Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"The burden against Damascus"
Text: Isaiah 17:1
A MESSAGE CONCERNING DAMASCUS
The word “burden” is a reference to a message from the LORD. But the message is sad and heavy. It is then described as a “burden”. It usually describes a message of judgment and doom for the nation that is addressed. In this case, Damascus, Syria.
“The burden against Damascus.
‘Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city,
And it will be a ruinous heap.
The cities of Aroer are forsaken;
They will be for flocks
Which lie down, and no one will make them afraid.
The fortress also will cease from Ephraim,
The kingdom from Damascus,
And the remnant of Syria;
They will be as the glory of the children of Israel,’
Says the LORD of hosts.”
Isaiah 17:1-3
1. The message against Damascus
a) Damascus was the capital of Syria.
b) The Message from the LORD.
i) It would cease from being a city.
ii) It would become a ruinous heap.
2. The cities of Aroer.
a) They have been disputed cities.
b) The following nations laid claim on these cities:
i) Israel
ii) Moab
iii) Ammon
iv) Syria
c) These cities were claimed by different victorious kings.
d) In this burdensome message:
i) The cities would be forsaken.
ii) They would become pasture land where sheep grace peacefully.
3. The nations that have laid claim on these cities of Aroer.
a) The fortress of Ephraim (a reference to Israel) would not be a threat anymore.
b) The kingdom of Damascus, Syria would be as the glory of Israel.
c) But what was the glory of Israel at this point of time?
It was a fading glory.