So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.
So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-Pileser, the king of Assyria, saying, 'I am your servant and your son. Come and rescue me from the kings of Syria and Israel, who are attacking me.'
King Ahaz desperately asked the powerful Assyrian king for military help against his enemies, calling himself Assyria's servant in exchange for protection.
📚 Historical Context
This occurred around 735 BC when King Ahaz of Judah faced invasion from a coalition of Syria and Israel (called the Syro-Ephraimite War). Rather than trusting God as the prophet Isaiah advised, Ahaz chose to make Judah a vassal state to the mighty Assyrian Empire. This decision would have long-term consequences, eventually leading to Judah's subjugation under foreign powers.
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