1 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from [being] a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.
2 The cities of Aroer [are] forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make [them] afraid.
3 The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.
4 And in that day it shall come to pass, [that] the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.
5 And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.
6 Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two [or] three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four [or] five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel.
7 At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.
8 And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect [that] which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.
9 In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation.
10 Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:
11 In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: [but] the harvest [shall be] a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow.
12 Woe to the multitude of many people, [which] make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, [that] make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!
13 The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but [God] shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.
14 And behold at eveningtide trouble; [and] before the morning he [is] not. This [is] the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 17
Isaiah Chapter 17 primarily focuses on the prophecy concerning Damascus and the northern kingdom of Israel. The chapter serves as a warning and a declaration of judgment against these nations, highlighting themes of destruction, divine sovereignty, and the eventual restoration of Israel.
Key Themes
- Judgment Against Damascus: The chapter opens with a pronouncement of doom for Damascus, the capital of Aram (Syria), indicating that it will cease to be a city and become a ruinous heap.
- Israel’s Decline: The prophecy extends to the northern kingdom of Israel, emphasizing the impending loss of its strength and the consequences of turning away from God.
- Divine Sovereignty: Throughout the chapter, God’s control over the fate of nations is evident, showcasing His power to bring about judgment and restoration.
- Hope for the Remnant: Despite the dire warnings, there is an underlying message of hope for a remnant of Israel who will turn back to God and be restored.
Structure of the Chapter
- Verses 1-3: Prophecy against Damascus and the fate of Israel.
- Verses 4-6: The decline of Israel’s glory and the metaphor of harvest.
- Verses 7-11: A call to recognize the futility of reliance on human strength and the need to turn to God.
- Verses 12-14: The nations’ tumult and the ultimate judgment by God.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-3: Prophecy Against Damascus
The chapter begins with a stark declaration: “Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city.” This sets the tone for the entire chapter, indicating a significant judgment against a major city. The mention of Damascus symbolizes the broader geopolitical turmoil of the region, particularly in relation to Israel.
Verses 4-6: The Decline of Israel
In these verses, Isaiah describes the fading glory of Jacob (Israel). The imagery of harvest, where only a few grains remain after the reaper has passed, serves to illustrate the drastic reduction in Israel’s population and strength. This metaphor highlights the consequences of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God.
Verses 7-11: A Call to Recognition
Isaiah urges the people to acknowledge their reliance on God rather than on their own might or the might of foreign alliances. The verses emphasize that true security and strength come from the Lord. The imagery of planting and the eventual destruction of the harvest reflects the futility of their efforts without divine favor.
Verses 12-14: The Nations’ Tumult
The chapter concludes with a vivid portrayal of the nations in turmoil, likening them to the roaring of the sea. This imagery serves to illustrate the chaos that will ensue as a result of God’s judgment. The final verse emphasizes that in the evening time, there will be terror, but by morning, they will be no more, underscoring the swift and decisive nature of God’s judgment.
Conclusion
Isaiah Chapter 17 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty over nations and the consequences of turning away from Him. While it presents a bleak picture of judgment for Damascus and Israel, it also carries a message of hope for those who remain faithful. The chapter invites readers to reflect on their reliance on God and the importance of returning to Him for strength and security.
