The fraternal conflicts between Israel and Judah foreshadow later conflicts between Israel and the true Jew, Jesus. And so, when the Northern Kingdom allies with Aram (its traditional enemy) against Ahaz of Judah, it foreshadows the alliance of Jew and Gentile against the great Son of God. Pilate and Herod become friends.
Ahaz, of course, does not entrust himself to the one who judges justly, but instead seeks a Gentile alliance of his own - with the even more threatening Assyrians. He is no true son of David, but instead follows the example of his brothers to the North.
posted by Peter J. Leithart on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at 01:18 PM
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