God also judges all the lofty mountains and all the lifted-up hills (v. 14). In figure and in typology, these mountains and hills signify countries, nations, and kingdoms.
Verse 15 speaks of God's judgment on every high tower and every fortified wall. Here a high tower and a fortified wall signify defense and protection.
God's judgment extends to all the ships of Tarshish and all their pleasant artifacts (v. 16). The word artifacts here refers to beautiful and pleasing manufactured items.
Finally, God judges the idols of the nations. Verse 18 says, "The idols will vanish completely."
The purpose of Jehovah's humiliating judgment is, first, to show the dread of Jehovah and the splendor of His majesty (vv. 10b, 19b, 21b). In God's judgment the dread of Jehovah is displayed so that we would fear Him. God's judgment also exhibits the splendor of His majesty. Throughout history, both the dread and majesty of Jehovah have been shown in His judgment.
The purpose of Jehovah's humiliating judgment is also to vindicate the fact that Jehovah alone will be exalted (vv. 11b, 17b). This is seen especially in the book of Revelation. Eventually, as the result of Jehovah's judgment, in which His dread and majesty are shown, Jehovah alone will be exalted.