THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
As powerful and numerous beings descend upon the mountains like the dawn of day, there have been none like them throughout eternity, and there will be none added for generations to come. Before them is a consuming fire, and behind them is a devastating blaze; the land appears lush and sweet before their presence, yet follows them is a wasteland, with no deliverer in sight. The term 'morning' may refer to the dew that blankets the mountains, moistening each surface, or to the initial light of the sun, which first casts its radiant glow upon the peaks, painting the hills in vivid crimson.
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Similarly, a fierce multitude will ascend the mountains, be they locusts or perhaps the Assyrian forces themselves, appearing in overwhelming numbers because, indeed, there has never been anything like them from ages past and there will be none to follow. Yet, as the swarm of locusts sweeps through, destroying all in their path, anything that survives is fated to be consumed by those that come after them. Thus, it is said that the fire consumes, and the flame that follows it continues the destruction. I believe this is true for an invading army as well; the bold and reckless acts of the front lines are likely to be echoed by the ranks that follow, as they seek to claim the earth for themselves, transforming it into what appears to be a paradise, thoroughly depleting it and reveling in their spoils. This interpretation holds, especially when applied to the locusts themselves.