Literature: Blenkinsopp notes: “The somewhat confused and forced images and metaphors make it hard to disagree with Gray who describes the passage as a muddle, or with Duhm, who finds it stylistically inept.” Nevertheless, we can make general sense of the imagery. Yahweh will humble the boastful Assyria of verses 7–14. The Assyrian fortunes will be reversed. Their fat (prosperity) will become lean, and their glory, a burning (fires of destruction).
Blenkinsopp renders this verse: “Therefore the Sovereign Lord, Yahveh of the hosts, will send wasting disease among the most prosperous of his people, under his most distinguished folk a fire will be kindled.” While the interpretation of the text is quite different from that of the KJV, it nevertheless shows Yahweh humbling Assyria.