“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
23. His name Immanuel The phrase, God is with us, is no doubt frequently employed in Scripture to denote, that he is present with us by his assistance and grace, and displays the power of his hand in our defense. But here we are instructed as to the manner in which God communicates with men.
Christ's incarnation is mystery to be adored, not probed. The espousal to Joseph honored the marriage state and saved the virgin's credit; without it, the world would ask whether He was a harlot's son rather than a carpenter's. God guards the reputation of His children with jealous care.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 1:18-25
Behold, a virgin shall be with child,.... These words are rightly applied to the virgin Mary and her son Jesus, for of no other can they be understood; not of Ahaz's wife and his son Hezekiah, who was already born, and must be eleven or twelve years of age when these words were spoken; nor of any other son of Ahaz by her or any...