13 The king of Assyria says this:“By my own power I have done these things.By my wisdom I have defeated many nations.I have taken their wealth.And like a mighty one, I have taken their people.
14 I have taken the riches of all these people,like one who reaches into a bird’s nest.I have taken these nations,like a person taking eggs.No one raised a hand against me.No one opened his mouth to stop me.”
15 An ax is not better than the person who swings it.A saw is not better than the person who uses it.A stick cannot control the person who picks it up.A club cannot pick up the person!
16 So the Master, the Lord of heaven’s armies,will send a terrible disease against Assyria’s soldiers.The strength of Assyria will be burned up.It will be like a fire burning until everything is gone.
17 God, the Light of Israel, will be like a fire.The Holy One will be like a flame.He will be like a firethat suddenly burns the weeds and thorns.
18 The fire burns away the great trees and rich farmlands.It will destroy everything.Things will be like a sick man who wastes away.
19 Only a few trees will be left standing.There will be so few even a child will be able to count them.