In Isaiah chapter seventeen, the Bible describes the burden of Damascus, and also judgment that will come upon Ephraim, Syria, and Israel. First, we see the judgment upon Damascus, the head of Syria.
“The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.” (Isaiah 17:1) Why did such desolation come upon Damascus? Why would it be taken away from being a city? Why would it come to ruins? Because of sin. You might remember that Damascus, Samaria, and Ephraim had come up against Judah in the days of king Ahaz and had attempted to take it. Apparently, Syria was the head of this confederacy and led it up to war against Jerusalem. God protects His people, even when they are straying from Him, so God promised to bring judgment on those who had been confederate against them. God did just that, and brought the city to ruins. Today, Damascus is a thriving city, so this prophecy is what is referred to as a “near prophecy,” or soon to come to pass. Damascus was rebuilt in later years.
Continuing on in verse two, Isaiah chapter seven says, “The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid.” Aroer was a province in Syria. When God brought judgment upon Syria, the whole country was affected. The people fled from the cities in the province of Aroer. These became desolate of people and were places for flocks to lie down, a place where the flocks would not be disturbed.
Verse three mentions that judgment will also come upon Ephraim, “The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria…” Since Ephraim was confederate with Syria, God would take away their defense. God had brought down the glory of Israel and would bring down their glory as well; “they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the Lord of hosts.”
In addition to the above mentioned peoples, God also brought judgment upon Jacob. He said the following about these places, “4) And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean. 5) And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.” (verses four and five) Why Israel? Why did judgment affect them? Because of sin. They were made thin, just a small number left to them. God had brought them low. If He would do this to punish sin among His own people, would He not also bring down His wrath upon those of other lands. In regard to Israel, God would not destroy them utterly. God would protect a remnant because they are His people. For a time, because of their sin, they would be thin and lean, but God would still preserve them.
Here, in His holy Scriptures, God has left this account as an example for us. Whether it be an individual, a group of people, or a nation, God cannot tolerate sin, and He will judge it. But God is also a God of mercy. Which will we choose today – to continue on in our sin and enjoy its pleasures for a season, or to fall upon the mercies of God?