17 The light of Israel will become a fire,its holy one a flame,which will burn and devourits thorns and thistlesin a single day.
18 Its abundant forest and farmlandwill be finished completely,as when a sick person wastes away;
19 its forest’s remaining trees will be no more than a child can count.
20 On that day, what’s left of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no longer depend on the one who beat them. Instead, they will faithfully depend on the Lord, the holy one of Israel.
21 A few will return, what’s left of Jacob, to the mighty God.
22 Although your people, Israel, were like the sand of the sea, only a few survivors will return. The end is announced, overflowing with justice.
23 Yes, destruction has been announced; the Lord God of heavenly forces will carry it out against the entire land.