Isaiah 17:1-11

Judgment on Syeia and Israel

This section is headed,' oracle concerning Damascus,' but its subject is in fact wider; it treats of the impending ruin not only of Syria, but also of Ephraim, i.e. the kingdom of Israel (Isaiah 17:3). This connexion of Ephraim with Syria is best explained by the alliance of the two kingdoms against Judah (Isaiah 7:1). Isaiah here teaches (as in Isaiah 7:16; Isaiah 8:4) that they will both be completely overthrown, an anticipation which was literally fulfilled (Isaiah 10:9; 2 Kings 15:29; 2 Kings 16:9). The date of this prophecy would thus be subsequent to the formation of the Syro-Ephraimite alliance (i.e. the reign of Jotham in Judah, 2 Kings 15:37), and some time before the capture of Damascus by the Assyrians (732 b.c.).

1-3. The imminent ruin of Damascus, in which Israel also will be involved.

4-6. The state to which Israel will be reduced figuratively set forth.

7, 8. The spiritual effect of the chastisement.

9-11. The cause of it—desertion of Jehovah for foreign deities, who cannot help in the day of calamity.