⁵ During that frightening period of time, loyal worshipers of Jehovah will need to turn to him for help. Isaiah thus prays: “O Jehovah, show us favor. In you we have hoped. Become our arm [of strength and support] every morning, yes, our salvation in the time of distress. At the sound of turmoil peoples have fled. At your arising nations have been dispersed.” (Isaiah 33:2, 3) Appropriately, Isaiah prays that Jehovah deliver His people as He has done many times in the past. (Psalm 44:3; 68:1) And no sooner does Isaiah offer this prayer than he foretells Jehovah’s answer to it!

The Modern-Day Assyrian

7. (a) Who today can be compared to the spiritually sick nation of Israel? (b) Who will serve as Jehovah’s “rod” to destroy Christendom?

⁷ 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.

8. (a) Who today can be compared to Sennacherib? (b) Who will the modern-day Sennacherib be emboldened to attack, and with what outcome?

⁸ 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 anointed 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 38:18-23) Just as in ancient times, those trying to despoil God’s people will themselves be despoiled!