The same mistake made by the people of Israel and Yehuda is made by the kingdom of Assyria. This great empire conquers and rules vast territories, but its success stems solely from God’s will to use it as a tool to punish His enemies: “Woe to Assyria, *staff of My fury; My rage is the rod in their hand”* (10:5). Yet, Assyria misattributes its power to itself, declaring, “By the power of my hand I act, and in my wisdom, for I insight” (10:13). Instead of recognizing that God governs the world, Assyria grows arrogant and considers itself exceptional. Just as God humbles the people of Israel when they are prideful, so too will He humble Assyria: “So the Lord God of Hosts, will send paucity to his fatness, and under his frame a burning will burn as fire burns” (10:16).

 

Assyria’s downfall will have two positive consequences for the people of Israel. First, on a spiritual level, Israel will cease relying on empires and instead place their trust in God: “No  more will the remnant of Israel, the fugitives of the House of Yaakov, return to lean upon the one who beats them; they will lean upon the Lord in truth, the Holy of Israel” (10:20). Second, on a political level, those exiled from the Israel kingdom will return to the land and reunite with the kingdom of Yehuda: “A remnant will return, the remnant of Yaakov” (10:21).

 

The final prophetic passage of this chapter has a unique style. It is not a distant prophecy of an enemy’s future downfall but rather a message of reassurance concerning an enemy currently inciting panic in Jerusalem. In a rapid and almost list-like narrative, we observe the Assyrian army advancing toward Jerusalem and the reactions of the inhabitants of Yehuda’s cities: “He comes to Ayat, marches through Migron, and stows His arms at Mikhmas. They pass over the ford and lodge at Geva; Rama trembles; *Givat Sha'ul has fled”* (10:28–29). The advance continues until the enemy reaches Nov, just a step away from Mount Zion: “this very day, he stands at Nov, waving his hand toward the mount of daughter Zion, Jerusalem's 33 hill.” (10:32). There, at Jerusalem’s gates, God will strike them down: “Lebanon falls to the blows of majesty” (10:34).

 

Many commentators interpret this prophecy as a message of reassurance for Hizkiyahu, King of Yehuda, who feared Sanheriv’s campaign against Jerusalem. In 'Megadim' 9, *Rut Paz* analyzes the historical and geographical route taken by the Assyrian army and suggests that this prophecy may have actually been delivered during the reign of Ahaz. For further insights, see the attached article.