2 Nephi 20

As we begin reading the 20th chapter of 2nd Nephi, which is much like the 10th chapter of Isaiah, the heading includes an interesting comment -

"Destruction of Assyria is a type of destruction of wicked at the Second Coming..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 20:Heading)

I believe this is significant to us as Isaiah prophecies that wicked Assyria, by the hand (or allowed) of the Lord, will conquer even to the gates of Jerusalem. Of course the king of Assyria believes it is all him but is somewhat mocked by Isaiah with one of my more favorite scriptures -

"Shall the ax boast itself against him that heweth therewith? Shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? As if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself as if it were no wood!" (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 20:15)

In other words, it ridiculous that work gloves will work without an hand inside. But what is interesting is that at the very point went all appears hopeless for Jerusalem, Isaiah prophecies -

"Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of Hosts, send among his fat ones, leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.
17 And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame, and shall burn and shall devour his thorns and his briers in one day..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 20:16 - 17)

In one day the powerful military would be almost destroyed. I'm sure everyone would ask; "how can that be?". It did happen that in one night 185,000 Assyrians died somehow.

Because this was a "type" of things to come. It will happen somewhat the same in the latter days. With the present strife in the middle east, it could easily happen again - and could happen soon. I specifically note that this event will take place again at Jerusalem. I am reminded of the prophecies of Zechariah -

"In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem..." (Old Testament | Zechariah 12:8)

"And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee." (Old Testament | Zechariah 14:4 - 5)

"And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends." (Old Testament | Zechariah 13:6)