Isaiah 17:3

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Isaiah 17:3 is a pivotal verse within a prophetic oracle primarily directed against Damascus (Aram/Syria) and Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom of Israel). This prophecy announces the impending downfall of these two powerful entities, whose alliance had often troubled the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

Context

Chapter 17 of Isaiah focuses on the judgment of Damascus and Ephraim. Historically, these two kingdoms had formed an alliance against Judah, a conflict often referred to as the Syro-Ephraimitic War, which occurred during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah. Despite their combined strength, Isaiah prophesies their utter destruction, primarily at the hands of the rising Assyrian Empire. Verse 3 specifically details the cessation of their military and political power, emphasizing that their might will vanish.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The phrase "saith the LORD of hosts" underscores God's ultimate authority over nations. He is not merely observing but actively ordaining the fate of Damascus and Ephraim, demonstrating that earthly powers are subject to His will and judgment.
  • Cessation of Power: The "fortress" of Ephraim, symbolizing its military strength and security, and the "kingdom from Damascus," representing its political independence and glory, are both destined to cease. This signifies a complete loss of defensive capability and sovereign rule.
  • Diminished Glory: The statement "they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel" points to a shared fate of decline. Just as Israel had experienced periods of judgment and reduction, so too would Damascus and its remnant. It implies a significant reduction in their former splendor and power, reducing them to a state of insignificance, much like Israel's own diminished state in the face of divine judgment.

Linguistic Insights

  • "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth): This powerful title emphasizes God's role as the supreme commander of heavenly armies, reinforcing the certainty and irresistibility of His decrees. It highlights His absolute power to execute judgment against any nation.
  • "Fortress" (Hebrew: mibtsar): This term denotes a fortified place, a stronghold, or a defense. Its cessation signifies the complete dismantling of Ephraim's security and protective capabilities.
  • "Glory" (Hebrew: kabod): While often meaning honor, splendor, or wealth, in this context, "as the glory of the children of Israel" implies a reduction or fading away. Their former greatness will vanish, becoming a mere shadow, similar to Israel's own experience of judgment and reduction.

Practical Application

Isaiah 17:3 serves as a timeless reminder that all earthly kingdoms and human strength are ultimately temporary and fall under the sovereign rule of God. It encourages believers to place their trust not in military might, political alliances, or human institutions, but in the unfailing power and promises of the LORD of hosts. This prophecy also highlights God's justice, holding nations accountable for their actions, particularly when they oppose His purposes or His people.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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