Dear Sir,

I’m writing regarding the current discussion of King Ahaz’s alliance with Assyria. I have seen the supposed “prophet” Isaiah speaking in Jerusalem against the alliance. I’ve heard his message that Assyria is not a suitable ally for God’s people, but I cannot help but wonder if he really understands the nature of the Israel-Syrian alliance.

Of course I understand that Assyria is not a perfect ally, but as a nation we are definitely in need of someone to help us, and they are the only option. What else can we do? Fight Israel and Syria by ourselves? Besides, Assyria really isn’t so bad, is it? I’ve heard that they torture their enemies, castrate the men, rape the women, and display the heads of their kings on their city gates. I think that’s really just the media blowing things out of proportion though. Really, who among us hasn’t sinned? Can we really afford not to ally with them since we are sinners as well? They are the most powerful nation in the world; they must be doing something right. It’s not like Ahaz is asking Sennacherib to be the new High Priest. Besides, at least the Assyrians have a plan to keep the Egyptians out!

It’s good to have principles, but we really need to worry about our nation’s future here. The Israel-Syrian alliance could be the worst thing to ever happen to us. They could conquer Jerusalem and set up a puppet king who would end the Judean government as we have known it. We have a great national heritage; we cannot risk it in order to follow the principle of not allying with the immoral nations around us. If we do not seek military aid from outside Judea it will be the end of our nation.

I ask Mr. Isaiah, “What will you say to the thousands of children who will die in the coming war?” Their blood is on your hands.

Sincerely,

“Concerned” in Elath