The Modern-Day Assyrian

How does Isaiah's prophecy apply in our day? The spiritually sick nation of Israel can be compared to unfaithful Christendom.  Just as Jehovah used Assyria as  a "rod" to punish Israel, so he will use  a "rod" to punish Christendom-as well as the rest of the world empire of false religion, "Babylon the Great."  (Isaiah 10:5; Revelation 18:2-8)  That "rod" will be member nations of the United Nations-an organization pictured in Revelation as a seven-headed, ten-horned, scarlet-colored wild beast.-Revelation 17:3, 15-17.

When the modern-day Assyrian rampages throughout the realm of false religion, it will appear to be unstoppable.  With an attitude like that of Sennacherib, Satan the Devil will be emboldened to strike-out-not only against apostate organizations deserving of punishment but also  against true Christians.  Alongside the remaining ones of Jehovah's spiritual sons, millions who have come out of Satan's world, which includes Babylon the Great, take their stand for Jehovah's Kingdom. Angered at the refusal of true Christians to pay him homage, "the god of this system of things," Satan, will launch an all-out attack against them.  (2 Corinthians 4:4; Ezekiel 38:10-16)  As terrifying  as this attack will no doubt be, Jehovah's people will not need to cower in fear.  (Isaiah 10:24, 25)  They have assurance from God that he will  be their "salvation in the time of distress."  he will intervene, bringing devastation upon Satan and his crowd.  (Ezekiel 3*:18-23) Just as in ancient times, those trying to despoil  God's people will themselves be despoiled! (Compare Proverbs 13:22b) Jehovah's name will be sanctified, and survivors will be rewarded for having sought "wisdom and knowledge [and] the fear of Jehovah." -Read Isaiah 33:5, 6.

Next time: A Warning to Faithless Ones

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000