birth and life of Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Prophecy

The prophecy of Immanuel is found in Isaiah 7:14, where the prophet Isaiah delivers a message from God to King Ahaz of Judah. The verse states: "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 given during a time of political turmoil and fear, as the kingdom of Judah faced threats from surrounding nations. The name "Immanuel" means "God with us," signifying the divine presence and assurance of God's intervention and protection.

New Testament Fulfillment

The fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 1:22-23, the evangelist explicitly connects the birth of Jesus to Isaiah's prophecy: "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')." . This passage highlights the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth, emphasizing the virgin conception as a divine act and a sign of God's presence among His people.

Theological Significance

The fulfillment of the Immanuel prophecy in the person of Jesus Christ holds profound theological significance. It underscores the belief in the incarnation, the doctrine that God became flesh and dwelt among humanity in the person of Jesus. This event is central to Christian theology, as it affirms both the divinity and humanity of Christ. The name "Immanuel" encapsulates the essence of the Gospel message: that God, in His love and mercy, chose to enter into human history to redeem and restore His creation.

Christological Implications

The prophecy and its fulfillment also have important Christological implications. By being called "Immanuel," Jesus is identified as the one who bridges the gap between God and humanity. He is the ultimate revelation of God's character and purpose, embodying the divine presence in a tangible and accessible way. This identification with "Immanuel" affirms Jesus' role as the mediator of the New Covenant, bringing reconciliation and salvation to all who believe.

Historical Context and Interpretation

The historical context of the prophecy in Isaiah is crucial for understanding its original intent and subsequent fulfillment. While the immediate context addressed the concerns of King Ahaz and the people of Judah, the prophecy also pointed forward to a greater fulfillment in the coming of the Messiah. This dual aspect of prophecy—addressing both immediate and future realities—is a common feature in biblical literature, reflecting the depth and complexity of God's redemptive plan.

In summary, the prophecy of Immanuel and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of Christian belief, illustrating the continuity of God's promises and the unfolding of His salvation history. Through Jesus, the promise of "God with us" is realized, offering hope and assurance to believers throughout the ages.Matthew 1:22,23
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Greater Prophets.
... in the reality of Christ's supernatural mission ... of his countrymen put together his
prophecies, prefixing to them introductory notices respecting the author. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament...
... to establish in accordance with the prophecies of the ... to show that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son ... consisted essentially in false views respecting our Saviour's ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxix the historical books.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... performed by him, and the prophecies fulfilled in him ... is pregnant with the deepest
meaning respecting the counsel ... many." Thus the manhood of Christ, rising far ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

The Mystery
... Respecting the great city, then, the meaning is plain ... of Babylon is described in
these prophecies; first, of ... trumpet, and the august kingdom of Christ in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... not by any means terminate in Christ; it rather ... In Numbers 2.regulations are laid
down respecting the order ... in general, on the fundamental prophecies of Genesis ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... to a birth, resembling a child in his mother's womb, so it is compared to a man
being raised out ... sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Were Jacob's prophecies about his sons fulfilled? | GotQuestions.org

When were Obadiah's prophecies against Edom fulfilled (Obadiah 1:18-20)? | GotQuestions.org

Where do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah? | GotQuestions.org

Prophecies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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