Then, the few that remain of Israel, that handful of Jacob’s people who escape, Will finally quit depending on the power of others (others who abuse and take advantage of them) And will instead lean on the Eternal One, the Holy One of Israel. 21 This remnant of Jacob’s people who endure and escape the great destruction will come back to the Mighty One, to the embrace of God. 22 But don’t doubt—though the number of the people of Israel are like the sand of the sea, Only a remnant of them will be rescued and return to survive. For destruction is sure—the matter settled—God is absolutely right to do so. 23 For the Lord, the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies, will carry out His destructive decree over the whole land.[a] 24 But as for the Holy City, Zion, the Lord, the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies, has this to say: Eternal One: Listen, My people living in Zion. Don’t be afraid of Assyria even though that great and terrible nation batters and wounds you, presses its weight and might against you as Egypt once did. 25 Don’t worry. It won’t be long until My anger against you will be over, and I’ll turn it instead in Assyria’s direction. 26 The Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies, will lash Assyria with His whip; and Assyria will feel the crushing power of God’s judgment just as the Midianites did at the rock of Oreb,[b] just as the Egyptians did when Moses raised his staff and drowned Pharaoh’s army in the sea.[c] 27 When that time comes, all the weight of Assyria will be lifted off of your shoulders; its yoke will be removed from your neck, and the burden of their assault and demands will evaporate, and you’ll be free. Isaiah describes the southern march of the Assyrian army. Village after village falls until the enemy is so close the clamor of its forces shakes the streets of Jerusalem. 28 Oh, sure, first you’ll feel that terrible force coming on you from the north |
Daily Prayer > Old Testament >
