²⁷ For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who can annul it? And His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

²⁸ In the year that King Ahaz [of Judah] died there came this mournful, inspired prediction (a burden to be lifted up):

²⁹ Rejoice not, O Philistia, all of you, because the rod [of Judah] that smote you is broken; for out of the serpent’s root shall come forth an adder [King Hezekiah of Judah], and its [the serpent’s] offspring will be a fiery, flying serpent.^(A)