Just as ancient Assyria’s conquest of Israel’s Promised Land was masterminded by its tyrannical king, so end-time “Assyria” and its king figure repeat this scenario. God summons them to invade his people’s lands as a consequence of their wickedness. In contrast to God’s people, who have sunk into a licentious and decadent condition, Assyria’s army is well-disciplined.
Isaiah 10:5–6Hail the Assyrian, the rod of my anger! He is a staff —my wrath in their hand. I will commission him against a godless nation, appoint him over the people [deserving] of my vengeance, to pillage for plunder, to spoliate for spoil, to tread underfoot like mud in the streets.
Isaiah 5:26–29He raises an ensign to distant nations and summons them from beyond the horizon. Forthwith they come, swiftly and speedily. Not one of them grows weary, nor does any stumble; they do not drowse or fall asleep. Their waist-belts come not loose nor their sandal thongs undone. Their arrows are sharp; all their bows are strung. The tread of their warhorses resembles flint; their chariot wheels revolve like a whirlwind. They have the roar of a lion; they are aroused like young lions: growling, they seize the prey, and escape, and none comes to the rescue.
Isaiah 1:7Your land is ruined, your cities burned with fire; your native soil is devoured by aliens in your presence, laid waste at its takeover by foreigners.
Isaiah 64:10–11Your holy cities have become a wilderness; Zion is a desert, Jerusalem a desolation. Our glorious holy temple where our fathers praised you has been burned with fire, and all places dear to us lie in ruins.