First ReadingIsaiah 10:5-7, 13b-16
From the Book of Isaiah
5Alas Assyrian, the rod of my anger,the staff in whose hand is my indignation!6I will send him against a profane nation,and against the peoplewho anger me I will give him a command to take the plunderand to take the prey,and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.7However, he doesn’t mean so,neither does his heart think so;but it is in his heart to destroy,and to cut off not a few nations. verses 8–12 are not read13For he has said, “By the strength of my hand I have done it,and by my wisdom, for I have understanding.I have removed the boundaries of the peoples,and have robbed their treasures.Like a valiant man I have brought down their rulers.14My hand has found the riches of the peoples like a nest,and like one gathers eggs that are abandoned,I have gathered all the earth.There was no one who moved their wing,or that opened their mouth, or chirped.”
15Should an ax brag against him who chops with it?Should a saw exalt itself above him who saws with it?As if a rod should lift those who lift it up,or as if a staff should lift up someone who is not wood.16Therefore the Lord,GOD of Armies, will send among his fat ones leanness;and under his glory a burning will be kindled like the burning of fire.