Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 7:13

"And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David: Is it a small thing for you to weary men, that ye will weary my God also?" — Isaiah 7:13 (ASV)

O house of David - (Isaiah 7:2). This is to be understood as referring not only to the king himself, but also to the princes and rulers. Perhaps in addressing him in this way, there was implied considerable irony and reproach. David trusted in God. But Ahaz, his descendant, feared to “tempt” God! As if God could not aid him! A worthy descendant he was of the pious and devoted David!

Is it a small thing - You are not satisfied with wearying people, but you would also fatigue and wear out the patience of God.

Weary - To exhaust their patience; oppose them; obstruct their sayings and messages; test their spirits, and so on.

Men - Prophets; the men who are sent to instruct and admonish.

Will you weary my God also? - Will you refuse to keep His commands, test His patience, and exhaust His long-suffering? . The meaning of this passage seems to be this: When Ahaz refused to believe the mere prediction of the prophet, his transgression was, in a way, more excusable. He had wearied and provoked him, but Isaiah had not yet given Ahaz any direct demonstration that he was from God, no outward proof of his divine mission. Therefore, the offense of Ahaz might be regarded as, in a sense, committed against man.

It was also true that Ahaz, by his unbelief and idolatry, had greatly tested the feelings of the pious and wearied those who were endeavoring to promote true religion. But now the case had changed. God had offered a sign, and it had been publicly rejected.

It was a direct insult to God, and an offense that demanded reproof. Accordingly, Isaiah's manner immediately changed. Previously soft, gentle, and mild, he now became bold, open, and vehement. The honor of God was concerned; a direct affront had been offered to Him by the sovereign of God's people. It was proper for the prophet to show that that was an offense which affected the Divine Majesty and demanded the severest reproof.