And they will come and all of them will rest in the desolate valleys, in the clefts of the rocks, in all the thorns, and in all the pastures—the insects/armies will inhabit the land, suggesting invasion and devastation of Judah's territory. The imagery of resting in valleys, clefts, thorns, and pastures suggests occupation of the land; what was cultivated becomes wild, and what was secure becomes invaded. The extensive description of where the invaders will settle emphasizes the pervasiveness of occupation; there is no refuge. This verse suggests that Ahaz's refusal to trust God's promise will lead to Assyrian invasion and occupation of Judean territory. The irony is that the power Ahaz will likely seek to protect himself (Assyria) will become the instrument of judgment; his unfaithful politics will produce the very devastation he fears.

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