Emphasis Preaching Journal

According to this passage from Isaiah, the Lord would give a sign to the reluctant King Ahaz. The New Testament and all of Christian tradition interpret the fulfillment of that prophecy in the birth of Jesus eight centuries later.

Assuming that this is an accurate and appropriate fulfillment of prophecy, it becomes obvious that Ahaz never lived to see the Lord keep his promise. This does not invalidate the promise. It simply means that it was left for other people in future generations to become witnesses to the Lord's acting to deliver the goods.