Isaiah 17
THE burdens of the preceding chapters have taken up the great oppressors of the Jews, Babylon and the Assyrian, the Philistines on the west and Moab on the east. Now Damascus, the once great city on the north in Syria, is before the prophet.
We may wonder at the promises of judgment upon cities and countries which either do not now exist, or are but shadows of former greatness. Nothing is however so sure as the Word of God, and He will not only fulfil His Word as to those mentioned, but will bring to light the lost ten tribes of Israel, as to whom no one today has a certain clue.
Damascus is taken away from being a city, and shall be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer, a district nearby, are to be forsaken and shall be for flocks. Dominion shall cease from Damascus and Syria; all will be Israel’s in the glorious time that awaits God’s earthly people. Yet before the glory, Israel will be judged along with Syria (verses 4-6).
At the time of Isaiah’s prophecy, it would appear that Damascus had been destroyed (by Tiglath-pileser, 2 Kings 16:9). The prophecy however looks on to the yet future time when it will be overthrown under the hand of God.
In that future day man shall look to his Maker, and not any longer to the altars, the work of his hands, nor to the idols and things connected with idolatry. This passage (verses 7-11) refers to Israel as well as the neighboring countries (see chapter 28).
Verses 12 to 14 properly begin, “Ho! to a tumult of many people,” etc. It is the gathering of the nations to spoil the land of Israel. But the rebuke comes, and they flee like thistle down before the whirlwind.
What light the Word of God affords concerning the recovery of His people in their land, the schemes and efforts of their enemies, and the ultimate triumph under the Lord Jesus!
ML 06/25/1933