Isaiah 14:28

In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.

In the year {H8141} that king {H4428} Ahaz {H271} died {H4194} was this burden {H4853}.

In the year that King Achaz died, this prophecy came:

In the year that King Ahaz died, this burden was received:

In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.

Isaiah 14:28 serves as a precise historical marker for the prophetic oracle that immediately follows in the book of Isaiah. It sets the stage for a new divine message, grounding it firmly in the geopolitical realities of ancient Judah.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse specifies the exact timing of the subsequent prophecy: "In the year that king Ahaz died." King Ahaz was a notorious king of Judah (reigned c. 735-715 BC) known for his idolatry and his decision to seek alliance with Assyria rather than trusting in God during the Syro-Ephraimite War. His reign was marked by significant national decline and spiritual apostasy, as detailed in 2 Kings 16 and 2 Chronicles 28. Ahaz's death marked a critical transition point for Judah, potentially signaling a change in political alliances or divine judgment, and thus a fitting moment for a new divine pronouncement.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Timing: The verse highlights God's meticulous attention to historical detail. Prophecies are not given in a vacuum but are precisely timed to coincide with significant events, demonstrating God's active involvement in human history and the unfolding of His plan.
  • Sovereignty of God: Even the death of a powerful king like Ahaz falls within God's sovereign plan. This timing underscores that God orchestrates events, including the rise and fall of leaders, to accomplish His purposes (compare with Daniel 2:21).
  • Transition and New Revelation: The death of Ahaz signals the beginning of a new "burden" or prophetic message, which, as seen in Isaiah 14:29, is directed specifically against Philistia. This indicates a shift in focus or a fresh word from the Lord concerning neighboring nations.

Linguistic Insights

The term "burden" (Hebrew: massa) is significant. It is not merely a heavy load but often refers to a prophetic oracle, particularly one of judgment or a weighty pronouncement from God. It conveys the solemnity and divine authority of the message being delivered through the prophet Isaiah concerning the fate of nations.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God is at work in all seasons of life and history, even during periods of transition, political upheaval, or the passing of old eras. Just as God delivered a specific message at a specific time in ancient Judah, He continues to communicate His will and purposes to those who seek Him. It encourages us to pay attention to the historical and spiritual contexts in which God's word is revealed, understanding that His timing is always perfect and purposeful, and that even seemingly small historical markers in scripture hold deep significance for understanding God's overarching plan.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Kings 16:20

    And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

  • Isaiah 13:1

    ¶ The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:27

    And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, [even] in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

  • Isaiah 6:1

    ¶ In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back