Isaiah 17:1

“The burden of Damascus, &c.] A heavy and grievous prophecy, concerning the destruction of it; the Arabic version is, “the prophecy of Isaiah concerning Damascus;” and the Targum is, “the burden of the cup of cursing to give Damascus to drink.” Behold, Damascus is taken away from [being] a city; a kingdom, as the Targum; it was the head of one, but now its walls were demolished, its houses pulled down, and its inhabitants carried captive; this was done by Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, (<121609>2 Kings 16:9) it had been a very ancient city, (see <011502>Genesis 15:2) and the head of the kingdom of Syria, (<230708>Isaiah 7:8), and though it underwent this calamity, it was rebuilt again, and…”

“PROPHECY CONCERNING DAMASCUS AND ITS ALLY SAMARIA, that is, Syria and Israel, which had leagued together (seventh and eighth chapters). (Isa 17:1-11) Damascus--put before Israel (Ephraim, Isa 17:3), which is chiefly referred to in what follows, because it was the prevailing power in the league; with it Ephraim either stood or fell (Isa. 7:1-25).”

“The burden of Damascus - The oracle indicating calamity or destruction to Damascus (see the note at Isaiah 13:1). “Damascus is taken away.” That is, it shall be destroyed. It was represented to the prophet in vision as destroyed (see the note at Isaiah 1:1). And it shall be a ruinous heap - See Isaiah 35:2. This took place under the kings of Assyria, and particularly under Tiglath-pileser. This was in the fourth year of Ahaz 2 Kings 16:9. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Damascus - Both of that city and kingdom. A heap - This was fulfilled by Tiglath - pilneser, Kg2 16:9, although afterwards it was re - edified. Isaiah 17:2”

“17:1–20:6 This section contains prophecies of judgment against Damascus, Israel, Ethiopia, and Egypt. The scene moves from the crisis of 734 BC (the alliance of Syria and Israel—see study note on 7:1-25) to the Assyrian crisis in 701 BC (see chs 36–37). 17:1 Damascus, the ringleader in the alliance of Syria and Israel against Judah, fell when the Assyrian king Tiglath-pileser III invaded in 732 BC.”

“am cir, 3263, bc cir, 741 burden: Isa 15:1, Isa 19:1 Damascus: Isa 7:8; Gen 14:15, Gen 15:2; Kg1 11:24; Ch1 18:5; Ch2 28:5, Ch2 28:23; Jer 49:23-27; Amo 1:3-5; Zac 9:1; Act 9:2 Damascus is: Isa 8:4, Isa 10:9; Kg2 16:9 a ruinous: Isa 25:2, Isa 37:26; Jer 49:2; Mic 1:6, Mic 3:12 Isaiah 17:2”

“The first turn: "Behold, Damascus must (be taken) away out of the number of the cities, and will be a heap of fallen ruins. The cities of Aroer are forsaken, they are given up to flocks, they lie there without any one scaring them away. And the fortress of Ephraim is abolished, and the kingdom of Damascus; and it happens to those that are left of Aram as to the glory of the sons of Israel, saith Jehovah of hosts." "Behold," etc.: hinnēh followed by a participle indicates here, as it does everywhere else, something very near at hand. Damascus is removed מעיר (= עיר מהיות, cf., Kg1 15:13), i.e., out of the sphere of existence as a city. It becomes מעי, a heap of ruins. The word is used…”