8. For [the Assyrian] says, Are not my officers all either [subjugated] kings or their equal?
9. Is not Calno [of Babylonia conquered] like Carchemish [on the Euphrates]? Is not Hamath [in Upper Syria] like Arpad [her neighbor]? Is not Samaria [in Israel] like Damascus [in Syria]? [Have any of these cities been able to resist Assyria? Not one!]
10. As my hand has reached to the kingdoms of the idols [which were unable to defend them,] whose graven images were more to be feared and dreaded and more mighty than those of Jerusalem and of Samaria–
11. Shall I not be able to do to Jerusalem and her images as I have done to Samaria and her idols? [says the Assyrian]