Isaiah 14:28-32

Warning to the Philistines

This prophecy is assigned, in the title prefixed to it, to the year that king Ahaz died (728 b.c.). The Philistines are represented as exulting over the death of their oppressor, but are warned that their joy is premature, for worse times are in store for them. The oppressor of Philistia referred to may be (1) Ahaz, whose death may have formed the occasion of the utterance, or, more probably, (2) Tiglathpileser, whose ally Ahaz had been; in that case Sargon and Sennacherib are indicated by the cockatrice and fiery serpent (Isaiah 14:29), each one proving more terrible and formidable to the nations of Western Asia than his predecessor.

The joy of Philistia is premature, for, though apparently broken, the Assyrian power will recover and become more formidable than before (Isaiah 14:29). While Judah escapes, Philistia will suffer from famine and sword (30), and the smoke on the horizon already marks the invader’s approach (31). Philistine ambassadors arrived in Judah to arrange a defensive alliance; the prophet’s answer is an expression of confidence in Jehovah, who has promised safety to Zion (32).

29. Thou, whole Palestina] RV ’O Philistia, all of thee.’ Rod of him, etc.] RV ’rod that smote.’ The rod symbolises the Assyrian power, as in Isaiah 10:24. Serpent’s root, etc.] Each species mentioned is more deadly than the preceding, the fiery serpent being the worst of all (Isaiah 30:6; Numbers 21:6); the serpent also symbolises Assyria in Isaiah 27:1.

30. Firstborn of the poor] i.e. the very poor, those inheriting a double portion (Deuteronomy 21:17) of poverty. The reference is to the people of Judah, who, though afflicted, shall escape, whereas of the Philistines will be left no remnant to return.

31. Thou.. dissolved] RV ’thou art melted away, O Philistia, all of thee.’ The north] the way by which the invader would naturally approach. Shall be alone in] RV ’standeth aloof at.’ The meaning is that no soldier is missing from the ranks of the enemy.

32. Trust] RV ’take refuge.’