Israel and Syria did, however, succeed in taking many captives (2 Chron. 28:5-8). In addition to this trouble from the north the Edomites in the south and the Philistines in the west harassed Judah (2 Chron. 28:17, 18). Some suggest that the states of the Mediterranean seacoast had entered into a confederacy against Assyria and were taking concerted measures against Ahaz because of his refusal to join them in resisting the encroachments of that rising power.

 See 2 Kings 15:37; Isa. 7:1. The object of this bold invasion was to install a new dynasty in Jerusalem and to bring an end to the dynasty of David (Isa. 7:6). Assyrian sources indicate that Azariah took a strong stand against Assyria, if “Azariau of Iauda” is to be identified with Azariah of Judah (see on 2 Kings 14:28). This policy of resistance was probably continued under Jotham. At the time of Ahaz, however, it seems that a pro-Assyrian policy was adopted. Israel and Syria may have attacked Ahaz because of his pro-Assyrian tendencies. Through the prophet Isaiah the Lord sent messages of encouragement to Ahaz, informing him that Israel and Syria would ultimately fail in their attack against the kingdom of Judah (Isa. 7:4-7; 8:4).