Show Bible Commentary For A Bible Verse

Click here to show/hide instructions.

Selected Verse: Isaiah 7:11 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
Isa 7:11	Strong Concordance	Ask [07592] thee a sign [0226] of the LORD [03068] thy God [0430]; ask [07592] it either in the depth [06009], or in the height [01361] above [04605].
	King James	Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

Open All | Close All Open All | Close All

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
Ask thee--since thou dost not credit the prophet's words. sign--a miraculous token to assure thee that God will fulfil His promise of saving Jerusalem (Isa 37:30; Isa 38:7-8). "Signs," facts then present or near at hand as pledges for the more distant future, are frequent in Isaiah. ask . . . in . . . depth--literally, "Make deep . . . ask it," that is, Go to the depth of the earth or of Hades [Vulgate and LOWTH], or, Mount high for it (literally, "Make high"). So in Mat 16:1. Signs in heaven are contrasted with the signs on earth and below it (raising the dead) which Jesus Christ had wrought (compare Rom 10:6-7). He offers Ahaz the widest limits within which to make his choice.

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

Ask thee--since thou dost not credit the prophet's words.

sign--a miraculous token to assure thee that God will fulfil His promise of saving Jerusalem (Isa 37:30; Isa 38:7-8). "Signs," facts then present or near at hand as pledges for the more distant future, are frequent in Isaiah.

ask . . . in . . . depth--literally, "Make deep . . . ask it," that is, Go to the depth of the earth or of Hades [Vulgate and LOWTH], or, Mount high for it (literally, "Make high"). So in Mat 16:1. Signs in heaven are contrasted with the signs on earth and below it (raising the dead) which Jesus Christ had wrought (compare Rom 10:6-7). He offers Ahaz the widest limits within which to make his choice.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Ask thee - Ask for "thyself;" ask a sign that shall be convincing to "thyself," since thou dost not fully credit the words of the prophet. It is evident that the words of the prophet had made no impression on the mind of Ahaz. God, therefore, proposes to him to ask any "proof or demonstration" which he might select; anything that would be an indication of divine power that should put what the prophet had said beyond doubt. Had Ahaz put confidence in God, he would have believed what the prophet said without miraculous proof. But he had no such confidence. 'The prophet, therefore, proposes that he should ask any miraculous demonstration that what he said would come to pass. This proposition was made, probably, not so much from respect to Ahaz as to leave him without excuse, and in order that "the people" might have the assurance that the city and kingdom were safe. A sign - A demonstration that shall confirm the promise now made, and that shall be an evidence that Jerusalem shall be safe. The word used here, and translated "sign" - 'owt - אות 'ôth - means "a flag," or "a standard," Num 2:2; "a memorial or pledge" of a covenant, Gen 17:11; any "pledge, token, or proof" of a divine mission, Jdg 6:17; or a miracle performed in attestation of a divine promise or message. This is its sense here. That which Isaiah had spoken seemed highly improbable to Ahaz, and he asked him to seek a proof of it, if he doubted, by any prodigy or miracle. It was customary for miracles or prodigies to be exhibited on similar occasions; see Isa 38:7, where the shadow on the dial of this same Ahaz was carried backward ten degrees, in proof of what the prophet Isaiah had spoken; compare Sa1 2:27-34; Kg1 13:1-3; Exo 3:12; Jdg 6:36-40. That the word here refers to some event which could be brought about only by divine power, is evident from the whole connection. No mere natural occurrence could have satisfied Ahaz, or convey to the people a demonstration of the truth of what the prophet was saying. And if the prophet had been unable or unwilling to give a miraculous sign, where is the fitness of the answer of Ahaz? How could he be regarded as in any way tempting God by asking it, unless it was something which God only could do? And how could the prophet bring the charge Isa 7:13, that he had not merely offended men, but God also? It is clear, therefore, that Isaiah was conscious that he was invested by God with the power of working a miracle, and that he proposed to perform any miracle which Ahaz should suggest that would serve to remove his doubts, and lead him to put confidence in God. Ask it either in the depth ... - He gave him his choice of a miracle - any sign or wonder in heaven, or on earth - above or below; a miracle in the sky, or from beneath the earth. Many of the versions understand the expression 'the depth,' as referring to "the grave," or to the region of departed souls - "hades." So the Vulgate, Aquila, Symmachus. The Chaldee reads it, 'Seek that there may be a miracle to thee upon the earth, or a sign in the heavens.' The literal meaning of the Hebrew is, 'make low, ask for;' that is, ask for a sign below; obtain, by asking for thyself; a miracle that shall take place below. It may refer to the earth, or to the region under the earth, since it stands in contrast with that which is above. If it refers to the region under the earth, it means that Isaiah would raise the dead to life if Ahaz desired it; if to the earth, that any wonder or miracle that should take place in the elements - as a tempest, or earthquake - should be performed. The height above - The heaven, or the sky. So the Pharisees desired to see a sign from heaven, Mat 16:1.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

Ask thee - Ask for "thyself;" ask a sign that shall be convincing to "thyself," since thou dost not fully credit the words of the prophet. It is evident that the words of the prophet had made no impression on the mind of Ahaz. God, therefore, proposes to him to ask any "proof or demonstration" which he might select; anything that would be an indication of divine power that should put what the prophet had said beyond doubt. Had Ahaz put confidence in God, he would have believed what the prophet said without miraculous proof. But he had no such confidence. 'The prophet, therefore, proposes that he should ask any miraculous demonstration that what he said would come to pass. This proposition was made, probably, not so much from respect to Ahaz as to leave him without excuse, and in order that "the people" might have the assurance that the city and kingdom were safe.

A sign - A demonstration that shall confirm the promise now made, and that shall be an evidence that Jerusalem shall be safe. The word used here, and translated "sign" - 'owt - אות 'ôth - means "a flag," or "a standard," Num 2:2; "a memorial or pledge" of a covenant, Gen 17:11; any "pledge, token, or proof" of a divine mission, Jdg 6:17; or a miracle performed in attestation of a divine promise or message. This is its sense here. That which Isaiah had spoken seemed highly improbable to Ahaz, and he asked him to seek a proof of it, if he doubted, by any prodigy or miracle. It was customary for miracles or prodigies to be exhibited on similar occasions; see Isa 38:7, where the shadow on the dial of this same Ahaz was carried backward ten degrees, in proof of what the prophet Isaiah had spoken; compare Sa1 2:27-34; Kg1 13:1-3; Exo 3:12; Jdg 6:36-40. That the word here refers to some event which could be brought about only by divine power, is evident from the whole connection. No mere natural occurrence could have satisfied Ahaz, or convey to the people a demonstration of the truth of what the prophet was saying. And if the prophet had been unable or unwilling to give a miraculous sign, where is the fitness of the answer of Ahaz? How could he be regarded as in any way tempting God by asking it, unless it was something which God only could do? And how could the prophet bring the charge Isa 7:13, that he had not merely offended men, but God also? It is clear, therefore, that Isaiah was conscious that he was invested by God with the power of working a miracle, and that he proposed to perform any miracle which Ahaz should suggest that would serve to remove his doubts, and lead him to put confidence in God.

Ask it either in the depth ... - He gave him his choice of a miracle - any sign or wonder in heaven, or on earth - above or below; a miracle in the sky, or from beneath the earth. Many of the versions understand the expression 'the depth,' as referring to "the grave," or to the region of departed souls - "hades." So the Vulgate, Aquila, Symmachus. The Chaldee reads it, 'Seek that there may be a miracle to thee upon the earth, or a sign in the heavens.' The literal meaning of the Hebrew is, 'make low, ask for;' that is, ask for a sign below; obtain, by asking for thyself; a miracle that shall take place below. It may refer to the earth, or to the region under the earth, since it stands in contrast with that which is above. If it refers to the region under the earth, it means that Isaiah would raise the dead to life if Ahaz desired it; if to the earth, that any wonder or miracle that should take place in the elements - as a tempest, or earthquake - should be performed.

The height above - The heaven, or the sky. So the Pharisees desired to see a sign from heaven, Mat 16:1.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
In the depth "Go deep to the grave" - So Aquila, Symmachus, Theodotion, and the Vulgate.

Top

⁶ But [1161] the righteousness [1343] which is of [1537] faith [4102] speaketh [3004] on this wise [3779], Say [2036] not [3361] in [1722] thine [4675] heart [2588], Who [5101] shall ascend [305] into [1519] heaven [3772]? (that is [5123], to bring [2609] Christ [5547] down [2609] from above:)
⁷ Or [2228], Who [5101] shall descend [2597] into [1519] the deep [12]? (that is [5123], to bring up [321] Christ [5547] again [321] from [1537] the dead [3498].)

¹ The Pharisees [5330] also [2532] with the Sadducees [4523] came [4334], and [2532] tempting [3985] desired [1905] him [846] that he would shew [1925] them [846] a sign [4592] from [1537] heaven [3772].

⁷ And this shall be a sign [0226] unto thee from the LORD [03068], that the LORD [03068] will do [06213] this thing [01697] that he hath spoken [01696];
⁸ Behold, I will bring again [07725] the shadow [06738] of the degrees [04609], which is gone down [03381] in the sun [08121] dial [04609] of Ahaz [0271], ten [06235] degrees [04609] backward [0322]. So the sun [08121] returned [07725] ten [06235] degrees [04609], by which degrees [04609] it was gone down [03381].

³⁰ And this shall be a sign [0226] unto thee, Ye shall eat [0398] this year [08141] such as groweth [05599] of itself; and the second [08145] year [08141] that which springeth [07823] of the same: and in the third [07992] year [08141] sow [02232] ye, and reap [07114], and plant [05193] vineyards [03754], and eat [0398] the fruit [06529] thereof.

¹³ And he said [0559], Hear [08085] ye now, O house [01004] of David [01732]; Is it a small thing [04592] for you to weary [03811] men [0582], but will ye weary [03811] my God [0430] also?

³⁶ And Gideon [01439] said [0559] unto God [0430], If thou wilt [03426] save [03467] Israel [03478] by mine hand [03027], as thou hast said [01696],
³⁷ Behold, I will put [03322] a fleece [01492] of wool [06785] in the floor [01637]; and if the dew [02919] be on the fleece [01492] only, and it be dry [02721] upon all the earth [0776] beside, then shall I know [03045] that thou wilt save [03467] Israel [03478] by mine hand [03027], as thou hast said [01696].
³⁸ And it was so: for he rose up early [07925] on the morrow [04283], and thrust [02115] the fleece [01492] together [02115], and wringed [04680] the dew [02919] out of the fleece [01492], a bowl [05602] full [04393] of water [04325].
³⁹ And Gideon [01439] said [0559] unto God [0430], Let not thine anger [0639] be hot [02734] against me, and I will speak [01696] but this once [06471]: let me prove [05254], I pray thee, but this once [06471] with the fleece [01492]; let it now be dry [02721] only upon the fleece [01492], and upon all the ground [0776] let there be dew [02919].
⁴⁰ And God [0430] did [06213] so that night [03915]: for it was dry [02721] upon the fleece [01492] only, and there was dew [02919] on all the ground [0776].

¹² And he said [0559], Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token [0226] unto thee, that [03588] I have sent [07971] thee: When thou hast brought forth [03318] the people [05971] out of Egypt [04714], ye shall serve [05647] God [0430] upon this mountain [02022].

¹ And, behold, there came [0935] a man [0376] of God [0430] out of Judah [03063] by the word [01697] of the LORD [03068] unto Bethel [01008]: and Jeroboam [03379] stood [05975] by the altar [04196] to burn incense [06999].
² And he cried [07121] against the altar [04196] in the word [01697] of the LORD [03068], and said [0559], O altar [04196], altar [04196], thus saith [0559] the LORD [03068]; Behold, a child [01121] shall be born [03205] unto the house [01004] of David [01732], Josiah [02977] by name [08034]; and upon thee shall he offer [02076] the priests [03548] of the high places [01116] that burn incense [06999] upon thee, and men's [0120] bones [06106] shall be burnt [08313] upon thee.
³ And he gave [05414] a sign [04159] the same day [03117], saying [0559], This is the sign [04159] which the LORD [03068] hath spoken [01696]; Behold, the altar [04196] shall be rent [07167], and the ashes [01880] that are upon it shall be poured out [08210].

²⁷ And there came [0935] a man [0376] of God [0430] unto Eli [05941], and said [0559] unto him, Thus saith [0559] the LORD [03068], Did I plainly [01540] appear [01540] unto the house [01004] of thy father [01], when they were in Egypt [04714] in Pharaoh's [06547] house [01004]?
²⁸ And did I choose [0977] him out of all the tribes [07626] of Israel [03478] to be my priest [03548], to offer [05927] upon mine altar [04196], to burn [06999] incense [07004], to wear [05375] an ephod [0646] before [06440] me? and did I give [05414] unto the house [01004] of thy father [01] all the offerings made by fire [0801] of the children [01121] of Israel [03478]?
²⁹ Wherefore kick [01163] ye at my sacrifice [02077] and at mine offering [04503], which I have commanded [06680] in my habitation [04583]; and honourest [03513] thy sons [01121] above me, to make yourselves fat [01254] with the chiefest [07225] of all the offerings [04503] of Israel [03478] my people [05971]?
³⁰ Wherefore the LORD [03068] God [0430] of Israel [03478] saith [05002], I said [0559] indeed [0559] that thy house [01004], and the house [01004] of thy father [01], should walk [01980] before [06440] me for [05704] ever [05769]: but now the LORD [03068] saith [05002], Be it far from me [02486]; for them that honour [03513] me I will honour [03513], and they that despise [0959] me shall be lightly esteemed [07043].
³¹ Behold, the days [03117] come [0935], that I will cut off [01438] thine arm [02220], and the arm [02220] of thy father's [01] house [01004], that there shall not be an old man [02205] in thine house [01004].
³² And thou shalt see [05027] an enemy [06862] in my habitation [04583], in all the wealth which God shall give [03190] Israel [03478]: and there shall not be an old man [02205] in thine house [01004] for ever [03117].
³³ And the man [0376] of thine, whom I shall not cut off [03772] from mine altar [04196], shall be to consume [03615] thine eyes [05869], and to grieve [0109] thine heart [05315]: and all the increase [04768] of thine house [01004] shall die [04191] in the flower of their age [0582].
³⁴ And this shall be a sign [0226] unto thee, that shall come [0935] upon thy two [08147] sons [01121], on Hophni [02652] and Phinehas [06372]; in one [0259] day [03117] they shall die [04191] both [08147] of them.

⁷ And this shall be a sign [0226] unto thee from the LORD [03068], that the LORD [03068] will do [06213] this thing [01697] that he hath spoken [01696];

¹⁷ And he said [0559] unto him, If now I have found [04672] grace [02580] in thy sight [05869], then shew [06213] me a sign [0226] that thou talkest [01696] with me.

¹¹ And ye shall circumcise [05243] the flesh [01320] of your foreskin [06190]; and it shall be a token [0226] of the covenant [01285] betwixt me and you.

² Every man [0376] of the children [01121] of Israel [03478] shall pitch [02583] by his own standard [01714], with the ensign [0226] of their father's [01] house [01004]: far off [05048] about [05439] the tabernacle [0168] of the congregation [04150] shall they pitch [02583].