The fear was palpable. Conspiracy theories blossomed. Ahaz would make a fateful short-term decision with a lot of long-term consequences for Judah. So it always goes when a people falls prey to conspiracy theories and fear.
Conspiracy! | Trust in Difficult Times | Outline | Video
For YHWH spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people, saying, "Say ye not, 'A conspiracy', concerning all whereof this people shall say, 'A conspiracy'; neither fear ye their fear, nor be in dread thereof.
YHWH of hosts, him shall ye sanctify; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many shall stumble thereon, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken" (Isaiah 8:11-15).
