Isa 7,1–17, one of the most discussed biblical passages in the history of interpretation, belongs to the oldest part of the book of Isaiah. In the threatening situation of the Syro-Ephraimite crisis, the prophet warns the royal house of the danger posed by the Assyrians, who at the time still appear as saviours, and calls for trust in YHWH alone. Isaiah announces a sign of hope, the
birth of a child who is to be named Immanuel. At the same time, however, there is the threat of judgement. In this tension, the readers are also called to decide to trust in YHWH.
