Isaiah 17 - Judgement on Damascus and Ephraim

I. The judgement against Damascus (1-3)

Damascus was the capital of Aram (Syria). Ephraim had ally with Syria against the Assyrian aggression. They had threatened Judah when Ahaz refused to join them against the Assyrians, and they eventually attacked Judah.  Isaiah’s vision about Damascus was significant as it should have given Ahaz confidence that in the end Damascus would not succeed in their plans with Ephraim.

Isaiah prophesied That Damascus will become a heap of ruins. This happened in 722 BC and their king, Rezin, was killed in during the invasion Of Assyria. Syria will be left with a small remnant, much like what Ephraim had encountered.

II. The leanness of Jacob (4-11)

Isaiah gave a series of three “in that day” to describe Israel, referred to as “leanness of Jacob.” Firstly, they will be humbled and only a few will be left as remnants.  They will look to their maker, the holy one of Israel, and turn way from the foreign gods (but would be too late). And lastly, their cities will be deserted and desolated, just like when Israel first came into the promise land and drove away the canaanites.

Yet now they themselves worship the foreign gods and have forgotten their Rock of their refuge. We recall how Joshua once warned them to follow God only and leave the foreign gods, or else God’s wrath will be upon them. (Joshua 24:19-26)

God reminded them that despite all their effort to create a good life, all of it will be disappear in the day of grief and pain.

III. The destruction of the invader (12-14)

Isaiah saw the terrifying horses of invaders and  their loud thundering sounds as they come against their enemies. However, they will not last very long for God will bring them down When his purpose is done.

IV. Applications

We are reminded to keep ourselves sanctified, and not to get ourselves  entangled with “strangers “, be it in spiritual, relational or business matters that contradict his word. No matter how much that partnership profit us, it will only be temporary, for God’s discipline will come on us sooner or later.

However God will not be angry forever, for the plight against us will only stay for a while before He relents. Justice and mercy are perfectly balanced in Gods arms.