Making righteous choices, and not purely diplomatic ones, has led to tremendous pressure on Judah from Assyria. The consequences of their decisions reveal to them the ugliness of the world and the fruit of unrighteous kings but also paves the way for God’s promises as he reveals through Isaiah a future king who will bring prosperity, peace, and righteousness. In contrast to this ugly and sinful world, the righteous saints will see the King in all His beauty.