2 Nephi 20

Assyria is the rod that the Lord will use to chasten his people and destroy other equally wicked lands. But Assyria will boast that they did it in their own strength and they will be brought down when they mock the Lord. They fail to acknowledge the hand of the Lord but trust only in the arm of the flesh. Assyria is typical of blood thirsty nations who have cruel leaders and fierce armies. Notice Isaiah’s language as he describes what will happen to Assyria and to the wicked in the last days. They will be consumed, devoured. There will be a flame, a burning fire. The destruction of Assyria is symbolic of the destruction of the wicked in the last days who are in contrast to the righteous remnant of Israel who are saved when the Lord returns as they worship in their temples and sing praises to him.