What happensPermalink
Isaiah pronounces woe upon rulers whose unjust laws deprive the poor, widows, and orphans of justice; their stolen wealth will not save them. Assyria is God’s instrument against His rebellious people, yet proudly claims its victories and treats Jerusalem’s God as another powerless idol. Once Assyria serves God’s purpose, He will destroy it. A remnant of Israel will return and rely sincerely upon the Holy One of Israel. Though Assyria advances toward Jerusalem, God will cut down its army.
Why it mattersPermalink
God uses Assyria to judge His people, then judges it and preserves a remnant that trusts Him. Assyria is only an axe in God’s hand and cannot boast against the One directing it. Judah once leaned upon the empire that struck them, but survivors will rely upon the Holy One. Neither oppression, wealth, armies, nor alliances can provide lasting security.
Key versePermalink
In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.