5. The Lord is honored. He lives in heaven. He will fill Zion's people with what is fair and right.
6. He will be the firm foundation for their entire lives. He will give them all of the wisdom, knowledge and saving power they will ever need. Respect for the Lord is the key to that treasure.
7. Look! Judah's brave men cry out loud in the streets. The messengers who were sent to bring peace sob bitter tears.
8. The wide roads are deserted. No one travels on them. Our peace treaty with Assyria is broken. Those who witnessed it are looked down on. No one is respected.
9. The land is filled with sadness and wastes away. Lebanon is full of shame and dries up. The rich land of Sharon is like the Arabah Desert. The trees of Bashan and Carmel drop their leaves.
10. "Now I will take action," says the Lord. "Now I will be honored. Now I will be respected.
11. Assyria , your plans and actions are like straw. Your anger is a fire that will destroy you.
12. The nations will be burned to ashes. They will be like bushes that are cut down and set on fire.
13. "You nations far away, listen to what I have done! My people who are near, recognize how powerful I am!