Isaiah 17:3

KJV

The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.

KJV (with Strong's)

The fortress {H4013} also shall cease {H7673} from Ephraim {H669}, and the kingdom {H4467} from Damascus {H1834}, and the remnant {H7605} of Syria {H758}: they shall be as the glory {H3519} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Efrayim will have no defenses, Dammesek will cease to rule, and Aram's survivors will share the fate of Isra'el's finest sons," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

Berean Standard Bible

The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the sovereignty from Damascus. The remnant of Aram will be like the splendor of the Israelites,” declares the LORD of Hosts.

American Standard Version

And the fortress shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria; they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 17:3 pronounces a definitive judgment against the allied powers of Ephraim (Northern Kingdom of Israel) and Damascus (Syria), foretelling the complete cessation of their military strength and sovereign rule. This divine decree asserts that their once-formidable "fortress" and "kingdom" will vanish, reducing them to a state of diminished glory, mirroring the humbled condition of the children of Israel under divine discipline, all affirmed by the unchallengeable authority of the "LORD of hosts."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 17 stands as part of a series of "burdens" or oracles against foreign nations (chapters 13-23), demonstrating God's sovereign control over all peoples, not just Israel. Specifically, chapter 17 focuses on Damascus and Ephraim, who had formed an alliance against Judah during the Syro-Ephraimitic War (c. 735-734 BC), as detailed in [Isaiah 7:1-9](/isaiah/7-1 "Isaiah 7:1-9 - The Syro-Ephraimitic War"). The preceding verses (Isaiah 17:1-2) describe the desolation of Damascus, picturing it as a ruin and its cities as forsaken. Verse 3 then extends this judgment to Ephraim, linking their fates and emphasizing their shared downfall. The subsequent verses (Isaiah 17:4-11) further elaborate on Ephraim's devastation, using agricultural metaphors of a dwindling harvest, highlighting the severe reduction of their population and prosperity due to their idolatry and rejection of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the mid-8th century BC, a period of significant geopolitical upheaval. The Assyrian Empire was rapidly expanding westward, threatening the smaller kingdoms of the Levant. In response to Assyrian aggression, King Rezin of Damascus and King Pekah of Israel (Ephraim) formed an alliance and attempted to coerce King Ahaz of Judah into joining them. When Ahaz refused, they attacked Judah, leading him to seek help from Assyria, a move strongly condemned by Isaiah (cf. [Isaiah 7:10-17](/isaiah/7-10 "Isaiah 7:10-17 - Ahaz's Refusal of a Sign")). Culturally, both Damascus and Ephraim were powerful regional entities with established monarchies, fortified cities, and significant military capabilities. Their "fortress" and "kingdom" were symbols of their national pride, security, and independence. The prophecy’s declaration of their cessation would have been a profound shock, undermining their perceived invincibility and challenging their reliance on human strength and alliances.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting that God is the ultimate ruler over all nations, not merely Israel. He orchestrates world events, raising and bringing down empires according to His will, as seen in His use of Assyria as an instrument of judgment (cf. [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria, God's Instrument")). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Judgment for Unfaithfulness**. Both Damascus and Ephraim, despite their political and military might, faced divine wrath due to their idolatry, covenant breaking, and opposition to God's chosen people. Thirdly, it speaks to the **Transience of Earthly Power**. The "fortress" and "kingdom"—symbols of human strength and political stability—are declared temporary and subject to divine dismantling, a recurring motif throughout prophetic literature that contrasts human fragility with God's eternal dominion (cf. [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fortress (Hebrew, _mibtsâr'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to cut off" or "to make inaccessible," _mibtsâr_ refers to a fortification, a castle, or a strongly defended city. Figuratively, it can also denote a defender or stronghold. In Isaiah 17:3, its cessation from Ephraim signifies the complete dismantling of their military defenses, security, and perceived invincibility. It represents the loss of their ability to protect themselves from external threats, particularly the Assyrian onslaught.
* **Kingdom (Hebrew, _mamlâkâh'_):** This term denotes dominion, rule, or the country/realm itself. It encompasses the abstract concept of sovereign authority and the concrete reality of a king's territory. The cessation of the _mamlâkâh_ from Damascus indicates a complete loss of its political independence, royal authority, and national identity. It implies that Damascus would no longer function as a self-governing entity but would be absorbed or subjugated by a greater power.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** While often signifying honor, splendor, or wealth, _kâbôwd_ here carries a nuanced meaning. Properly, it means "weight" and figuratively, "splendor" or "copiousness." In the phrase "as the glory of the children of Israel," it implies a comparison to Israel's own diminished state after periods of divine judgment. The "glory" that ceases for Damascus and Ephraim is their former magnificence, power, and prominence, which will fade into insignificance, mirroring Israel's own experiences of humbling and reduction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim,"**: This clause declares the end of Ephraim's military might and defensive capabilities. Ephraim, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel, had relied on its fortified cities and military strength for security. The word "cease" (_shâbath_) implies a complete stopping or desisting, indicating that their defenses would be rendered ineffective or entirely destroyed.
* **"and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria:"**: This parallel clause announces the political demise of Damascus, the capital of Syria (Aram). The "kingdom" signifies its sovereign rule and national independence. The inclusion of "the remnant of Syria" emphasizes the totality of the judgment; not only the capital but any surviving portion of the Syrian nation would lose its autonomy, signifying a complete subjugation.
* **"they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel,"**: This comparative statement underscores the shared fate of decline. It means that Damascus and Ephraim will experience a reduction in their former splendor, power, and prominence, similar to the periods of humbling and judgment that the children of Israel had endured. It's a prophecy of their reduction to a state of insignificance, losing their distinct national "glory."
* **"saith the LORD of hosts."**: This concluding phrase functions as a divine seal, affirming the absolute certainty and authority of the prophecy. "The LORD (_Yᵉhôvâh_) of hosts (_tsâbâʼ_)" is a powerful title emphasizing God's role as the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, highlighting His irresistible power to execute His decrees against any nation or power.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 17:3 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of judgment. **Parallelism** is evident in the balanced structure of the first two clauses: "The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus." This structural repetition emphasizes the shared fate of these two nations, linking their downfall together. **Symbolism** is heavily utilized, with "fortress" representing military strength and security, and "kingdom" symbolizing political sovereignty and national identity. The "glory of the children of Israel" serves as a poignant symbol of a diminished state, a past splendor now reduced by divine judgment. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Oracle**, explicitly marked by the concluding phrase, "saith the LORD of hosts." This formulaic declaration underscores the divine origin and unchallengeable authority of the prophecy, transforming it from a mere human prediction into a pronouncement from the sovereign God of the universe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 17:3 stands as a profound testament to the absolute sovereignty of God over all nations and the transient nature of human power. It reveals that no earthly kingdom, no matter how fortified or mighty, can withstand the purposes of the "LORD of hosts." This prophecy serves as a stark reminder that reliance on military strength or political alliances apart from God is ultimately futile. God's judgment, though often executed through human instruments like the Assyrians, is ultimately His divine prerogative, demonstrating His justice against those who oppose His will and oppress His people. The humbling of Damascus and Ephraim serves as a universal principle: all human glory is fleeting, and true security and lasting dominion belong only to God.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Jeremiah 10:7](/jeremiah/10-7 "Jeremiah 10:7 - God as King of Nations")
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-35 - God's Eternal Dominion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 17:3 calls us to re-evaluate where we place our ultimate trust and security. In a world that often exalts national power, economic strength, or military might, this verse reminds us that all human institutions and achievements are temporary and ultimately subject to the divine will. For the believer, this truth brings both comfort and challenge. Comfort, in knowing that our God is sovereign over all global events, and no earthly power can thwart His ultimate plan. Challenge, in discerning where our own allegiances lie—are we placing our hope in human systems and strengths, or in the unfailing power of the "LORD of hosts"? This passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing that true glory and lasting significance are found not in worldly accumulation or power, but in alignment with God's eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fortresses" or "kingdoms" do I tend to rely on for security and significance in my own life, apart from God?**
* **How does the transient nature of earthly power, as described in this verse, shape my perspective on current global events and political leaders?**
* **In what ways can I better align my trust and hope with the "LORD of hosts," rather than with fleeting human systems?**

### FAQ
**What was the historical context of the alliance between Damascus and Ephraim?**

Answer: The alliance between Damascus (Syria) and Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom of Israel) was formed in the mid-8th century BC, specifically around 735-734 BC. This was during the reign of King Ahaz in Judah and was a direct response to the growing threat of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, led by Tiglath-Pileser III. King Rezin of Damascus and King Pekah of Israel sought to create a united front against Assyria and attempted to force Judah to join their coalition. When King Ahaz refused, they attacked Jerusalem, initiating what is known as the Syro-Ephraimitic War, as recounted in [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Syro-Ephraimitic War") and [2 Kings 16](/2_kings/16 "2 Kings 16 - Ahaz's Reign and the Syro-Ephraimitic War"). Isaiah's prophecy in chapter 17, including verse 3, foretells the ultimate failure and destruction of this alliance by the very Assyrian power they sought to resist.

**How does the phrase "as the glory of the children of Israel" imply a negative outcome for Damascus and Ephraim?**

Answer: While "glory" often signifies honor or splendor, in this specific context, the comparison to "the glory of the children of Israel" implies a negative or diminished outcome for Damascus and Ephraim. Throughout their history, the children of Israel, particularly the Northern Kingdom, had experienced periods of severe judgment, reduction, and loss of their former splendor due to their unfaithfulness to God. For instance, the Assyrian invasions had already begun to diminish Israel's territory and population (cf. [2 Kings 15:29](/2_kings/15-29 "2 Kings 15:29 - Tiglath-Pileser III's Invasion")). Therefore, to be "as the glory of the children of Israel" means to suffer a similar fate of decline, reduction, and loss of national prominence and power, becoming a shadow of their former selves. It signifies a shared experience of divine humbling.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 17:3, while a prophecy of judgment against specific earthly kingdoms, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the establishment of God's eternal kingdom through Jesus Christ. The cessation of the "fortress" from Ephraim and the "kingdom" from Damascus foreshadows the transient nature of all human dominion and military might, which ultimately cannot stand against the sovereign will of God. In contrast, Christ establishes a kingdom that "shall never be destroyed, nor shall its dominion be left to another people" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). Jesus, the true "LORD of hosts," demonstrated His authority over all earthly powers, ultimately conquering sin, death, and the forces of darkness through His crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "glory" that fades from human kingdoms is replaced by the everlasting glory of Christ's reign, a spiritual kingdom that transcends national boundaries and military strength ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Believers are now citizens of this unshakable kingdom, finding their true security and identity not in earthly fortresses or political powers, but in the King of kings, whose dominion is forever ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes Christ's")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hosea 9:11

¶ [As for] Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth, and from the womb, and from the conception.

Isaiah 7:16

For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.

Isaiah 8:4

For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.

Isaiah 7:8

For the head of Syria [is] Damascus, and the head of Damascus [is] Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people.

Micah 1:4

And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, [and] as the waters [that are] poured down a steep place.

Micah 1:9

For her wound [is] incurable; for it is come unto Judah; he is come unto the gate of my people, [even] to Jerusalem.

2 Kings 17:6

In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor [by] the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.