The kings of Assyria are likened to a rod in the hand of the Lord. It was through these kings that the Lord brought judgment upon the kingdom of Israel. This phrase refers to more than one king as at least three were spoken of at this time, Tiglath-pileser, Shalmaneser, and Sennacherib. Later in the chapter the kings of Assyria are likened to other tools—the ax, the saw, the rod, and the staff (v. 15).