Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning:Immanuel, also spelled Emmanuel, is a Hebrew name meaning "God with us." This name signifies the presence of God among His people and is a profound expression of divine intervention and assurance. The name is most notably associated with the prophecy of Isaiah and its fulfillment in the New Testament. Biblical References: 1. Old Testament Prophecy: · The name Immanuel first appears in the Book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 7:14 , the prophet declares, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." This prophecy was given to King Ahaz of Judah as a sign of hope and divine presence amidst political turmoil and threat from surrounding nations. 2. New Testament Fulfillment: · The Gospel of Matthew identifies Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. In Matthew 1:22-23 , it is written, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')." This passage underscores the belief that Jesus is the incarnate presence of God, dwelling among humanity. Theological Significance: · Divine Presence: Immanuel encapsulates the concept of God's presence with His people. In the context of Isaiah, it was a reassurance to the people of Judah that God had not abandoned them despite the threats they faced. In the New Testament, the name signifies the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ, affirming the belief that God took on human form to dwell among His creation. · Messianic Expectation: The prophecy of Immanuel is a cornerstone of messianic expectation, pointing to a future deliverer who would embody God's presence. For Christians, this expectation is realized in Jesus, who is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to be with His people. · Incarnation: The name Immanuel is central to the doctrine of the Incarnation, which holds that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. This doctrine is foundational to Christian theology, emphasizing that through Jesus, God intimately engaged with the human condition, offering redemption and reconciliation. Cultural and Historical Context: · Isaiah's Time: The prophecy of Immanuel was delivered during a period of political instability for the Kingdom of Judah. King Ahaz faced threats from the northern kingdom of Israel and Syria. The promise of Immanuel served as a divine assurance that God would protect and preserve His people. · First Century Judea: In the time of Jesus, the Jewish people were under Roman occupation and longed for deliverance. The identification of Jesus as Immanuel in the Gospel of Matthew resonated deeply with the hope for a Messiah who would bring salvation and restore God's kingdom. Conclusion: The name Immanuel, meaning "God with us," is a profound testament to God's enduring presence and faithfulness. It bridges the Old and New Testaments, linking the prophetic hope of Isaiah with the incarnational reality of Jesus Christ. Through Immanuel, believers find assurance of God's nearness and the promise of redemption. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 1:23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Nave's Topical Index Library Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists The Nativity Letter Lvii. To Pammachius on the Best Method of Translating. The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out ... Christ the End of the Law Confessio Belgica. Some Hymns and Hymn-Books Rationalism and Its Effects The Shortest of the Seven Cries Memoir of John Bunyan Resources The Identity of Jesus ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.org Is Christmas a pagan holiday? | GotQuestions.org Immanuel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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