In prophecy the Assyrian frequently refers not to an Assyrian leader, but to a spiritual being, as does Pharaoh also. Ezekiel chapter thirty-one is a metaphoric description of a mighty spiritual being identified as the Assyrian, and also Pharaoh.
The Prophet Nahum ostensibly wrote about Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, but the language is apocalyptic.
“The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.” – Nahum 1:3-5The Lord is referred to as a stronghold or a refuge in the “day of trouble” (Nahum 1:7). There will come an evil person, a wicked counselor, from Assyria (Nahum 1:11). This sounds like the person we call the Anti-Christ.
Furthering the apocalyptic theme, Nahum chapter three describes a harlot that sells nations (Nahum 3:4). This refers to Mystery Babylon as described in the Revelation chapter seventeen. There are three parts to Mystery Babylon; Spiritual, Political and Commercial. Nahum describes each of these. (My emphasis)
Spritual:
“And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile.” – Nahum 1:14Political (Military):
“The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken. The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings.” – Nahum 2:3-4Commercial:
“Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven.” – Nahum 3:16The ultimate end of the Assyrian fits the end of the Anti-Christ. His “shepherds” and his nobles will sleep in death. His wound will be grievous and there will be no healing.
“Thy shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: thy nobles shall dwell in the dust: thy people is scattered upon the mountains, and no man gathereth them. There is no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous: all that hear the bruit (report) of thee shall clap the hands over thee: for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually?” – Nahum 3:18-19The Lord, Who knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10), foretold the “time of trouble” (Nahum 1:7) over 2,600 years ago. And the Book of Nahum is not the only instance. Praise the name of the Lord for He is wise, loving and gracious. Praise Him always!