Greed (1–4). The leaders in Israel were greedy for gain. They used unjust laws to support their selfish practices as they robbed the poor and needy. Just before God’s judgment fell on the nation, the rich were prospering and the poor languishing. “What will you do in the day of punishment?” (v. 3) is a question we all must answer. What good is all your wealth if you are not prepared to meet God?
Pride (5–19). Assyria was God’s tool for punishing Israel (vv. 5, 15), but the tool cannot boast about what it does. Assyria was proud of its conquests, so God had to humble its people and judge them for their evil deeds. The army would vanish like trees in a forest fire. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, was conquered by Babylon in 612 b.c. Nations may boast, but God has the last word.
Hope (20–34). In His grace, God saved a remnant and permitted them to return to the land. God also promised Judah that Assyria would not capture Jerusalem (vv. 24–27; Isa. 37). The tall proud tree (Assyria) would be cut down to size (vv. 33–34)! Even in the midst of wrath, God gives His people hope.
