Verse

Isaiah 7:11

ESV “Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.”
NIV Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.'
NASB Ask for a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; make it deep as Sheol or high as heaven.'
CSB "Ask for a sign from the Lord your God--it can be as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven."
NLT 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. '
KJV Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.

What does Isaiah 7:11 mean?

The Lord has told Ahaz, through Isaiah, not to be afraid. Two kings are coming with intent to lay siege to Jerusalem and remove Ahaz from the throne. God has described them as smoldering sticks about to go out (Isaiah 7:4). The Lord wants Ahaz to trust Him and not to put his hope in another solution (Isaiah 7:9).

Now Isaiah offers Ahaz the opportunity to see that this message is truly from the Lord God. He tells Ahaz to ask the Lord for a sign. The language here regarding "as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven" means the Lord is offering to do something miraculous. He is offering evidence that He can be fully trusted to take care of Ahaz and do all He has said He would do.

In Scripture, asking for a sign from the Lord to verify trust is almost always cast as a lack of faith. When Zechariah is told by the angel Gabriel he will have a son, he hints at wanting confirmation. Gabriel appears angry, but provides the sign in the form of making Zechariah mute (Luke 1:18–20). On the other hand, the Lord patiently provides Gideon with several miraculous signs to bolster his faith about incredible promises from the Lord (Judges 6:36–40).

God's offer to Ahaz is startlingly gracious. He tells Ahaz that the sky is the limit. He can ask for any supernatural act to show that God is with him and His power is real and effective. Ahaz will turn down this offer from the Lord (Isaiah 7:12).
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