John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 7:11

"Ask thee a sign of Jehovah thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above." — Isaiah 7:11 (ASV)

Either in the deep. I understand it simply to mean Either above or below. He allows him an unrestricted choice of a miracle, to demand either what belongs to earth or what belongs to heaven. But perhaps in the word deep there is something still more emphatic; as if he had said, “It belongs to you to choose.”

God will immediately show that his dominion is higher than this world, and that it likewise extends to all depths, so that at his pleasure he can raise the dead from their graves.” It was undoubtedly astonishing forbearance towards this wicked king and people of God, that not only did he patiently bear their distrust for a time, but so graciously condescended to them that he was willing to give them any pledge of his power which they chose.

Yet he had in mind not unbelievers only, but he also intended to provide for the benefit of the weak, in whom there was a seed of godliness; that they might be fully convinced that Isaiah did not speak at random, for he could easily give a proof of the power of God in confirmation of what he had said.

The same goodness of God is now also displayed towards people, to whom he exercises such forbearance, when he might justly have been offended at them. For how shockingly do they insult God when they doubt his truth? What do you leave to God if you take that from him?

And whatever our doubts may be, not only does he pardon us, but he even aids our distrust, not only by his word but also by adding miracles. He exhibits them not only to believers but also to the ungodly, as we can see in this king.

And if he was at that time so kind to strangers, what should his own people not expect from him?