Isa 17:3 | KingComments | STEP | The prophecies in this chapter are about two nations north of Judah: Damascus (Syria) and Ephraim (the ten tribes realm). These two are described at the same time because they formed an alliance ( ). It is a biblical principle that he who has fellowship with the sins of someone also shares in the judgment on those sins ( ). For the believing remnant in the future, this is a warning not to put their trust in people, that is, in Babylon, the restored Roman Empire, Europe. These verses give a short “burden of Damascus” ( ). The judgment, again carried out by Assyria, is not only on Damascus, the capital of Aram or Syria, but also on “the cities of Aroer” ( ). The judgment will result in the whole area being completely deserted, so that the flocks will be able to lie down there, without being frightened. In the days of Isaiah Damascus is connected with the ten tribes. This is expressed in in two ways: “Ephraim” – “Damascus” and “Aram” (i.e. the Syrians) – “the sons of Israel”. A common intention implies a common fate ( ). Just as “the glory of the sons of Israel”, which was visible in the fortified cities, has vanished, so will ally Syria. Because of that connection, the judgment on Ephraim follows directly in the following verses.

‏ Isaiah 17:3

Introduction

The prophecies in this chapter are about two nations north of Judah: Damascus (Syria) and Ephraim (the ten tribes realm). These two are described at the same time because they formed an alliance (Isa 7:1). It is a biblical principle that he who has fellowship with the sins of someone also shares in the judgment on those sins (Rev 18:4). For the believing remnant in the future, this is a warning not to put their trust in people, that is, in Babylon, the restored Roman Empire, Europe.

Prophecy About Damascus

These verses give a short “burden of Damascus” (Isa 17:1). The judgment, again carried out by Assyria, is not only on Damascus, the capital of Aram or Syria, but also on “the cities of Aroer” (Isa 17:2). The judgment will result in the whole area being completely deserted, so that the flocks will be able to lie down there, without being frightened.

In the days of Isaiah Damascus is connected with the ten tribes. This is expressed in Isa 17:3 in two ways: “Ephraim” – “Damascus” and “Aram” (i.e. the Syrians) – “the sons of Israel”. A common intention implies a common fate (Isa 7:1 ; 4). Just as “the glory of the sons of Israel”, which was visible in the fortified cities, has vanished, so will ally Syria. Because of that connection, the judgment on Ephraim follows directly in the following verses.