The nation of Israel’s history had been full of judges, kings, prophets, and priests, who had sought to shepherd God’s people. Some of these leaders were faithful, and many were unfaithful and wicked. All these rulers were pointing towards and making the people’s hearts yearn for the one true Shepherd that God promised.

King Ahaz was a wicked king who was leading God’s people astray. Instead of relying on the Lord to deliver and protect them, he relied on the King of Assyria. The Lord tested Ahaz, by telling him to ask for a sign and in return the Lord gives him as sign that the Assyrians is coming. The sign for Ahaz was a sign of destruction, and yet the sign was also a word of hope for the future.

When God promises a great light, a light that will shine on His people. He is promising them, His blessings, presence, and revelation. No longer will God judge them and hide His face from them. God has given us a great light in the coming of Jesus who is God’s blessings, presence, and revelation.

God’s perfect creation is turned upside down, when a crafty serpent appears on the scene. With ordinary measures, the serpent tempts humanity into sinfully breaking the only command they were given. Mankind then experiences the worst thing possible in a broken relationship with God. With the created order headed for imminent death, humanity finds itself in need of a Savior who can defeat this enemy and repair the broken relationship with God. That Savior is Jesus!