The LORD sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains, in the camp of the king of Ashur. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. When he was come into the house of his god, those who came forth from his own bowels killed him there with the sword.
For before the harvest, when the blossom is over, and the flower becomes a ripening grape, he will cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and he will cut down and take away the spreading branches.
It happened, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisrokh his god, that Adrammelekh and Sar'etzer his sons struck him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Esar-Chaddon his son reigned in his place.
Behold, the Ashur was a cedar in Levanon with beautiful branches, and with a forest-like shade, and of high stature; and its top was among the thick boughs.
Now I, Nevukhadnetzar 1, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those who walk in pride he is able to abase.
Yet I destroyed the Amori before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath.
Thus says the LORD: *Though they be in full strength, and likewise many, even so they will be cut down, and he shall pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.