O my people … be not afraid. God now addresses those who are faithful to him among the people; they have no need to fear—he will bring them safely through all the coming troubles. He shall smite thee; rather, if he smite thee; or, though he smite thee.
After the manner of Egypt; i.e. as the Egyptians did in the oppression that preceded the Exodus. The yoke of Assyria was heavy even upon the nations that submitted to her. She claimed to march her armies through their territories at her pleasure, and probably pressed men and cattle into her service.
She exacted a heavy tribute, and otherwise "distressed" her many vassals.