Ahaz is unusual, however, and it underscores the importance Isaiah attached to the king’s decision at this critical juncture. Yahweh was willing to pull out all the stops to secure Ahaz’s faith. Ahaz, however, refused to play by the rules. Hiding behind a false piety, he declined the invitation to ask for a sign. From Isaiah’s response it is clear that the prophet regarded Ahaz’s refusal to ask for a sign as a pious smokescreen. The king’s real concern was not about testing God but about preserving