but to the court and the whole nation, for he addressed it to the “house of David.” They too, like king Ahaz, had proved themselves faithless. The prophet said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also?” (7:13). Here Isaiah identifies his words with God’s words. Ahaz and the people had tried Isaiah’s patience with their refusal to obey and believe the prophet’s words. But in so doing they had also tried the patience