What is the context?
This message is dated to the year King Ahaz died. Philistia is warned not to celebrate the breaking of the rod that struck it. The succession of snake, viper and flying serpent pictures a threat becoming more dangerous.
The contrast is between refuge for the needy and famine and destruction for Philistia. Smoke approaches from the north, with no stragglers in the ranks. What looked like a reason for celebration is followed by a call to wail.
The closing answer to the envoys centers on the Lord’s founding of Zion. His afflicted people find refuge there. The message directs attention away from a change of ruler as a guarantee of safety and toward what the Lord has established.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Henry connects the stronger threat with Hezekiah succeeding rulers under whom the Philistines had gained confidence. Wesley discusses several possible identities for the broken rod and favors the weakened royal line of Judah, followed by Hezekiah’s renewed power.
Gill also discusses both Judean and Assyrian identifications, and connects the final northern threat with Babylon. These differences matter when identifying each image with a particular ruler; the commentators nevertheless agree on the warning against premature confidence and the closing promise of refuge for God’s people.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.