Isaiah 14:28

KJV

In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 14:28 serves as a precise historical marker, anchoring the subsequent prophetic oracle concerning Philistia to a specific and significant moment in Judah's history: the death of King Ahaz. This verse highlights God's meticulous involvement in human affairs, demonstrating that divine revelation is not abstract but deeply interwoven with the geopolitical realities and transitional periods of nations and their leaders, setting the stage for a new pronouncement of judgment and sovereign action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a superscription or heading for the oracle against Philistia that immediately follows in [Isaiah 14:29-32](/isaiah/14-29 "Isaiah 14:29-32 - Oracle Against Philistia"). It breaks the flow from the preceding oracle against Babylon (Isaiah 13-14:27), signaling a new prophetic "burden" or message. The placement of such precise historical markers is common in prophetic literature, grounding the divine word in tangible historical moments and emphasizing its relevance to contemporary events. This particular oracle against Philistia would have been highly significant for Judah, as Philistia was a neighboring nation with a long history of conflict and interaction, often serving as a proxy in the larger geopolitical struggles involving Assyria and Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Ahaz reigned over Judah from approximately 735-715 BC, a period of immense political and spiritual turmoil. His reign was characterized by profound apostasy, including the introduction of pagan worship practices and even child sacrifice, as extensively documented in [2 Kings 16](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - Ahaz's Wicked Reign") and [2 Chronicles 28](/2_chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - Ahaz's Idolatry and Defeat"). During the Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 734 BC), Ahaz, despite Isaiah's counsel to trust in the Lord (cf. [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - Immanuel Prophecy")), chose to appeal to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria for help, thereby subjecting Judah to Assyrian vassalage. The death of a king was always a moment of significant transition and often instability, prompting questions about succession, political alliances, and the future direction of the kingdom. For Judah, Ahaz's death marked the end of a particularly dark chapter and potentially the beginning of a new era, which in this case, God chose as the moment to deliver a fresh word.
* **Key Themes:** The verse underscores several profound themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Timing**, emphasizing that God's prophetic word is not delivered arbitrarily but at precisely appointed moments in history, demonstrating His active superintendence over all events, including the rise and fall of kings. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the **Sovereignty of God** over human rulers and geopolitical shifts; even the death of a king, seemingly a natural event, is framed as a divinely opportune moment for new revelation, aligning with the broader biblical theme that God "removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Thirdly, the verse signals **Transition and New Revelation**, marking a shift in the prophetic focus from the major powers of Babylon and Assyria to a more immediate neighbor, Philistia, indicating God's comprehensive oversight of all nations surrounding Judah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ahaz (Hebrew, _ʼÂchâz'_):** From the root meaning "to possess" or "to grasp." Ahaz was a king of Judah (H271) notorious for his unfaithfulness and idolatry. His name itself, meaning "possessor," ironically contrasts with his actions, as he seemed to grasp for human alliances rather than divine security. His death marks the precise historical anchor for the subsequent oracle, signifying a pivotal moment of transition for Judah.
* **died (Hebrew, _mâveth'_):** Derived from the verb "to die" (H4194), this word refers to natural or violent death. In this context, it signifies the cessation of Ahaz's reign and life. The specific mention of his death is not merely a historical note but a theological statement, marking the end of an era of profound apostasy and signaling a new phase in God's dealings with Judah and its neighbors.
* **burden (Hebrew, _massâʼ'_):** From the root "to lift" or "to carry" (H4853), this term is multifaceted. While it can mean a literal heavy load, in prophetic literature, it frequently denotes a "prophetic oracle," particularly one of judgment or a weighty pronouncement from God. It conveys the solemnity, divine authority, and often the severe nature of the message being delivered, implying a weighty responsibility for the prophet and a heavy consequence for the recipients.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the year that king Ahaz died":** This phrase provides a precise chronological marker, dating the prophetic oracle to approximately 715 BC. The death of King Ahaz, a figure of significant spiritual and political consequence for Judah, serves as a divine timestamp. This specific dating underscores God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating that His prophetic word is not delivered in a vacuum but is intricately tied to real-world events and the unfolding of His sovereign plan. It also implicitly highlights the end of an era marked by Ahaz's ungodly reign, potentially signaling a new opportunity or a shift in divine dealings.
* **"was this burden":** The phrase "this burden" refers to the prophetic oracle that immediately follows in [Isaiah 14:29-32](/isaiah/14-29 "Isaiah 14:29-32 - The Oracle Against Philistia"). As discussed in the key word analysis, "burden" (Hebrew: *massâʼ*) signifies a weighty, authoritative divine pronouncement, often one of judgment. The use of "this" indicates that the oracle is about to be revealed, grounding the subsequent message in the specific historical context just established. It emphasizes that what is to come is not merely human opinion but a divinely ordained message with serious implications.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily functions as a **Historical Marker** and a **Superscription**, precisely dating the subsequent oracle. This use of specific historical events to introduce prophetic messages is a common feature in biblical prophecy, lending credibility and immediacy to the divine word. The term "burden" itself employs **Metonymy**, where the "burden" (the heavy message) stands for the "oracle" (the prophetic utterance). This choice of word emphasizes the gravity and solemnity of the divine pronouncement. Furthermore, the verse uses **Proleptic Dating**, where the oracle's delivery is dated by an event (Ahaz's death) that is significant for its audience, even if the full implications of that death are yet to unfold. This serves to underscore God's perfect timing and His sovereign control over the course of history, including the lives and deaths of powerful rulers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 14:28 powerfully illustrates God's meticulous sovereignty over human history, even in seemingly mundane details like the death of a king. It reveals that divine revelation is not disconnected from earthly affairs but is precisely timed and delivered within the context of specific geopolitical and social realities. This precision underscores the truth that God is actively engaged in the affairs of nations, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes, whether through judgment or deliverance. The "burden" signifies the weighty nature of God's word, emphasizing its authority and the inevitability of its fulfillment, reminding us that God's plans transcend human reigns and political shifts.
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons") - "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Plan to Prophets") - "For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets."
* [Ecclesiastes 3:1](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1 - A Time for Everything") - "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 14:28, though brief, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is perpetually at work, 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. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness, recognizing that God's hand is active in the unfolding events of our world and our personal lives. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and trust in God's perfect timing and sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain. We are called to discern the "burdens" or weighty truths that God is revealing in our own time, understanding that His word is always relevant, purposeful, and ultimately redemptive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's precise timing in historical events (like Ahaz's death) deepen your trust in His sovereignty over your own life's transitions?**
* **In what ways might God be speaking to you or your community through current events or "burdens" that you are experiencing?**
* **How can we better cultivate a posture of attentiveness to God's word and His work in the world, even when it seems to be in a state of flux?**

### FAQ
**What does "burden" mean in the context of biblical prophecy?**

Answer: In biblical prophecy, especially in the Old Testament, the Hebrew word *massâʼ* (often translated as "burden") refers to a weighty prophetic oracle or divine pronouncement. It signifies a message from God that carries significant authority and often implies a heavy responsibility for the prophet delivering it, as well as serious implications, often judgment, for the recipients. Examples include the "burden of Babylon" or the "burden of Egypt." In [Isaiah 14:28](/isaiah/14-28 "Isaiah 14:28 - The Burden of Philistia"), "this burden" refers to the oracle against Philistia that follows.

**Why is the death of King Ahaz specifically mentioned as the timing for this prophecy?**

Answer: The mention of King Ahaz's death serves multiple purposes. Historically, it provides a precise chronological anchor for the oracle, dating it to approximately 715 BC. Theologically, it underscores God's meticulous involvement in human history and His sovereignty over the rise and fall of leaders. Ahaz was a particularly unfaithful king whose reign brought Judah into deep spiritual apostasy and political subjugation to Assyria (cf. [2 Kings 16](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - Ahaz's Wicked Reign")). His death marked a significant transition point, potentially signaling the end of a dark era and a moment when God chose to deliver a new word concerning the future, particularly regarding Judah's relationship with its neighbors like Philistia. It highlights that God's prophetic word is always relevant to the current historical and political landscape.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 14:28 is a historical marker for an oracle against Philistia, its underlying themes of divine timing, God's sovereignty over history, and the nature of a "burden" find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The entire redemptive narrative culminates in the perfectly timed advent of Jesus Christ, the ultimate "burden" bearer. Just as God's word came at a precise moment in Ahaz's death, so too did Christ come "when the fullness of time had come" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")), fulfilling centuries of prophecy. Jesus Himself bore the ultimate "burden" – not merely a prophetic oracle, but the weighty burden of humanity's sin and the judgment it deserved, carrying it to the cross ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")). His death was not merely a historical event but the pivotal, divinely ordained moment that ushered in a new covenant and a new era of salvation, far surpassing the transition marked by Ahaz's demise. The "burden" of God's righteous judgment was fully satisfied in Christ, allowing for the "burden" of sin to be lifted from those who believe ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Thus, this verse, in its seemingly simple dating, points to the grander truth of God's sovereign plan unfolding perfectly in Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of all divine revelation and the final answer to humanity's deepest burdens.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.