Can the Worm Stand Alone? History in HIS story. Isaiah #2
Bird & Cat Unite: the Worm Lies Alone - and Here comes The Dog
Inspired by | Isaiah Chapter 7 & 8 | 2 Kings chapter 16 | 2 Chronicles chapter 28 |
Welcome back to “History in HIS Story,” where we dive deep into the events that shaped the world of the Bible. In our last episode, we set the stage by introducing the mighty Assyrian Empire and the prophet Isaiah, whose words of warning and hope reverberated through the streets of Jerusalem. Today, we’re zooming in on Assyria itself—the hammer poised over the ancient Near East — looking at how the neighbourhood was responding to the new dog on the block.
Picture this: You’re standing on the bustling streets of Nineveh, Assyria’s magnificent capital. The city is alive with the sounds of commerce, clattering chariots, and the distant cries of soldiers drilling for battle. The grandeur of the palace and the towering ziggurats dominate the skyline, symbols of Assyria’s power. Merchants from across the empire gather in the marketplace, trading goods from distant lands—spices from Arabia, fine linens from Egypt, and exotic animals from as far away as India. There's a palpable sense of pride in the air, mingled with the scent of incense burning at the temples.
Under Tiglath-Pileser III, Assyria has become an unstoppable force. His military reforms have reshaped the empire’s army into a disciplined war machine. Picture legions of soldiers, each one armed with the latest iron weaponry and skilled in the use of siege engines that can bring down the strongest of city walls. This is an empire on the move, conquering territories and subjugating peoples, instilling fear through ruthless tactics that leave entire regions trembling.
Back in Jerusalem, the tension is palpable. As you open the page, the ancient newspaper headline reads: “Bird & Cat Unite: the Worm Lies Alone”. King Ahaz of Judah is weighed down by the enormous pressure of his decisions. Having hesitated and refused to partake with Israel and Syria in their coalition against Assyria’s might, he is surrounded and under threat. The Syro-Ephraimite alliance will bring battle to Judah and replace him with a puppet king.
In this tense moment, God sends Isaiah to meet King Ahaz, whose brow is furrowed with worry as he inspects the city’s water supply near the aquaduct. Isaiah approaches with his son, Shear-jashub - whose name means “a remnant will return,” a prophetic reminder of Judah’s future restoration (and one of 10’s future episodes). The air is thick with anxiety. Ahaz turns to the prophet, I imagine him seeking comfort but also fearing what Isaiah might say:
“Keep calm, King Ahaz, do not be afraid, the ones who you fear - Rezin and Pekah - are plotting your ruin, but it will not happen.” Ahaz leans closer at these words of hope, Isaiah pauses for a moment, and prophecies: “They are but two smoldering stubs of firewood, and within 65 years they will be broken and not a people.”
Hmmm …. But what of now, thinks King Ahaz as his eyes darken with frustration. “What am I supposed to do, Isaiah?” he demands. “I see armies now. I hear the horses. They are coming for my city, my people, your people. How can I sit and wait when Assyria could be our help?” A horse neigh’s in the background as both remain silent.
“Assyria is not your protector, King Ahaz.” Isaiah replies with resolve and compassion, and hoping to turn Ahaz’ heart towards God, he continues: “It’s a trap. They will come in through your front door and turn upon you. God offers you something far greater than Assyria’s muscles: His protection, His promises, His peace. Would you but trust Him! Together we will see God’s victory.”
Ahaz pauses, and Isaiah glimpses a subtle softening at hearing these words. Yet as if to rid himself of a buzzing fly, he shakes the moment away. “I need help I can see Isaiah, it is not mere words that will protect Jerusalem.”
Isaiah silently prays, and says with a bone piercing gaze: "Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel … and before the child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that you dread will be forsaken by both her kings.”
Ahaz walked away with these strange words echoing in his heart. With each step his thoughts focused upon what he could see in Assyria as a big brother, and so drifted from what he could not see in God as a Savior.
Many years later, with the grip of Assyria’s fist ever tightening over Judah. King Ahaz hears the cry of a newborn baby echoing through the halls from his harem. Later he would ask, and the young woman with piercing eyes and an innocent smile, would say:
“He’s a boy, I have named him: Immanuel”
Ahaz turned away. Picked up his smart phone; the days trending social media showed a Hebrew teenager singing a chorus: “Faith yes, No not Sight, Faith yes, that’s Right”
#GODWITHUS
Just before scrolling up, the name on the posts profile caught Ahab’s eye. He mumbled under his breath:
“Hmmm, Shear-jashub … The Remnant will Return.”
Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll continue to add context to the most amazing of Texts. Will Isaiah’s prophecy come true for Israel? Does this prophecy have a double meaning? How will Judah fair under the heel of Assyria’s boot? And oh so much more …
I truly hope this series brings more meaning to your bible reading and inspires your walk with The Most High. See you next time.
I have put links above to some bible readings relevant to this episode of ‘History in His story’.