What does Isaiah 14:32 mean?

Here, Isaiah pauses in his oracles against other nations (Isaiah 13:1; 14:3–4, 24, 28) to ask the people of Judah a question. His reference to giving an answer to "messengers of the nation" seems to refer to ambassadors or couriers from Philistia. This may also apply to other Gentile countries which attempt to make an alliance with Judah against the Assyrians.

The kings of Israel and Judah frequently turned to unwise alliances during this era, as part of their attempt to resist the powerful nations that threatened them (Isaiah 30:1). In strictly human terms, some of these alliances made sense. Joining forces made for a potentially stronger strategic position against larger nations. However, God took great offense that Israel and Judah would put their hope in non-believing pagan cultures instead of in Him. He wanted His people to be so convinced of His power and faithfulness to them that they did not feel the need to seek protection elsewhere.

The prophet ends this chapter with the best answer Judah could give to the offer of an alliance from any other nation: God made this nation and her capital city, Zion, another name for Jerusalem. The Lord's people can be protected by Him just as much as they can find safety in nearly impenetrable walls of the city He has provided.