During the reign of King Hezekiah, on two different occasions an attempt was made to curb the rising power of the Assyrians by forming alliances that would resist any further Assyrian aggression. The first of these was promoted by the Egyptians, who invited the Judean king to join with them. The second one was initiated by Merodach-Baladan of Babylon, who visited King Hezekiah and tried to persuade him to have Judah join with the Babylonians and the Egyptians in a united front against Assyria. King Hezekiah, fearful that Judah would be unable to stand alone, was inclined to join the alliance, but Isaiah knew that it would be a grave mistake for the king to do so. In one of the strongest messages that he delivered to the king, the prophet declared, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots. . . . But the Egyptians are men and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit. When the Lord stretches out his hand, he who helps will stumble, he who is helped will fall; both will perish together."
Despite the immediate dangers that the nation of Judah faced, Isaiah was confident of the ultimate triumph of the Hebrew people. Like Hosea, who had looked on the approaching captivity of northern Israel as merely a prelude to a reformed and triumphant Hebrew society, Isaiah was sure that any temporary disaster would not be the final end of the Judean kingdom. Yahweh's purpose in the world was to be realized through the Hebrew people, which meant that the city of Jerusalem and that for which it stood could never be overthrown completely. When the Assyrians did invade Judah, capturing many cities and demanding that Hezekiah surrender the city of Jerusalem, Isaiah advised the king not to yield to their demands. He insisted that Jerusalem was Zion's city and would never fall. Within a short time, the Assyrian army withdrew, and for a brief period, Isaiah was vindicated.
Closely related to Isaiah's teaching concerning the "surviving remnant" that would be the hope of Judah were his predictions with reference to the coming of a Messiah, or "anointed one," who will someday occupy the throne in Jerusalem and rule the nation with justice and righteousness. He will be a far better king than any of those who have preceded him. Under his leadership, the poor and the oppressed will find a champion, for he will judge their cases with a discerning mind and will not be unduly influenced by hearsay or mere outward appearances. His kingdom will be the fulfillment and realization of the divine purpose in the world.
