NOTES for Isa 8:1-22

Faced with a military threat, Judah confronted a political choice: either form an alliance with Syria and Samaria against Assyria, or the opposite. Having chosen Assyrian support, King Ahaz awaits an attack from the north. But the prophet reminds him that the Lord is the true arbiter of history and that the alliance he must make is with Him. When we find ourselves in a difficult situation, we too often do not know to whom to turn for help. But those who have entered into a covenant with God must turn first of all to Him!