1. Be our salvation in time of distress (1-16)

The destroyer may be Assyria, the instrument of God's judgment on Israel, while betrayers are those who did not trust God. In contrast to them are the remnant, who long for the LORD, and know he is our strength and salvation. In him is a rich store of salvation and knowledge, even in the time of his judgment. What is the secret or key to this? The fear of the Lord. While the land suffers God's wrath (7-12) and sinners tremble (14), those who fear the Lord, who walk rightly and speak what is right, will find a refuge in him who is a sure foundation.

2. The LORD is our king (17-24)

The remnant have great hope to see the king. All their tormentors will vanish in time. Zion will be restored, and the LORD as our Mighty One. Our hope in times of judgment is the same: the LORD is our judge, our king: it is he who will save us. He saves us through the forgiveness of our sins (24).