The Lord promised to destroy Israel. In the annihilation of Israel’s army, the very source of their confidence was going to be taken away.1 Israel’s long history of disobedience will result in utter defeat. Indeed, in 722 BC, Israel fell to Assyria and the northern kingdom was no more. The judgment of God that will come once and for all on the final day of the Lord was thus already evident in the defeat of Israel and the nations around her.2
13 “Behold, I will press you down in your place, as a cart full of sheaves presses down.