13. The Assyrian Empire, Isaiah and King Ahaz

When Isaiah told the King of Judah, Ahaz, to ask for a sign, Ahaz hypocritically declared that he would not tempt the Lord God. At the same time he was negotiating a deal with the king of Assyria, Tiglath-Pileser III, to come protect him against local enemies, and thus he strapped Judah to tribute payments that would last for years to come.