When Isaiah wrote the first verse of what has become his sixth chapter (“In the YEAR that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple”), he gave us an exact date from which to study his prophecies. (We already know that Isaiah’s “whole ministry” generally covered the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, Kings of Judah. Isaiah 1:1 clearly tells us this.) But the “death of Uzziah” can ascertained, 740 BC.

Now again today we shall see Isaiah “pin” a date on an event. Onto one of his Sermons. “In the year that Tartan came unto Ashdod, (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him,) and fought against Ashdod, and took it; at the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying …” Isaiah 20:1-2, our Text this morning.

“Tartan” is more of a title than a proper name. It means something like “commander, field marshal, general,” a military term. (For that matter, “Pharaoh” is a title as well.) But we know, from our Text, who this particular “Tartan” is … or at least who dispatched him to fight the Philistines (the inhabitants of “Ashdod”). It was “Sargon,” King of Assyria who did so. (This name means “Prince of the sun,” likely a heathen sun-worshipper.)

“Assyria” was the growing national “bully” in the ancient Near East … growing stronger (and more aggressive) every day … while Isaiah preached the Word. (That is, until she fell to Babylon. Then Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians! Then they fell to the Greeks! And they finally succumbed to the Romans! I am thinking of Daniel chapter 2, aren’t you? Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel’s accurate interpretation!)

So, just when did this attack, war campaign, occur?

In 711 BC, the historians tell us.

Wow!

(The Bible is not primarily a history textbook, of course. But when it does address historical matters, it is accurate! As it is in all areas, infallible we believe, inerrant.)

Why “Ashdod,” that little place? The word means “powerful,” or “destroyer.” And it was one of the leading five cities of Philistia, down by the coast, the Mediterranean. The Philistines, history again tells us, had recently rebelled against Assyria. Now, it is “pay-back” time!

Also, best I can tell, this is the only time King “Sargon” is mentioned in all the Bible. by name. (He is technically Sargon II of Assyria, who reigned from 721 to 705 BC.)

Today the whole “point” of our Lesson may be rather incidental, but I wanted you all to see the “historical anchoring” Isaiah (often) uses to locate his ministry, his preaching, and even his prophecies.

Now to the “context” … it was the year Ashdod fell that God gave Isaiah the Message (still to Egypt) at hand. The Sermon we shall study tomorrow here on the Website, the Lord willing. Namely, Isaiah 20:2-6.

It will surprise you.

Something about Isaiah going “naked” and “barefoot” for three years!

More tomorrow, the Lord willing, Thursday morning …

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

The Bible is such an “interesting” Book!