The historical statements[1] in these verses afford illustrations of spiritual truths. +I. The powers of evil are confederate against the Lord's people+ (vers. 1, 2, 6). By the combined forces of evil, God's chosen ones have always been assailed. The conflict began in Eden, and has continued ever since. These combined forces attacked our Lord, and appeared for a time, outwardly at least, to conquer. We must expect similar assaults (John xvi. 33). The ultimate object of these foes is to destroy our spiritual life. +II. The Lord's people are often terrified by the action of their foes.+ Two things may contribute to this. 1. _A sense of personal guilt._ Conscience often slumbers in prosperity, but awakens and alarms us when danger threatens. No doubt Ahaz remembered his sin, when he saw his foes were coming. 2. _Distrust of the Lord._ It does not appear that Ahaz told the Lord about his trouble, or sought His help. His idolatry had led him into unbelief--a frequent cause of the Christian's terrors. He looks at his troubles, and sinks, because he does not lay hold on Christ (Matt. xiv. 30). +III. God seeks to allay the fears of His people in the hour of their trouble.+ This is done in three ways. 1. _By exhorting them to keep their minds calm._ "Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be faint-hearted." Picture Ahaz restless, excited, his breast fainting, hope and courage failing. How timely was the prophet's exhortation! how helpful it might have been to Ahaz! Who of us does not know the blessedness of such an appeal? We have been excited, trembling, fainting, because of temporal dangers or spiritual foes, and in our agitation have been likely to do something foolish. But a voice has said, "Fear not; be calm!" Who says, "Fear not"? The loving, omnipotent Saviour, who is able to deliver us. 2. _By showing His people the weakness of their foes._ They are only the "two tails of smoking firebrands." You think them powerful, but they are really weak (1 John iv. 4). 3. _By predicting the failure of the plans of their foes_ (vers. 7-9)--a prediction which was fulfilled sixty-five years afterwards, when Esarhaddon desolated the country, and filled it with foreigners. So God shows to us the weakness of our foes, and predicts their failure. +IV. God shows His people that faith is necessary for the establishment of their peace+ (ver. 9. See also 2 Chron. xx. 20; Isa. xxvi. 3).--_H. F. Walker._ FOOTNOTES: [1] For a statement of these circumstances see following paper: THE VIRGIN'S SON. FAITH'S IMPREGNABLE CITADEL. vii. 1-9. _And it came to pass, in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, &c._