Although Israel would be taken captive by the Assyrians as judgment for their sins, a remnant would return. Isaiah 10:21 shares these joyful words, “The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.”
The remnant that would return would be but a small one, because God would decree a consumption that would get rid of all those who had forgotten Him, “22) For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. 23) For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.” God would do this because He was righteous.
One day Israel would return, and their enemies would be the ones to suffer God’s wrath. God comforted His people, “24) Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt. 25) For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.” (Isaiah 10:24,25)
God would refine Israel. Out of the captivity would come a people who would return unto the Lord their God, the mighty God. Israel’s enemies on the other hand, would not see such mercy and restoration. Their end would be destruction. God purges and cleanses His own; but those that are His enemies and the enemies of His people will be destroyed.