Definition: So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I [am] thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 16:7. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about protection and a desperate plea. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: Ahaz is in danger: The verse describes Ahaz, the King of Judah (a region near modern-day Israel), being threatened by King Tiglathpiser of Assyria. He's begging for help: Ahaz is asking for someone to come and save him from being attacked or harmed by Tiglathpiser. He’s essentially saying, "Please, I need your protection!" What’s Happening – The Key Parts Explained: "So Ahaz sent messengers..." This means Ahaz was actively trying to get someone to respond. "...to Tiglathpiser king of Assyria..." Tiglathpiser was a powerful ruler in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) and known for his military might. "...saying, I [am] thy servant and thy son:" This is a very unusual and significant statement. It means Ahaz believes he's being directly addressed by Tiglathpiser – almost as if he’s receiving a message from him. He’s framing himself as someone under Tiglathpiser’s control. "...come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel..." This is the core of the plea. He's asking for a specific rescue . It means he needs someone to protect him from being attacked by both: The King of Syria: A neighboring kingdom. The King of Israel: The people of Judah, which is now part of the Kingdom of Israel. What’s the Significance? This verse is a sign of deep desperation and vulnerability for Ahaz. It points to a time when Judah was under significant threat from a powerful empire. It suggests that Ahaz was facing a serious danger he couldn't handle on his own. In short, this passage tells us that Ahaz is begging for help from Assyria, specifically to protect him from being harmed by Tiglathpiser, and to safeguard him from potential attacks on both Judah and Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Talk about the context of this story in biblical history?