Isaiah 7:12

12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test.”

Isaiah 7:12 in Other Translations

12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.

12 But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test."

12 But the king refused. “No,” he said, “I will not test the LORD like that.”

12 But Ahaz said, "I'd never do that. I'd never make demands like that on God!"

12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt Jehovah.

12 But Ahaz answered, "I won't ask; I wouldn't think of testing the LORD."

12 But Ahaz replied, "I will not ask. I will not test the Lord."

12 But Ahaz said, "I won't ask. I won't put the LORD to the test."

Isaiah 7:12 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 7:12

But Ahaz said, I will not ask
That is, a sign or miracle to be wrought; being unwilling to take the advice to be still and quiet, and make no preparation for war, or seek out for help from the Assyrians, and to rely upon the promise and power of God, and therefore chose not to have it confirmed by a sign; adding as an excuse, neither will I tempt the Lord,
by asking a sign; suggesting that this was contrary to the command of God, ( Deuteronomy 6:16 ) so pretending religion and reverence of God; whereas, to ask a sign of God, when it was offered, could not be reckoned a tempting him; but, on the contrary, to refuse one; when offered, argued great stubbornness and ingratitude, as Calvin well observes.

Isaiah 7:12 In-Context

10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz,

11 “Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”

12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test.”

13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also?

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Cross References

• 1. Deuteronomy 4:34