This article considers the matter of editing of a prophetic text, and it does so by using as example the "Servant passages" in Isaiah, particularly Isaiah 7:14, its context and content. The author argues that the concept of the editing of a text is not itself at fault; rather, this concept is simply not taken with sufficient seriousness by those who appeal most frequently to it.

This article considers the virgin birth of Christ from three perspectives: Was it possible? Was it theologically necessary? Is it a legitimate fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14?

Is the birth of Jesus from a virgin an invention of Matthew (Matthew 1:23) as part of a desire to fulfil the words of Isaiah 7:14? This article examines the interpretation of Isaiah 7:14 in pre-Christian times and how Matthew cited prophetic texts. It also reflects on the influence of the early tradition of Jesus’ descent from David upon Matthew's reference to a virginal conception.

The article first provides an exegetical analysis of Isaiah 7:14. Next, it focuses on the New Testament's use of the Old Testament and considers a number of hermeneutical related issues with prophecy.