Isaiah 17:2

“The cities of Aroer are forsaken, &c.] The inhabitants of them being slain, or carried captive, or obliged to flee. Aroer was a city by the river Arnon, on the borders of Moab and Ammon, (<050236>Deuteronomy 2:36) (<050312>Deuteronomy 3:12), it was originally in the hands of the Amorites, and sometimes in the hands of the Moabites and Ammonites: it was given by Moses to the Reubenites and, Gadites, from whom it was taken by the Syrians, and in whose possession it seems to have been at this time; (see <121033> 2 Kings 10:33) though Jarchi thinks it was now in the hands of Pekah king of Israel, and said to be forsaken, because the Reubenites and Gadites were now carried captive. Jeromf330 says…”

“cities of Aroer--that is, the cities round Aroer, and under its jurisdiction [GESENIUS]. So "cities with their villages" (Jos 15:44); "Heshbon and all her cities" (Jos 13:17). Aroer was near Rabbahammon, at the river of Gad, an arm of the Jabbok (Sa2 24:5), founded by the Gadites (Num 32:34). for flocks-- (Isa 5:17).”

“The cities of Aroer - By “Aroer” here seems to be meant a tract or region of country pertaining to Damascus, in which were situated several cities. Grotius supposes that it was a tract of country in Syria which is called by Ptolemy “Aueira” - Αὔειρα Aueira. Vitringa supposes that one part of Damascus is meant by this, as Damascus was divided by the river in the same manner that Babylon was. There were several cities of the name of “Aroer.” One was on the river Arnon in the land of Moab Deuteronomy 2:36; Deuteronomy 3:12; Joshua 12:3. Burckhardt found this city under the name of Aroer. There was another city of this name further north, over against Rabbath-Ammon Joshua 13:25. There was a…”

“Aroer - Of that part of Syria, called Aroer, from a great city of that name. These cities were possessed by the Reubenites and Gadites, whom Tiglath - pilneser carried into captivity, Ch1 5:26. These he mentions here, as he doth Ephraim in the next verse, because they were confederate with Syria against Judah. Afraid - Because the land shall be desolate, and destitute of men who might disturb them. Isaiah 17:3”

“17:2 The towns of Aroer were east of the Dead Sea (see 2 Kgs 10:32-33). • Flocks will graze in the streets: The city would be useless for any other purpose.”

“Aroer: Num 32:34; Deu 2:36, Deu 3:12; Jos 13:16; Jer 48:19 they shall: Isa 5:17, Isa 7:23-25; Eze 25:5; Zep 2:6 none: Jer 7:33 Isaiah 17:3”