23. "I will turn it into a place where nothing but owls can live. I will turn it into a swamp. I will sweep through it like a broom and destroy everything," announces the Lord who rules over all.
24. The Lord who rules over all has taken an oath. He has said, "You can be sure that what I have planned will happen. What I have decided will take place.
25. I will crush the Assyrians in my land. On my mountains I will walk all over them. The yokes they put on my people will be removed. The heavy load they put on their shoulders will be taken away."
26. That's how the Lord carries out his plan all over the world. That's how he reaches out his powerful hand to punish all of the nations.
27. The Lord who rules over all has planned it. Who can stop him? He has reached out his powerful hand. Who can keep him from using it?
28. A message came to me from the Lord in the year King Ahaz died. The Lord said,
29. "The rod of Assyria has struck all of you Philistines. But do not be glad that it is broken. That rod is like a snake that will produce an even more poisonous snake. It will produce a darting, poisonous serpent.
30. Even the poorest people in Israel will have plenty to eat. Those who are in need will lie down in safety. But I will destroy your families. They will die of hunger. I will kill any of them who are still left alive.
31. "Cities of Philistia, cry out for help! Scream in pain! All of you Philistines, melt away in fear! An army is coming from the north in a cloud of dust. No one in its ranks is falling behind.
32. What answer should be given to the messengers from that nation? Tell them, 'The Lord has made Zion secure. His suffering people will find safety there.' "