24 The Lord All-Powerfulhas made this promise:Everything I have plannedwill happen just as I said.
25 I will wipe out every Assyrianin my country,and I will crush thoseon my mountains.I will free my peoplefrom slaveryto the Assyrians.
26 I have planned thisfor the whole world,and my mighty armcontrols every nation.
27 I, the Lord All-Powerful,have made these plans.No one can stop me now!
28 This message came from the Lord in the year King Ahaz died:
29 Philistines, don't be happyjust because the rodthat punished youis broken.That rod will becomea poisonous snake, and thena flying fiery dragon.
30 The poor and needy will findpastures for their sheepand will live in safety.But I will starve some of you,and others will be killed.