The fall of Judah would have meant the fall also of Edom and the submission of the Philistines, as well as that of Moab and Ammon.

The strength of its capital made Judah the champion and protector of southern Canaan; with Jerusalem in their hands, the confederate rulers of Damascus and Samaria could do as they chose.

Ahaz of Judah turned in his despair to the Assyrians, who had once more appeared on the scene.

Tiglath-pileser III.

had overthrown the older Assyrian dynasty and put new life into the kingdom.