Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 17

This section includes predictions of judgment against Damascus, Israel, Ethiopia, and Egypt. The scene shifts from the crisis in 734 BC (the alliance of Syria and Israel; see study note on Isaiah 7:1–25) to the Assyrian crisis in 701 BC (see Isaiah 36–37).

Damascus, the leader of the alliance between Syria and Israel against Judah, fell when the Assyrian king Tiglath-pileser III invaded in 732 BC.

• The towns of Aroer were east of the Dead Sea (see 2 Kings 10:32–33).

• they will be left to the flocks: The city would serve no other purpose.

The strategic fortified towns of Israel were the pride of Israel, but they could not resist God’s purposes.

The vision shifts from Damascus (Isaiah 17:1–3) to Israel's northern kingdom. Damascus and Israel were allies against Judah, but Assyria later destroyed both.

• the splendor of Jacob will fade: God will judge all human pride.

• Israel, once strong, will become weak. The nation will waste away like a sick person.

The Valley of Rephaim was a fertile area in Judah. However, it appeared barren after each harvest.

Although the God of Israel judged the wickedness of Israel, he was still its God.

• The people mentioned here are either Israelites or all of humanity.

• look … turn their eyes: They will once more trust in the Lord.

Canaanites and then Israelites worshiped the fertility goddess Asherah in wooded areas or, in the absence of wooded areas, by using Asherah poles (see Isaiah 27:9; 65:3; Micah 5:14).

The Hivites and Amorites were part of the original people living in Canaan. The Israelites were to destroy them when they conquered the land (see Deuteronomy 20:17).

• The Israelites combined their faith in the Lord with Baal worship. They turned away from the Lord, who is the only God and will not share devotion with idols.

• The term Rock refers to the Lord's ability to provide refuge (see Isaiah 26:4; 30:29; Psalm 18:2, 46).

God was present with Judah during the crisis.

At times, the sea represents opposition to God (see Job 7:12; 26:12; Psalms 46:3; 93:3).

He rebukes them: The Lord rules over the nations, just as he rules over the sea (Psalm 65:7).

In the evening … Before morning: Trouble may come at night, but it will not last long.

Even in frightening situations, Israel can trust the Lord. He is able to rescue his people quickly (see Isaiah 37:36–38).