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Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 14:28

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In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.

28. The superscription. The word “burden” ( mass’) makes it improbable that the verse was written by Isaiah. It may nevertheless embody a sound tradition.

the year that king Ahaz died ] Cf. ch. Isa 6:1. Probably 727 b.c. (but see Chronological Note, pp. lxxvi f.).

Each verse of the short oracle forms a strophe of four lines.

Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

In the year that king Ahaz died – This is the caption or title to the following prophecy, which occupies the remainder of this chapter. This prophecy has no connection with the preceding; and should have been separated from it in the division into chapters. It relates solely to Philistia; and the design is to comfort the Jews with the assurance that they had nothing to apprehend from them. It is not to call the Philistines to lamentation and alarm, for there is no evidence that the prophecy was promulgated among them (Vitringa); but it is to assure the Jews that they would be in no danger from their invasion under the reign of the successor of Ahaz, and that God would more signally overthrow and subdue them than had been done in his time. It is not improbable that at the death of Ahaz, and with the prospect of a change in the government on the accession of his successor, the Philistines, the natural enemies of Judah, had meditated the invasion of the Jews. The Philistines had been subdued in the time of Azariah 2Ki 15:1-7, or Uzziah, as he is called in 2Ch 26:1, who was the son and successor of Amaziah. He broke down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Gabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and effectually subdued and humbled them 2Ch 26:6. In the time of Ahaz, and while he was engaged in his unhappy controversies with Syria and Ephraim, the Philistines took advantage of the enfeebled state of Judah, and made successful war on it, and took several of the towns 2Ch 28:18; and at his death they had hope of being able to resist Judah, perhaps the more so as they apprehended that the reign of Hezekiah would be mild, peaceable, and unwarlike. Isaiah, in the prophecy before us, warns them not to entertain any such fallacious expectations, and assures them that his reign would be quite as disastrous to them as had been the reign of his predecessors.

Was this burden – See the note at Isa 13:1.

Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible

Verse 28. In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden] Uzziah had subdued the Philistines, 2Ch 26:6-7; but, taking advantage of the weak reign of Ahaz, they invaded Judea, and took, and held in possession, some cities in the southern part of the kingdom. On the death of Ahaz, Isaiah delivers this prophecy, threatening them with the destruction that Hezekiah, his son, and great-grandson of Uzziah, should bring upon them: which he effected; for “he smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof,” 2Kg 18:8. Uzziah, therefore, must be meant by the rod that smote them, and by the serpent from whom should spring the flying fiery serpent, Isa 14:29, that is, Hezekiah, a much more terrible enemy than even Uzziah had been.

The Targum renders the twenty-ninth verse in a singular way. “For, from the sons of Jesse shall come forth the Messiah; and his works among you shall be as the flying serpent.”

Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible

This following burdensome prophecy concerning the Philistines, who in Ahazs time made an inroad into Judah, and took divers of their cities and villages, 2Ch 28:18.

Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole

28. In . . . year . . . Ahazdied726 B.C.Probably it was in this year that the Philistines threw off the yokeput on them by Uzziah.

Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

In the year that King Ahaz died was this burden. The following heavy prophecy, concerning the destruction of the Philistines; whether it was delivered out before or after his death is not certain. Here some begin the “fifteenth” chapter Isa 15:1, and not improperly; henceforward prophecies are delivered out under another reign, as before under Uzziah, Jotham, and Ahaz, now under Hezekiah. This, according to Bishop Usher, was A. M. 3278 and before the Christian era 726.

Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible

This is one of the prophecies the date of which is fixed in Isa 14:28. “In the year of the death of king Ahaz the following oracle was uttered.” “The year of the death of king Aha”Z was (as in Isa 6:1) the year in which the death of Ahaz was to take place. In that year the Philistines still remained in those possessions, their hold of which was so shameful to Judah, and had not yet met with any humiliating retribution. But this year was the turning-point; for Hezekiah, the successor of Ahaz, not only recovered the cities that they had taken, but thoroughly defeated them in their own land (2Ki 18:8).

Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament

Verse 28-32: ORACLE CONCERNING PALESTINA

1. This oracle is dated by the death of Ahaz, who was succeeded by king Hezekiah (715 B.C.); he would utterly defeat the Philistines, (2Ki 18:8).

2. The rejoicing of the Philistines seems to be in the death of an Assyrian king, rather than in the fall of Ahaz – who certainly had not smitten them.

3. They appear to be proposing that Hezekiah join with them in rising up to throw off the yoke of Assyria; but, Isaiah warns that there will be great trouble ahead for any who take such action; the Assyrian will bring swift destruction upon Philistia (Palestine), (Verse 31; Jer 1:14; Jer 4:6; Jer 10:22).

4. Hezekiah is to answer the messages of Philistia “that Jehovah hath founded Zion, and in Him shall the afflicted of his people take refuge”! (Isa 28:16; Psa 87:1; Psa 87:5; Isa 25:4; Isa 57:13).

Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

28. In the year that King Ahaz died. Here the fifteenth chapter ought to have begun, for the Prophet enters on a new subject; and this plainly shows how absurdly the chapters are divided, or rather torn asunder. Having spoken of the Babylonians, he passes to the Philistines; (230) or, perhaps, before speaking of the Babylonians, he addressed the Philistines, who, being the near neighbors of the Jews, cherished deadly hostility against them. They were the remainder of those nations whom the Israelites spared, though the Lord had commanded that they should be removed out of the midst of them. (Num 33:52; Deu 7:16.) Their unbelief in this matter was the reason why the Lord left these nations to be thorns, that they might prick their eyes; as the Scripture shows that the Lord had formerly threatened against them. (Num 33:55.) In consequence of the deadly animosities which existed between these two nations, whenever the Jews sustained any defeat, the Philistines reckoned it to be so much gain to themselves; for they wished the ruin of the Jews, and no occurrence could give them greater delight than when the Jews were reduced to the deepest adversity and distress. The Prophet therefore prophesies against them as against the constant enemies of the Church.

It is proper to attend to the time when this vision was exhibited to the Prophet. So long as Ahaz lived, the Philistines were victorious. That wicked hypocrite, who had forsaken God, and eagerly sought the outward assistance of man, was punished for his treachery. During his reign the Philistines (2Ch 28:18) recovered those towns which Uzziah (2Ch 26:6) had taken out of their hands; but after his death, they became still more courageous, for they expected that they would then gain all that they desired, because he who had been left as his heir was still a child; for Hezekiah, the new king, had neither shrewdness, nor authority, nor wisdom. These circumstances, therefore, ought to be carefully observed; for Isaiah has not the Philistines so much in his view, though he speaks to them, as the godly, whom he wishes to comfort and strengthen with good hope by this prophecy, who would otherwise have thought that the condition of Judea was entirely ruined, because they were attacked by enemies on all sides, and no assistance of any kind could be seen. To those persons, therefore, in their distressed and forlorn condition, Isaiah stretches out his hand, and bids them be of good courage, because the Lord would undoubtedly assist them.

This burden. He calls this prophecy a burden, because it would be disagreeable and painful to the Philistines, who thought that they had got rid of every annoyance, because the Jews were hard pressed, and had no hope of bettering their condition; and therefore he threatens that the destruction of the Philistines also is at hand.

(230) Bogus footnote

Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary

d. DOMINATED

TEXT: Isa. 14:28-32

In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.

Rejoice not, O Philistia, all of thee, because the rod that smote thee is broken; for out of the serpents root shall come forth an adder, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.

And the first-born of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety; and I will kill thy root with famine, and thy remnant shall be slain.

Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou art melted away, O Philistia, all of thee; for there cometh a smoke out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks.

32 What then shall one answer the messengers of the nation? That Jehovah hath founded Zion, and in her shall the afflicted of his people take refuge.

QUERIES

What does the serpent, the adder and the flying serpent represent?

What Zion is here meant?

PARAPHRASE

At the time of the death of king Ahaz this message concerning Philistia was revealed to me to be proclaimed. Dont begin rejoicing, Philistines, that the oppression upon your nation has been temporarily broken and lifted. This momentary relief does not mean you are going to prosper. In fact, a successive worsening of oppression and destruction is going to overcome your nation. It will be like a succession of snakes getting worse with each; from the snake will come the adder and from the adder a fiery flying serpent will come to destroy you. I will protect and provide for My people Israel; even the lowliest of the low shall not lack food in Israel, and the poor shall enjoy safety. But as for you, O Philistia, I will wipe you out with famine and what is not killed by famine I will kill with war. Weep and wail, O cities of Philistia, because you are destined to go up in the smoke of an invaders destruction. An army from the north will invade your land and will destroy you with methodical diligence. What shall be told all who inquire about these events? They shall be told that Jehovah of hosts has established Zion, His covenant people, on a sure and safe foundation and all those afflicted by Jehovahs enemies will find refuge in Zion.

COMMENTS

Isa. 14:28-32 PHILISTIA PUNISHED: Isaiah clearly remembered the date of his oracle against Philistia. It was 728 B.C., the year that king Ahaz died. It appears the Philistines, for some reason or another, had been relieved of some degree of former oppression or subjugation and were now rejoicing that their future looked bright. They evidently were assuming that now (perhaps that the Assyrian domination was checked by Hezekiah) they could have free reign in the land of Palestine to wrest its control from the Jews. The message of Gods prophet, however, is that several military or political situations shall arise successively (likened to first a serpent, then an adder, then fiery flying serpent), one always worse than the other, which would eventually wipe out the Philistine nation clear down to its roots. The utter destruction and obliteration of Philistia is contrasted with the utter salvation and protection of Gods small, weak remnant, Judah. The lowliest of the low, the godly poor will feed and dwell secure in Gods remnant. Philistia will wail and cry for a destructive force from the north will come upon her. The smoke may refer to the campfires of the army coming or to the Philistine cities being burned. The force from the north probably refers to the successive and progressively worsening attacks upon Philistia by the Assyrians after the days of Hezekiah. Sargon, Assyrian emperor (722705 B.C.) captured the Philistine cities, deported some of the inhabitants and set over them an Assyrian governor. Later struggles between Egypt and Assyria were the cause of great suffering to the Philistine cities, and practically close their history as strictly Philistinian, The Assyrians were very cruel and methodical in their bloody warfare upon the world. There were no stragglers in their armies. They went about their work of destruction with diligence.

Isa. 14:32 ZION PROTECTED: What should one answer messengers of the nation of Judah when they saw all around the destruction of the neighboring peoples by the bloodthirsty Assyrians? Will Zion (Judah) fall too? The prophets answer is brief but emphatic. The message is simply, Jehovah hath founded Zion, and in her shall the afflicted of his people take refuge. Jehovah so powerfully and consistently demonstrated His purpose and ability to save and protect His people from all enemies all the messengers needed to know was, Jehovah hath founded Zion! The same message applies today. God has demonstrated in history His power to save, even from death. He has demonstrated His power and purpose to preserve His church. All we need to know is He has founded the Church. We take refuge in Him.

In contrast to the obliteration of Philistia as a kingdom, God protected Judah. Even when Babylon came and took Judah captive, God preserved them and delivered them and out of them He formed His eternal kingdom, the Church, reigned over by King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ.

QUIZ

Approximately what year did Isaiah pronounce the doom of Philistia?

Why should Philistia not rejoice?

When did Philistia probably disappear from history as a nation?

What is the smoke out of the north ?

Why such a brief answer to the messengers Isa. 14:32?

Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series

(28) In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.The prophecies against Babylon and Assyria are naturally followed by a series of like predictions, dealing with other nations which played their part in the great drama of the time. The date of that which comes next in order is obviously specified, either by Isaiah himself or by the compiler of his prophecies, that it might be seen that it was not a prophecy after the event. The death-year of Ahaz was B.C. 727. It was natural that the prophets thoughts should be much exercised then, as in the year of Uzziahs death (Isa. 6:1), on the uncertainties of the coming future, and the burden was the answer to his searchings of heart. It was probably delivered before the kings death. (See Note on Isa. 6:1.)

Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)

AGAINST PHILISTIA, Isa 14:28-32.

Properly, another chapter begins and ends with these verses. The prophet had treated fully of Babylon’s downfall in the far future; then he reverted to the earlier overthrow of Assyria; and now, returning to the exigencies of his own time, he utters this note of warning to Philistia not to exult unduly in the foredoom of her old enemy. The apostrophe is to the Philistines, though uttered chiefly for the comfort of Judah.

Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

28. The year Ahaz died About B.C. 726.

Burden An utterance, an oracle, a threatening message, a sentence denounced in this case denounced in the year that Ahaz died.

Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

The Burden of Philistia ( Isa 14:28-32 ).

This comes ‘in the year that King Ahaz died’. Thus it is probable that we are to see some connection between the death and the oracle. Philistia are told that they must not rejoice at the breaking of ‘the rod’, for another will arise to continue their harassment, and they will also experience famine and further invasion.

Philistia had often experiened subjugation by the house of David. They were subdued by David (2Sa 5:17-25; 2Sa 21:15) and still paid tribute in the reign of Jehoshaphat (2Ch 17:11), but rebelled against Jehoram (2Ch 21:16-17), were again subdued by Uzziah (2Ch 26:6), and again shook off the yoke in the reign of Ahaz (2Ch 28:18).

Analysis of Isa 14:28-32.

a This burden was in the year that King Ahaz died. ‘Do not rejoice, O Philistia, all of you, because the rod that smote you is broken, for out of the snake’s root will come forth a viper, and his fruit will be a fiery flying snake (Isa 14:28-29).

b And the firstborn of the poor will feed, and the needy will lie down in safety, and I will kill your root with famine, and your remnant will be slain (Isa 14:30).

b Howl, O gate, cry, O city, you are melted away (demoralised), Philistia, all of you. For there comes a smoke out of the north, and none stands aloof at his appointed times.

a What then shall one answer the messengers of the nation? That Yahweh has founded Zion, and in her will the afflicted of her people seek refuge.

In ‘a’ Philistia are seen as rejoicing over the death of Ahaz because his loyalty to Assyria had been a hindrance to the anti-Assyrian confederacy, and being warned that Hezekiah will not be any better for them, because he will not join with their plans and will prove more than a match for any aggressors, while in the parallel the assurance is given the Yahweh has founded Zion which will be a strength to those who seek refuge in her, a further warning not to meddle with Judah. In ‘b’ they are assured that under Hezekiah the nation will again prosper after the bad days at the end of Ahaz’s reign when they were under siege by their neighbours, while Philistia will suffer famine and slaughter, while in the parallel has only punishment from Assyria to look forward to, and they will not be able to stand aloof from it.

Isa 14:28

‘This burden was in the year that King Ahaz died.’

Again we have the strange indication of time given on the basis of a king’s death. (Normally reference would be to the next king’s accession). Thus we would expect some connection with what follows.

Isa 14:29

‘Do not rejoice, O Philistia, all of you,

Because the rod that smote you is broken,

For out of the snake’s root will come forth a viper,

And his fruit will be a fiery flying snake.’

The most obvious explanation of the breaking of the rod is the death of Ahaz, ‘the rod’ thereby being broken. This has been objected to on the grounds that he was not in a position to hurt Philistia. But as a vassal of the king of Assyria he may well have been provided with Assyrian troops under an Assyrian commander, so that they could mingle with his own and be used to punish Philistia for some infraction against them or, it may be that with Assyrian soldiers temporarily stationed in Judah with his approval, he had at some stage been a rod to keep Philistia in line. Thus he could have been a rod to them.

Others see ‘the rod that smote you’ as referring to David, and thus by inference to the Davidic house. For David and his descendants were certainly a rod to Philistia. Ahaz is then seen as ‘the broken rod’ because he had lost his independence and had become a mere vassal king. This again ties the rod in with Ahaz. In this case Isaiah is telling Philistia not to rejoice that the Davidic house has lost its independence.

These words were possibly spoken when an embassy came from Philistia with proposals for a rebellion. It is not likely that this was on the death of a king of Assyria (rebellions regularly occurred when kings died) for none fit the timing, but it may well have been a rebellion fomented by Egypt which Ahaz’s loyalty to Assyria had previously thwarted. Thus Ahaz’s death might have been seen by them as increasing the possibility of support from Judah, and their hopes may thus have been placed in the new young king Hezekiah. If so Isaiah clearly disapproved of it, as we would expect, for he would be urging Hezekiah to trust in Yahweh alone. Indeed it may have been their subsequent punitive expedition to punish Hezekiah for observing Isaiah’s request that resulted in Hezekiah’s defeat of them in the fourth year of his reign (2Ki 18:8).

‘All of you.’ This would be the combined force of Philistine cities, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath and Ashdod. (The king of Ekron was loyal to Assyria which was why Hezekiah at some stage imprisoned him in Jerusalem). They were constantly seeking opportunities to break free from Assyria. In 734 BC Gath refused to pay tribute and was sacked. In 720 BC Gaza, Ashkelon and Gath all sided with Egypt against Assyria, and when the Egyptian forces were defeated at Gaza found themselves again defeated and occupied. In 711 BC Ashdod played a major part in a joint rebellion with west Palestine states and it too was defeated. Thus this attempt was one among many.

The idea of the rod becoming a snake comes from the Exodus narrative (Isa 4:2-3; Isa 7:10-12). The snake’s root may be Assyria. The viper in their midst is then not identified but would be far worse for them than Ahaz and would bring on them the might of Assyria, pictured in terms of the snake which as it struck with amazing speed appeared as if to fly (compare Isa 30:6). If a rebellion did arise it was certainly crushed.

But the idea may equally be that Ahaz was the rod which became the snake’s root producing the viper Hezekiah who became a flying serpent to rout Philistia as mentioned above.

Isa 14:30

‘And the firstborn of the poor will feed,

And the needy will lie down in safety,

And I will kill your root with famine,

And your remnant will be slain.’

This would suggest that the last part of Ahaz’s reign was a time of shortage, possibly due to Philistine retaliation once the Assyrian forces had gone, so that the poor had seen their firstborn die of starvation and the needy and undefended had lived precariously. The satisfactory feeding of the firstborn was a measure of general prosperity. The firstborn would be the first to receive food after the parents because of his status, thus if the firstborn did not feed neither did the others. This demonstrates that the times had indeed been desperate. But the accession of Hezekiah has produced better days so that their firstborn now have sufficient food and the needy sleep soundly. So God will now return the compliment and bring famine and warfare on the Philistines. While the root of the Davidic house will prosper, the root of the Philistines will starve.

Isa 14:31-32

‘Howl, O gate, cry, O city,

You are melted away (demoralised), Philistia, all of you.

For there comes a smoke out of the north,

And none stands aloof at his appointed times.

What then shall one answer the messengers of the nation?

That Yahweh has founded Zion, and in her will the afflicted of her people seek refuge.’

We know from 2Ki 18:7 that Hezekiah had broken with Assyria. Thus Philistia may well have done so at the same time. Both therefore await ‘the smoke from the north’, that is the dust clouds raised by the advancing Assyrians. But while Hezekiah will be confident in Yahweh the Philistines will all be demoralised for they have no one to look to, and they are desperately seeking allies. Therefore they will howl. The gate was the point of attack for any advancing army. That is why the howl will come from the gate as the army approaches.

‘None stands aloof at his appointed times.’ This must refer to the fact that none can evade what is coming. None can stand back and pretend not to be part of it. For when their appointed time comes they will be forced to face the invading army whatever happens, or alternatively to surrender and face the consequences in excessive tribute and severe punishment.

In view of this how should Hezekiah respond to the Philistine approaches? What answer should he give to the messenger from the allied nations? Isaiah’s answer is simple. It is Yahweh Who has founded Zion and thus it is Zion which is a safe place of refuge at this time when He still looks with favour on it. So as the armies approach the people can flee for refuge into the city that is God’s foundation, which He has established and will therefore protect, and there they will be secure. They therefore have no need of alliances with foreign nations. We are always safest when our reliance is on God.

Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett

Isa 14:28. In the year that king Ahaz died, was this burden We have here the second sermon of this second book; in which the prophet denounces judgment against the Philistines, exulting in the prosperous state of their affairs under the reign of Ahaz, and conceiving, on the death of that king, when this prophesy was delivered, still greater hopes of increasing prosperity; and foretels the grievous calamities they should suffer, as well from the son of Ahaz, as from the Assyrians; thus humbling their pride and boasting, and encouraging the pious and afflicted Jews with the hope of better times. This discourse consists of an inscription in this verse, and of the body of the prophesy, Isa 14:29-32.: in the former member whereof the prophet dehorts the Philistines from vain and empty boasting, a proof of their approaching calamity; the consequence of which would be joyful to the pious and afflicted; Isa 14:29-30. In the latter member he recommends to them mourning for a similar reason, and unfolds the new judgment which should complete the preceding one, with the hope of the pious; Isa 14:31-32. Concerning the subject and the time of this prophesy there can be no doubt, as they are both set forth by the prophet. Respecting its completion we shall speak in the subsequent notes. See Vitringa, and the Universal History, vol. 2: p. 217.

Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke

b) Prophecies relating to the nations threatened by Assyria, viz.: Philistia, Moab, Syria and Ephraim, Ethiopia and Egypt

Isa 14:28 to Isa 20:6

1. AGAINST PHILISTIA

Isa 14:28-32

This short piece was occasioned by an embassy that the Philistines sent to Jerusalem in hypocritical courtesy, after the death of king Ahaz. It contains the most manifold correspondences to chap. 11, so that there can be no doubt about its having a contemporaneous origin. Yet chap. 11, originated before this piece, for the latter evidently leans on the former. It is seen that the young king Hezekiah, immediately on ascending the throne awakened great expectations. That the present piece comes just here, has, may be, its explanation in this, that Isaiah would begin with these western neighbors as the least dangerous. He then passes on to the East to the mightier Moabites, from them he ascends north to the still mightier Syro-Ephraimites, to conclude with the mightiest of all, the Egyptians and Ethiopians of the South. Jeremiah, chap. 47, goes from the Philistines to the Moabites, and then by a round-about to Damascus.

____________________

28In The Year That King Ahaz Died Was This Burden.

29Rejoice not thou, 38whole Palestina,

Because 39the rod of him that smote thee is broken:

For out of the serpents root shall come forth a 40 41cockatrice,

And his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.

30And the first born of the poor shall feed,

And the needy shall lie down in safety:
And I will kill thy root with famine,
And he shall slay thy remnant.

31Howl, O gate; cry, O city;

Thou, awhole Palestina, art dissolved:

For there 42shall come from the north a smoke,

And 43 44none shall be alone in his 45appointed times.

32What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation?

That the Lord hath founded Zion,
And the poor of His people shall 46trust in it.

TEXTUAL AND GRAMMATICAL

Isa 14:28. see Isa 13:1.

Isa 14:30. is, so to speak, a superlative of = those on whom the essence of poverty and lowliness is impressed in full, unmitigated power.To take the basilisk as the subject of (Delitzsch) does too much violence. I [thus, too J. A. A.] take simply , which is gen. masc., as subject.

Isa 14:31. metonymy for those assembled in the gates, the Psa 69:13; hence the feminine construction: comp. Rth 3:11.Niph. occurs in Isaiah only here. The form is to be regarded here as Inf. absol. Regarding the form comp. Isa 59:13; Ewald, 240, c., (the hordes united at their rendezvous, Joel 8:14) is . . in Isaiah only here; comp, Hos 8:8; Psa 102:8.

Isa 14:32. is according to rule construed with a double Accusative (comp. 1Sa 20:10; Mic 6:5; Jer 23:37, etc.). The third pers. sing stands impersonally as is often the case (comp. Isa 6:10; Isa 7:24; Isa 8:4; Isa 10:4, etc.). stands often with of the place whither one flees for refuge (Isa 30:2; Psa 36:8; Jdg 9:15, etc.).

EXEGETICAL AND CRITICAL

1. Philistia is warned against rejoicing at the death of Ahaz. If Ahaz was a serpent, then out of his root (Isa 11:1notice the Messianic reference!) shall proceed a basilisk and flying dragon (Isa 14:29). Israel shall pasture in peace; Philistia perish by poverty and care (Isa 14:30). From the northern quarter the enemy shall invade the land, scathing and burning (Isa 14:31). But to the embassy, in regard to the matters they sought to spy out, the short, haughty answer shall be given: Zion is Jehovahs foundation, and in this the needy of His people find a sure refuge (Isa 14:32).

2. In the yearthy remnant.

Isa 14:28-30. The year of Ahazs death is 728 B. C. The Philistines, according to 2Ch 28:18, had possessed themselves of territory belonging to Israel. They had made a conquest in the low country () and in the south-land () of the cities Bethshemesh, Ajalon, Gederoth, Shocho, Timna and Gimzo, and dwelt in them. But of Hezekiah it is related (2Ki 18:8): He smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city. He had, therefore, at last conquered back the lost territory. This is all that the historical books offer to us concerning the times of Ahaz and Hezekiah.

From Isa 14:32 it is seen that after the death of Ahaz the Philistines sent ambassadors to Jerusalem. Perhaps the ostensible object of this embassage was neighborly consideration: they would offer condolence. But in reality they were to sound the state of affairs. [See below comment of J. A. A., etc., at Isa 14:32.–Tr.] Isaiah knows this very well, and gives them an answer that, on the one hand, befitted their perfidy, and, on the other, the standpoint of a genuine representative of the Theocracy. That is not saying that Isaiah gave this answer in the name of the government. He gave it as Prophet, i.e., he uttered it like he published his other prophecies; whether publicly or to the ears of the embassy, or before a few witnesses, is a matter of indifference. His words concern primarily the rulers themselves. He says to them how, as the representatives of the people of God, they ought to reply. At any rate, he knew that his words would go to the right address, i.e., as well to the government in Jerusalem as to the Philistine ambassadors.

The introductory words (Isa 14:28) are the same as Isa 6:1. In our passage they have evidently the sense that Ahaz had already died. This appears from what follows. Rejoice notetc.These words recall 2Sa 1:20, the lament of David over the death of Saul and his sons. For there it reads: Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph (comp. Mic 1:10). Ahaz was as little as Saul a king after Gods heart. That did not hinder the Philistines from rejoicing at the death of either of their kings. To either event that occasioned sorrow to Israel there was attached joyful hope for them. Though so far as we know, Ahaz did them no harm, but was rather conquered by them; yet they might hope that under his young successor their interests would be still more fostered. Therefore Isaiah warns them against overflowing with too much joyjoy that would fill all Philistia. He describes the subject of the joy to be: because the rod of him that smote thee is broken.As Ahaz did not smite the Philistines, but was much more smitten by them, we must not regard him as the rod that smote, but the kingdom of Judah in general. David broke their power (2Sa 5:17 sqq.; Isa 8:1; Isa 21:15 sqq.). Although from that period they were still dangerous enemies, yet the time of their superiority was past. It is related of Solomon (1Ki 4:21) and of Jehoshaphat (2Ch 17:11) that the Philistines were tributary to them. Uzziah leveled the walls of Gath, Jabneh and Ashdod (2Ch 26:6). The government of Ahaz was weak even toward the Philistines. Might they not hope that one still weaker would succeed Ahaz, and that thus the staff that had once smitten them would be entirely broken? For this reason we take (comp. Isa 9:12; Isa 10:20) to be rather: the staff that smote thee than the staff of him that smote thee. Ahaz, though having no staff that smote, was, as king of Judah, a part of that staff that had smitten them.

But the Prophet destroys the hope of the Philistines. He says in advance, that out of the root of the serpent shall proceed a basilisk and a conquering dragon. The expression , root, applied to the serpent is strange. But it is to be explained as an allusion to the root of Jesse (Isa 11:1; Isa 11:10). Perhaps there lies in the even an allusion to the name , and at the same time a reminder of the serpent that Dan was to be, according to Gen 49:17, and whose realization we find in Samson. , basilisk (which occurs only here) evidently means the same as which Isa 11:8, uses in the same discourse of which the expression root has reminded us. The expression must any way be meant as something stronger compared with serpent, as, on the other hand, flying dragon (found again only Isa 30:6; comp. Herod, 2:75; 3:109 and Gesen.in loc.) is meant to express something stronger than . By the basilisk, the Prophet any way means Hezekiah; very likely by the flying dragon, he means the Messiah. For what is said Isa 14:30 of the happy circumstances of Israel, plainly recalls the representation of the Messianic salvation Isa 11:4 sqq.But if the Prophet compares the typical and anti-typical king of Judah to serpents, we must consider that they must be serpents only for the hated enemies. God says of Himself that He will be the plague and destruction of death (Hos 13:14).

First-born of the lowly it says Isa 14:30; not the first-born. I do not think that the here are the Jews. The Prophet lives quite in the sphere of the ideas of chap. 11. There it is said (Isa 14:4 sqq.), that the Messiah shall judge the lowly () with righteousness, and that wild and tame beasts shall pasture peacefully together. In our passage the Prophet unites both these thoughts, in that he draws from the one his subject and from the other his predicate. But, according to Isa 11:4, he means the lowly and poor in an individual sense. He is not thinking of political lowliness of the nation. It shall be a sign of the glory and blessedness of His kingdom, that people, that otherwise were poor and wretched, shall move in rich pasture and rest there securely. He means of course Jewish poor, but not the Jews as the poorest people. It appears to me, moreover, that Isaiah has before his mind a passage from Job (Job 18:12-13) where it says: Be hunger his power, and destruction stand ready at his side; devour the members of his skin, devour his members the first-born of death.

In contrast with the rich pasture that the poor of Israel shall find under their king, the Messiah, and in contrast with the glorious fruit that the root of the royal house of David shall produce, the Philistines shall be destroyed to the root of their existence by hunger and want, yea, the last remnant of them shall be strangled by this grim enemy.
3. Howl, O gatetrust in it.

Isa 14:31-32. The Prophet describes in Isa 14:31, how Philistia will suffer and feel the destruction, which, according to 29b and 30b, is in prospect. The gates shall howl (comp. Isa 13:6; Jer 48:20) and the entire population of the cities shall cry (comp. Eze 21:17) the whole land shall dissolve in anguish and fear, i.e., shall be without courage, counsel, defence (comp. Exo 15:15; Jos 2:9; Jos 2:24; ?????Jos 10:18; Jos 13:7). The reason for these utterances is assigned: for there shall come from the north a smoke.It is plain enough that neither clouds of dust nor fire borne in advance of troops can be intended here. For neither of these would occasion terror like the smoke of towns already set on fire. Most expositors understand the Assyrian to be meant by the approaching enemy. But that is much too narrow a construction. According to Isa 14:29 b. and 30b. the Lord announces Himself, and His anointed as the enemy that will destroy Philistia. And if Isa 14:30 a. Messianic salvation is proclaimed to Israel, then the reverse of this for the Philistines is naturally Messianic destruction. But Philistia will have, too, its part to endure in the great judgments that the Lord will bring on the world of nations, and by which He will redeem His people. In Isa 11:14, which is so nearly allied to our passage, the Philistines are, in fact, expressly named among the nations out of whose power the Lord will deliver His people. Therefore, the Prophet means here the final judgment on Philistia, though, of course, this does not exclude that this final judgment has its preliminary stages, and that one of these, too, may be an Assyrian invasion, to which, in fact, from the north refers. The army of the enemy will be a compact and powerful bodyno one runs away, no one strays off (comp. Isa 5:27).

The Prophet having said to the Philistines in general, what the reality of the future will be in contrast with the hopes of their malicious rejoicing, comes at last (Isa 14:32) to speak of the special fact that prompted him to this prophetic declaration. Ambassadors had come who ostensibly would manifest friendly sympathy, but, in fact, spy out how matters stood in Jerusalem. The Prophet knows that. It is important to give them an answer that is worthy of the Theocracy. Whether or not the powers that were were competent and willing to do this we know not. Any way the Prophet of Jehovah considered it as belonging to his office to express what, from the genuine theocratic point of view, ought to be said to these ambassadors. ,, messengers of a nation, stands significantly without article. , nation, designates here very expressly a heathen people. He says therefore: what sort of answer have messengers of a heathen people to get, who come with such a purpose as these Philistines now do? None other than the curt: Jehovah founded Zion, (Isa 28:16) and therefore the wretched of His people (Isa 10:2) can hide themselves with confidence in this divine foundation. [The very absence of the article (i.e., with ) implies that the expression (messengers of a nation) is indefinite, and that the whole sense meant to be conveyed is this, that such may be the answer given to the inquiries made from any quarter.J. A. A. This judicious remark may suffice to call attention to the very slender foundation there is for the conjecture which yet gives much of the coloring to the foregoing comment. If no special Philistine delegation is meant by Isaiah, then all that is said about pretended condolence, malicious satisfaction, spying, etc., is misplaced fancy. Much as we may desire to detect the historic facts connected with prophecy, we must be content without them if they are not supplied. The tendency of modern exposition is as much to license in conjecturing the historical basis of prophecy, as formerly it was to license in detecting the fulfilment of it. On Isa 14:29, J. A. A., comments: All interpreters agree that the Philistines are here spoken of, as having recently escaped from the ascendancy of some superior power, but at the same time threatened with a more complete subjection. Everything historically specific, beyond this obviously sure statement, is conjecture with no broader foundation than that pointed out above. Another commentater (Dr. B. Neteler,Das Buch Isaiasmit Bercksichtigungder auf seinen Inhalt sick bezieenden assyrischen Inschriften erklrt, Mnster, 1876), who reads the text in the light of recent interpretations of Assyrian inscriptions identifies the reference of the symbols as follows: The staff that repeatedly smote the Philistines very seriously was Sargon. The basilisk proceeding out of the root of the serpent is Sennacherib, who, in his third expedition, conquered various Philistine cities. The flying dragon is Esarhaddon, who, in the beginning of his reign, undertook an expedition toward the sea coasts, and whose war against Egypt was doubtless a considerable burden for Philistia. The messengers of the nation (Isa 14:32) that came on like a devastating fire, and overcame the nation of Philistines with little trouble, must acknow ledge that worldly-power comes to grief against Zion. Sargon and Sennacherib had that experience.” Birks makes the rod = the serpent = Tiglath-Pileser, etc.Tr.].

DOCTRINAL AND ETHICAL

1. On Isa 14:32. It is to be remarked here that Isaiah holds out as a shield, the truth that the Lord has founded Zion. But when the Jews founded on this truth a wicked hope, in that they saw therein a passport for every sort of godless-ness, then it is said: Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the Lord, are these. Jer 7:4.

Footnotes:

[38]all Philistia.

[39]the rod that smote.

[40]Or, adder.

[41]basilisk.

[42]comes.

[43]Or, he shall not be alone.

[44]no straggler in his armies.

[45]Or, assemblies.

[46]Or, betake themselves unto it.

Fuente: A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, Critical, Doctrinal, and Homiletical by Lange

The date of the prophecy is here faithfully set down, in order that, when accomplished, it may not be suspected to have been written after the things predicted had come to pass. The year that Ahaz died. The same year that Uzziah died, Isaiah had that glorious vision, Isa 6:1 ; and the death of Ahaz was remarkable also in this burden, concerning Babylon. Isaiah forewarns Palestina not to rejoice at the death of the king, for others shall arise to punish.

Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

Isa 14:28 In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.

Ver. 28. In the year that King Ahaz died. ] A very good world’s riddance. When Tiberius the tyrant died, some of the people offered sacrifice for joy; others in detestation of him cried out, Tiberium in Tiberim, Let Tiberius be thrown into Tiber. Think the like of Ahaz, that stigmatical Belialist. Howbeit, as bad as he was, the Philistines hearing of his death, hoped to find some advantage thereby against the Jews, who are therefore here encouraged.

Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isa 14:28-32

28In the year that King Ahaz died this oracle came:

29Do not rejoice, O Philistia, all of you,

Because the rod that struck you is broken;

For from the serpent’s root a viper will come out,

And its fruit will be a flying serpent.

30Those who are most helpless will eat,

And the needy will lie down in security;

I will destroy your root with famine,

And it will kill off your survivors.

31Wail, O gate; cry, O city;

Melt away, O Philistia, all of you;

For smoke comes from the north,

And there is no straggler in his ranks.

32How then will one answer the messengers of the nation?

That the LORD has founded Zion,

And the afflicted of His people will seek refuge in it.

Isa 14:28 Notice there is an oracle mentioned in Isa 14:28-32 which deals with YHWH’s judgment on Philistia (i.e., the Philistines), but this is not linked to the Assyrian-oriented strophe of Isa 14:24-27.

In the year that King Ahaz died In my OT chart, Kings of the divided Monarchy (Appendix Four, #3), three scholars give their proposed dates for Ahaz.

1. John Bright, 735 – 715 B.C.

2. E. J. Young, 736 – 728 B.C.

3. R. K Harrison, 732/732 – 716/715 B.C.

These dates (reign and co-reign, not necessarily death) could fit four aggressive Assyrian kings.

1. Tiglath-Pileser III, 745 – 727 B.C.

2. Shalmaneser V, 727 – 722 B.C.

3. Sargon II, 722 – 705 B.C.

4. Sennacherib, 705 – 681 B.C. (185,000 soldiers killed before the walls of Jerusalem in 701 B.C., cf. Isaiah 36-39; 2 Kings 18-19).

Number 3, Sargon II, died in battle away from home and did participate in a military campaign against Philistia.

Isa 14:29 Philistia is commanded not to rejoice (BDB 970, KB 1333, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense) because the evil empire has been defeated. Their short-term deliverance will not last!

The last two lines of Isa 14:29 are very ambiguous and uncertain. They seem to mean that things will go from bad to worse.

The phrase flying serpent is the NOUN serpent (BDB 977 I, cf. Isa 30:6; Num 21:6) plus the PARTICIPLE flying (BDB 733, KB 800, Polel PARTICIPLE), which denotes rapid movement (i.e., striking, sliding, darting).

Isa 14:30 The first two lines refer to God’s care for

1. His covenant people (cf. Isa 14:32) or

2. the needy of Philistine society

Isa 14:31 Wail, O gate; cry, O city These two IMPERATIVES

1. wail, BDB 410, KB 413, Hiphil

2. cry, BDB 277, KB 277, Qal

describe the overthrow of the five cities of the Philistines, each with its own king (city states).

Melt away, O Philistia, all of you The VERB (BDB 556, KB 555, Niphal INFINITIVE ABSOLUTE) describes the paralyzing fear which grips a population (cf. Exo 15:15; Jos 2:9; Jos 2:24; 1Sa 14:16).

Note this phrase refers to the destruction of the entire society (cf. Jeremiah 47 and Amo 1:6-8).

For smoke comes from the north The empires of the Fertile Crescent are to the east of Canaan, but because of the desert in between their armies, had to follow the Euphrates to its headwaters and then move south along the coastal plain. Therefore, north became an idiom of invasion, evil, and destruction.

1. here it refers to Assyria

2. in Jer 4:6; Jer 6:1; Jer 6:22; Jer 10:22; Jer 13:20; Jer 15:12; Jer 46:20; Jer 46:24; Eze 26:7 it refers to Neo-Babylon.

there is no straggler in his ranks This describes a new Mesopotamian invader. One is gone (cf. Isa 14:29), but another one, a worse one (cf. Isa 14:29 c,d), is coming!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. Does Isaiah 13-14 refer to Babylon or Assyria?

2. Are Isaiah 13, 14 talking about a particular historical king or is the title used as a symbol of godless human government?

3. Is Isaiah 14 a reference to Satan?

4. Does this chapter mention demons or animals in Isa 13:21-22; Isa 14:23?

5. Sum up the theological truth in one sentence.

6. How is this prophecy used in the NT?

Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley

king Ahaz died. Compare Isa 6:1.

burden = rod: i.e. Babylon.

Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics

Isa 14:28-32

PROPHECY AGAINST PHILISTIA

“In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden. Rejoice not, O Philistia, all of thee, because the rod that smote thee is broken; for out of the serpent’s root shall come forth an adder, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent. And the first-born of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety; and I will kill thy root with famine, and thy remnant shall be slain. Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou art melted away, O Philistia, all of thee; for there cometh a smoke out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks. What then shall one answer the messengers of the nation? That Jehovah hath founded Zion, and in her shall the afflicted of the people take refuge.”

This prophecy is dated by the prophet Isaiah as having been given in the year that king Ahaz died, which was about the year 725 B.C.

The background of this prophecy, according to Kidner, lay during the period immediately after the death of Ahaz and in the early years of Hezekiah, and in the atmosphere created by an ambassage from Philistia to Hezekiah proposing a rebellion against Assyria, an idea always attractive to Hezekiah.

God’s reply to Hezekiah, through the prophet Isaiah, was threefold: (1) There are worse things to come from Assyria. “The basilisk and the flying serpent (Isa 14:29) are symbols of worse and worse oppressors. (2) Philistia is a doomed people (Isa 14:30-31). (3) True help and support can come only from the Lord, spoken of here as the founder of Zion and the true refuge of God’s people. Kidner noted that reliance upon the power of God instead of alliances with other nations should have been the right course for Hezekiah to follow. “The constant message of Isaiah is `Trust not Intrigue.’

Isa 14:26, above, deserves further attention. “This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth; and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.”

GOD’S HAND IN HISTORY

What is this “purpose” which applies to the whole earth? It is simply this: nations that become excessively wicked are in turn defeated and destroyed by other nations; and specifically, those nations which exalt themselves against God are repeatedly, one after another, doomed and crushed.

Is it still being done? Are not the proud nations today getting by without punishment for their pride, ambition, and self-exaltation? It may appear, now and then to be so; but in the larger movement of history, the hand of God is still clearly visible. The Emperor of Germany, Kaiser Wilhelm loved to refer to himself as the “All Highest”; but look at what happened to him. Prior to that, the French Revolutionists installed “The God of Reason” to take the place of the Lord. They began “a new era,” so they thought, and even changed the names of all the months in the year; but today no one on earth knows what the new names are, except by his reference to an encyclopedia! Since the evil French nation had their revolution, their government has fallen forty times, and for years and years, their country was crashed under the heel of invaders.

It was no different with Nazi Germany. The Fourth Reich was to last a thousand years. God split open the ugly heart of Nazism and spilled its filth upon the ground, split the nation in two; and the troops of their destroyers are still deployed in their cities! Yes, God still rules in the kingdoms of men (Dan 4:25)!

Just recently, as this is being written, the Emperor of Japan has been buried, not as a god, worshipped by millions of people, which was surely his status in World War II, but as an ordinary mortal. Thus, our generation has just seen a “god” formally relinquish his title and became like all other men, mortal, perishable, and destined at last for the grave. This remarkable renunciation and transformation took place aboard the Battleship Missouri during the take-over of Japan by General Douglas MacArthur.

Isa 14:28-32 PHILISTIA PUNISHED: Isaiah clearly remembered the date of his oracle against Philistia. It was 728 B.C., the year that king Ahaz died. It appears the Philistines, for some reason or another, had been relieved of some degree of former oppression or subjugation and were now rejoicing that their future looked bright. They evidently were assuming that now (perhaps that the Assyrian domination was checked by Hezekiah) they could have free reign in the land of Palestine to wrest its control from the Jews. The message of Gods prophet, however, is that several military or political situations shall arise successively (likened to first a serpent, then an adder, then fiery flying serpent), one always worse than the other, which would eventually wipe out the Philistine nation clear down to its roots. The utter destruction and obliteration of Philistia is contrasted with the utter salvation and protection of Gods small, weak remnant, Judah. The lowliest of the low, the godly poor will feed and dwell secure in Gods remnant. Philistia will wail and cry for a destructive force from the north will come upon her. The smoke may refer to the campfires of the army coming or to the Philistine cities being burned. The force from the north probably refers to the successive and progressively worsening attacks upon Philistia by the Assyrians after the days of Hezekiah. Sargon, Assyrian emperor (722-705 B.C.) captured the Philistine cities, deported some of the inhabitants and set over them an Assyrian governor. Later struggles between Egypt and Assyria were the cause of great suffering to the Philistine cities, and practically close their history as strictly Philistinian, The Assyrians were very cruel and methodical in their bloody warfare upon the world. There were no stragglers in their armies. They went about their work of destruction with diligence.

Isa 14:32 ZION PROTECTED: What should one answer messengers of the nation of Judah when they saw all around the destruction of the neighboring peoples by the bloodthirsty Assyrians? Will Zion (Judah) fall too? The prophets answer is brief but emphatic. The message is simply, Jehovah hath founded Zion, and in her shall the afflicted of his people take refuge. Jehovah so powerfully and consistently demonstrated His purpose and ability to save and protect His people from all enemies all the messengers needed to know was, Jehovah hath founded Zion! The same message applies today. God has demonstrated in history His power to save, even from death. He has demonstrated His power and purpose to preserve His church. All we need to know is He has founded the Church. We take refuge in Him.

Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary

burden

See note 1; (See Scofield “Isa 13:1”).

Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes

am 3278, bc 726, Isa 6:1, 2Ki 16:20, 2Ch 28:27

Reciprocal: 1Ch 4:41 – Hezekiah Isa 13:1 – burden Isa 15:1 – burden Jer 23:33 – What Eze 12:10 – This Eze 16:57 – reproach Nah 1:1 – burden

Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isa 14:28-29. In the year Ahaz died was this burden This is the second sermon of this second part of Isaiahs prophecies, (see the general argument, and the contents of chap. 13.,) in which the prophet denounces judgment against the Philistines, exulting in the prosperous state of their affairs, under the reign of Ahaz, and conceiving on the death of that king, when this prophecy was delivered, still greater hopes of increasing prosperity. Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina Hebrew, Palestina, , all of thee, that is, all thy tribes, or clans. For they were still, as formerly, it seems, under the government of five lords or heads, 1Sa 6:16; because the rod of him that smote thee is broken Because Ahaz, the son of Uzziah, thy deadly enemy, is cut off; or, because the power of the kings of Judah, who were wont to be a great scourge to thee, is now much impaired. Uzziah had smitten and subdued the Philistines, 2Ch 26:6-7; but, taking advantage of the weak reign of Ahaz, they had since then not only recovered their former power, but had gained much more, had even invaded Judea, and taken and held in possession divers cities and villages in the southern part of that kingdom, 2Ch 28:18. But the prophet here foretels the grievous calamities which they should suffer as well from Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, as from the Assyrians; thus humbling their pride and boasting, and encouraging the pious and afflicted Jews with the hope of better times. For out of the serpents root shall come forth a cockatrice Or basilisk, as Bishop Lowth translates , a serpent of the most poisonous kind, termed , a fiery flying serpent, in the next clause. As if he had said, As much as a basilisk, or fiery flying serpent, is more to be dreaded than a common viper; so much more reason have you to fear Hezekiah than his grandfather Uzziah, because the grandson will gain greater victories over you. This Hezekiah did, for he smote the Philistines even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, 2Ki 18:8. A flying serpent, says Lowth, is what the Latins call serpens jaculus, which darts itself against any creature it meets; and they are called fiery, because they cause an inflammation where they sting.

Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Isa 14:28-32. Philistias Exultation is Premature: Worse Calamities are at Hand.The Philistines are warned not to rejoice that the rod which has oppressed them is broken, for the tyrants successor will smite them with greater severity. At first sight it might seem, on account of the title, that the breaking of the rod referred to the death of Ahaz. But we do not know that the Philistines were at this time in any way subject to Judah, and it is likely that both Jews and Philistines were subject to Assyria. Nor does the prophecy favour this view, since it represents Judah as in poverty, while the description of the enemy that is coming upon Philistia points unmistakably to Assyria, if Isaiah is the author. Probably, then, the reference is to the death of an Assyrian king. We might think of Tiglath-Pilesers death in 727, or Shalmanesers in 722, or Sargons in 705 (pp. 59, 70f.). Titles are often untrustworthy, but there is nothing intrinsically suspicious in the title to this prophecy, while the fact that the year 727, assigned on independent grounds as the death-year of Ahaz, was also the death-year of Tiglath-pileser, is a striking coincidence, which makes it probable that this is the date of the prophecy. Duhm dates it between the battle of Issus (333 B.C.) and the capture of Gaza by Alexander the Great in the following year. In that case the Persian monarchy will be the broken rod; and the writer warns the Philistines that, instead of gaining their freedom through its overthrow, they will find Alexander a severer oppressor. But the breaking of the staff probably refers to the death of a king from whom they had greatly suffered. The rod and the serpent mean the same thing, viz. the oppressing empire or king. The serpents root is the root from which the serpent has sprung, probably the royal house of Assyria. Since the basilisk springs from the same root as the serpent, it is hardly likely that the prophet can mean that one oppressing empire will be succeeded by another. It is the same power throughout that is referred to. The basilisk and fiery flying serpent are symbols of worse and worse oppressors. The Philistines seem to have sent ambassadors to Judah to form an alliance against the enemy. It was not unusual, when an Assyrian king died, for numerous rebellions among the subject nations to break out in the empire. The Philistines were very turbulent, and probably it is to one of these attempts that the passage refers. The answer is quite in the spirit of Isaiah. Yahweh has founded Zion; it is therefore safe, and needs no earthly alliance. The several petty kingdoms which make up Philistia are all rejoicing at the oppressors death; but their joy is premature, for his successor will be far more formidable. But the poor shall feed on Yahwehs mountains and rest in safety, but the seed (LXX) of Philistia will be destroyed by famine and her remnant shall be slain. Philistia may lament for her extermination; the Assyrians are coming from the North, their track marked by the smoke of blazing towns. The soldiers march in a close, compact order, with no straggler in the ranks (mg.). The Philistian ambassadors must take back the message that Yahweh has established Zion, and in her the afflicted people take refuge.

Isa 14:29. basilisk: probably a mythical creature.

Isa 14:30. firstborn of the poor: if MT is correct, this means the poorest of the poor. Probably we should read, and the poor shall feed on my mountains.

Fuente: Peake’s Commentary on the Bible

14:28 In the year that king Ahaz died was this {q} burden.

(q) Read Geneva “Isa 13:1”

Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes

The oracle against Philistia 14:28-32

Another nation that some people in Judah wanted to trust in for protection from the Mesopotamian threat was Philistia, on Judah’s west, but she too was under the judgment of God.

Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)

This oracle came to Isaiah in the year that King Ahaz died, namely, 715 B.C. The dating of prophecies is rare in Isaiah, so probably this date has some bearing on the interpretation of the oracle.

Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)

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