"A Fiery Snake" Against Philistia

The Philistines receive attention first.  "In the year that King Ahaz died this pronouncement occurred:  'Do not rejoice, O Philistia, any one of you, just because the staff of the one striking you has been broken.  For out of the root of the serpent there will come forth a poisonous snake, and its fruit will be a flying fiery snake.' "-Isaiah 14:28, 29.

King Uzziah was strong enough to contain the threat posed by Philistia.  (2 Chronicles 26:6-8) To them, he was like a serpent, and his staff kept striking that unfriendly neighbor. After Uzziah died-'his staff was broken'-the faithful Jotham ruled, but "the people were yet acting ruinously."  Next, Ahaz became king.  Things changed, and the Philistines conducted successful military raids on Judah.  (2 Chronicles 27:2; 28:17, 18)  Now, however, things are changing again.  In 746 B.C.E., King Ahaz dies and the young Hezekiah takes the throne.  If the Philistines feel that things will continue in their favor, they are sadly mistaken.  Hezekiah proves to be a deadly foe. A descendant of Uzziah (the "fruit" from his "root"), Hezekiah is like "a flying fiery snake"-rapidly darting to the attack, striking in  lightning like fashion, and producing a burning effect, as if injecting his victims with venom.

This is an apt description of the new king.  "It was [Hezekiah] that struck down the Philistines clear to the Gaza and its territories."  (2 Kings 18:8) According to the annals of Assyrian King Sennacherib, the Philistines become subjects of Hezekiah.  "the lowly ones"-the weakened kingdom of Judah-get to enjoy security and material aplenty, while Philistia suffers famine. -Read Isaiah 14:30, 31.

It seems that ambassadors are present in Judah-perhaps seeking an alliance against Assyria.  What should they be told?  "What will anyone say in answer to the messengers of the nation?"  Should Hezekiah seek security in foreign alliances?  No! He should tell the messengers:  "Jehovah himself has laid the foundation of Zion, and in her the afflicted ones of his people will take refuge."  (Isaiah 14:32) The king must have full trust in Jehovah.  The foundation of Zion is firm.  The city will survive as a safe haven from the Assyrian menace. -Psalm 46:1-7.

Like  Philistia, some nations today viciously oppose God's worshipers. Christian Witnesses of Jehovah have been confined in prisons and concentration camps.  They have been banned.  A number have been killed.  Opponents continue to "make sharp attacks on the soul of the righteous one."  (Psalm 94:21) To their enemies, this Christian group may seem "lowly" and "poor."  However, with Jehovah's support, they enjoy spiritual plenty, while their enemies suffer famine.  (Isaiah 65:13, 14; Amos 8:11)  When Jehovah stretches out his hand against he modern-day Philistines, these "lowly ones" will be secure.  Where?  In association with "the household of God," of which Jesus is the sure foundation cornerstone.  (Ephesians 2:19, 20) And they will be under the protection of "heavenly Jerusalem,"  Jehovah's celestial Kingdom, which has Jesus Christ as King. -Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 14:1.

Next time: Moab Is Silenced

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000