Isaiah 17:9

¶ In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation.

In that day {H3117} shall his strong {H4581} cities {H5892} be as a forsaken {H5800} bough {H2793}, and an uppermost branch {H534}, which they left {H5800} because {H6440} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}: and there shall be desolation {H8077}.

When that day comes, his strong cities, which others abandoned when Isra'el advanced, will be like abandoned woods and forests; they will be laid waste.

In that day their strong cities will be like forsaken thickets and summits, abandoned to the Israelites and to utter desolation.

In that day shall their strong cities be as the forsaken places in the wood and on the mountain top, which were forsaken from before the children of Israel; and it shall be a desolation.

Commentary

Isaiah 17:9 is part of a prophetic oracle primarily concerning the judgment of Damascus (Syria) and the northern kingdom of Israel, also known as Ephraim. This verse vividly describes the extent of the impending desolation that will befall their once-secure cities.

Context

Chapter 17 of Isaiah details God's pronouncement against Damascus and Ephraim, who had formed an alliance against Judah. The prophecy foretells the destruction of Damascus and the severe weakening of Israel, particularly their capital, Samaria. The "day" referred to in this verse is the time of God's judgment, which historically was fulfilled by the Assyrian invasion that led to the downfall of both Damascus (732 BC) and Samaria (722 BC). The phrase "because of the children of Israel" likely refers to the land being abandoned due to the consequences of Israel's own unfaithfulness and idolatry, leading to their removal from the land by the Assyrians. This aligns with other prophecies of Israel's judgment, such as the desolation described in Hosea 13:16 regarding Samaria.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse underscores God's sovereignty and His administration of justice against nations that rebel against Him. The "strong cities" of Israel and Syria, once symbols of security and pride, are rendered utterly helpless before divine wrath.
  • Utter Desolation: The imagery of a "forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch" powerfully conveys complete abandonment and ruin. Just as a branch left high up after harvesting is forgotten and useless, so too would these cities become uninhabited and desolate, stripped of their former glory and population. This speaks to a thorough and irreversible destruction, a common theme in prophecies of judgment, such as the seventy years of desolation foretold for Judah in Jeremiah.
  • False Security: The reliance on "strong cities" proved futile. This highlights the biblical principle that true security comes not from material fortifications or human alliances, but from faithfulness to God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch" (כְּעֹזְבַת חֹרֶשׁ וּכְעָמִיר הָעָלֶה, k'ozvat choresh u'k'amir ha'aleh) paints a stark picture. Chōresh refers to a thicket or forest, and its "forsaken" state implies a clearing or a place where trees have been cut down and abandoned. Āmīr refers to a top or uppermost branch, specifically one that is left behind during harvesting because it's too high or not worth the effort. The simile emphasizes the completeness of the abandonment and the lack of value remaining in what was once vibrant and strong. It suggests a land cleared out, with only worthless remnants left.

Practical Application

Isaiah 17:9 serves as a timeless reminder that earthly power and security are transient. Nations and individuals alike are accountable to God. It challenges us to consider where our true security lies. Relying on material possessions, military might, or political alliances apart from God's will ultimately leads to spiritual and often physical desolation. The verse encourages a posture of humility and dependence on the Lord, knowing that He alone is our true strength and fortress.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Amos 3:11

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; An adversary [there shall be] even round about the land; and he shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled.

  • Amos 3:15

    And I will smite the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the LORD.

  • Isaiah 27:10

    Yet the defenced city [shall be] desolate, [and] the habitation forsaken, and left like a wilderness: there shall the calf feed, and there shall he lie down, and consume the branches thereof.

  • Micah 5:11

    And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy strong holds:

  • Isaiah 6:11

    Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate,

  • Isaiah 6:13

    But yet in it [shall be] a tenth, and [it] shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance [is] in them, when they cast [their leaves: so] the holy seed [shall be] the substance thereof.

  • Hosea 13:15

    Though he be fruitful among [his] brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.
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