The Lord had rejected his people to discipline them (Isaiah 8:17). Although not permanent, this rejection seriously threatened their hopes for a glorious future.
soothsayers: These were people who practiced pagan religion and magic. God had clearly forbidden this practice in Israel (Deuteronomy 18:10–11).
The Philistines were ancient enemies of Israel (Isaiah 9:12; 11:14; 14:29, 31).