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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 7:12 But Ahaz replied, "I will not ask; I will not test the LORD."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/7-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/23_Isa_07_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 7:12 - The Sign of Immanuel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Ahaz replied, I will not ask; I will not test the LORD." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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I will not put the LORD to the test.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But the king refused. “No,” he said, “I will not test the LORD like that.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the LORD!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I put the LORD to the test!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But Ahaz said, &#8220I will not ask, nor will I test the LORD!&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the LORD!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not test Yahweh!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the LORD!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask. I will not test the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Ahaz replied, &#8220I will not ask. I will not test the LORD.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"No, LORD," Ahaz answered. "I won't test you!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But Ahaz answered, "I won't ask; I wouldn't think of testing the LORD."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Ahaz answered, "I will not ask for a sign. I refuse to put the LORD to the test." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But Ahaz replied, "I won't ask! I won't put the LORD to the test."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Ahaz replied, ?I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But Ahaz responded, "I don't want to ask; I don't want to put the LORD to a test."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But Ahaz said, “I won’t ask. I won’t tempt Yahweh.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Ahaz says, “I do not ask nor try YHWH.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Ahaz saith, 'I do not ask nor try Jehovah.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Ahaz will say, I will not ask and I will not tempt Jehovah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Achaz said: I will not ask, and I will not tempt the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Ahaz said, “I will not ask, for I will not tempt the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Akhaz said, “I shall not ask and I shall not test LORD JEHOVAH my God”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But Ahaz said: 'I will not ask, neither will I try the LORD.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Achaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/7-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=1474" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/7.htm">The Sign of Immanuel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>“Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven.” <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/271.htm" title="271: ’ā·ḥāz (N-proper-ms) -- He has grasped, two Isr. From 'achaz; possessor; Achaz, the name of a Jewish king and of an Israelite.">But Ahaz</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“I will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: ’eš·’al (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">ask;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5254.htm" title="5254: ’ă·nas·seh (V-Piel-Imperf-1cs) -- To test, try. A primitive root; to test; by implication, to attempt.">test</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God as well?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-29.htm">Luke 11:29</a></span><br />As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-4.htm">Matthew 16:4</a></span><br />A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then He left them and went away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/4-48.htm">John 4:48</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22</a></span><br />Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a></span><br />And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/17-2.htm">Exodus 17:2</a></span><br />So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/14-11.htm">Numbers 14:11</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Moses, “How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-16.htm">Deuteronomy 6:16</a></span><br />Do not test the LORD your God as you tested Him at Massah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-18.htm">Psalm 78:18</a></span><br />They willfully tested God by demanding the food they craved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/95-9.htm">Psalm 95:9</a></span><br />where your fathers tested and tried Me, though they had seen My work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-14.htm">Psalm 106:14</a></span><br />They craved intensely in the wilderness and tested God in the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/16-7.htm">2 Kings 16:7</a></span><br />So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hands of the kings of Aram and Israel, who are rising up against me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/28-16.htm">2 Chronicles 28:16</a></span><br />At that time King Ahaz sent for help from the king of Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/28-22.htm">2 Chronicles 28:22</a></span><br />In the time of his distress, King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">I will not ask</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/16-15.htm">2 Kings 16:15</a></b></br> And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king's burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to inquire <i>by</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/28-22.htm">2 Chronicles 28:22</a></b></br> And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this <i>is that</i> king Ahaz.</p><p class="hdg">neither</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31</a></b></br> And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee <i>as</i> my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, <i>but</i> their heart goeth after their covetousness.</p><p class="hdg">tempt</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/6-16.htm">Deuteronomy 6:16</a></b></br> Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted <i>him</i> in Massah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/3-15.htm">Malachi 3:15</a></b></br> And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, <i>they that</i> tempt God are even delivered.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/5-9.htm">Acts 5:9</a></b></br> Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband <i>are</i> at the door, and shall carry thee out.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/7-10.htm">Ahaz</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-22.htm">Making</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-11.htm">Request</a> <a href="/psalms/78-56.htm">Tempt</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-23.htm">Test</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Try</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/14-28.htm">Ahaz</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-20.htm">Making</a> <a href="/isaiah/65-24.htm">Request</a> <a href="/malachi/3-15.htm">Tempt</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-27.htm">Test</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-13.htm">Try</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/7-1.htm">Ahaz, being troubled with fear of Rezin and Pekah, is comforted by Isaiah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/7-10.htm">Ahaz, having liberty to choose a sign, and refusing it, has for a sign, Christ promised</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/7-17.htm">His judgment is prophesied to come by Assyria</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But Ahaz replied</b><br>Ahaz was the king of Judah during a tumultuous period marked by threats from surrounding nations. His reign is documented in <a href="/2_kings/16.htm">2 Kings 16</a> and <a href="/2_chronicles/28.htm">2 Chronicles 28</a>. Ahaz is often criticized for his lack of faith and reliance on foreign alliances rather than trusting in God. His response here is significant as it reflects his character and leadership style.<p><b>“I will not ask;</b><br>This phrase indicates Ahaz's refusal to seek a sign from God, despite being offered one by the prophet Isaiah. In the cultural and historical context, asking for a sign was a way to confirm God's will or presence. Ahaz's refusal can be seen as a lack of faith or an attempt to appear pious, avoiding the responsibility that might come with a divine sign.<p><b>I will not test the LORD.”</b><br>This statement echoes <a href="/deuteronomy/6-16.htm">Deuteronomy 6:16</a>, where the Israelites are instructed not to test God. However, Ahaz's use of this principle is ironic and perhaps disingenuous. While it seems to show reverence, it actually masks his unwillingness to trust in God's promise. This moment foreshadows the prophecy of the virgin birth in <a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a>, which Christians interpret as a type of Christ, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate sign from God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahaz.htm">Ahaz</a></b><br>King of Judah during the time of Isaiah. Known for his lack of faith and reliance on foreign alliances rather than trusting in God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament who served as God's messenger to the people of Judah, including King Ahaz.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, where Ahaz reigned. It was under threat from surrounding nations during this period.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/syria_and_israel.htm">Syria and Israel</a></b><br>These were the northern kingdoms that formed an alliance against Judah, prompting Ahaz to consider seeking help from Assyria.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who offers Ahaz a sign to confirm His promise of protection.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_over_fear.htm">Faith Over Fear</a></b><br>Ahaz's refusal to ask for a sign reflects a lack of faith. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises rather than succumbing to fear.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite Ahaz's refusal, God still provides a sign, demonstrating His control and commitment to His covenant.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_false_piety.htm">The Danger of False Piety</a></b><br>Ahaz's statement may seem pious, but it masks his unwillingness to trust God. True faith requires genuine reliance on God, not just outward expressions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_seeking_god.htm">The Importance of Seeking God</a></b><br>In times of crisis, believers should seek God's guidance and be open to His signs and direction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prophetic_fulfillment.htm">Prophetic Fulfillment</a></b><br>The prophecy given to Ahaz points to a greater fulfillment in Christ, reminding believers of God's long-term plan and faithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_link_isaiah's_prophecy_to_jesus.htm">If Isaiah's prophecy was meant to reassure King Ahaz centuries before Jesus's birth, why do some believe it refers to Jesus in Matthew?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_philip_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Philip in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_child_sacrifice_widespread_in_israel.htm">Isaiah 57:5: Is there credible archaeological evidence that child sacrifice was widespread among Israelites, or is this an exaggerated polemic?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_isaiah_7_14-16_fulfilled_then.htm">Does historical or archaeological evidence confirm that the sign promised in Isaiah 7:14-16 was recognized or fulfilled in Isaiah's time?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">I will not ask . . .</span>--The king speaks as in the very accents of faith. He will not put Jehovah to any such test. Not, perhaps, without a sneer, he quotes almost the very formula of the Law: "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" (<a href="/exodus/17-2.htm" title="Why the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said to them, Why chide you with me? why do you tempt the LORD?">Exodus 17:2</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/6-16.htm" title="You shall not tempt the LORD your God, as you tempted him in Massah.">Deuteronomy 6:16</a>). Was the prophet going to forget his own teaching, and become a tempter to that sin? That which lay beneath this show of humble trust was simply self-will and utter unfaith. He had already made up his mind to the Assyrian alliance, against which he knew Isaiah was certain to protest. The fact that the words that follow are spoken to the whole house of David, may, perhaps, imply that the older members of the royal family were encouraging the king in his Assyrian projects, and had, perhaps, suggested his hypocritical answer.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord</span>. Ahaz, who has no wish for a sign, because he has no wish to believe in any other salvation than flint which will follow from the realization of his own schemes, finds a plausible reason for declining to ask for one in those passages of the Law which forbade men to" tempt God" (<a href="/exodus/17-7.htm">Exodus 17:7</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/6-16.htm">Deuteronomy 6:16</a>). But it could not be "tempt-tug God" to comply with a Divine invitation; rather it was tempting him to refuse compliance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/7-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But Ahaz</span><br /><span class="heb">אָחָ֑ז</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḥāz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_271.htm">Strong's 271: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ahaz -- 'he has grasped', two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֖אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“I will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ask;</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶשְׁאַ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(’eš·’al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">test</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנַסֶּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nas·seh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5254.htm">Strong's 5254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To test, to attempt</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD.”</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/7-12.htm">Isaiah 7:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/7-12.htm">Isaiah 7:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/7-12.htm">Isaiah 7:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/7-12.htm">Isaiah 7:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/7-12.htm">Isaiah 7:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/7-12.htm">Isaiah 7:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/7-12.htm">Isaiah 7:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/7-12.htm">Isaiah 7:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/7-12.htm">Isaiah 7:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/7-12.htm">Isaiah 7:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/7-12.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 7:12 But Ahaz said I will not ask (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/7-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 7:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 7:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/7-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 7:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 7:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>