Damascus is one of the great cities of the ancient world, and the capital of the ancient nation of Syria. Syria is positioned to the immediate north-east of Israel, and the northern tribes, around the Sea of Galilee, had constant contact and interaction with Syria. Damascus was the capital city of Syria. Syria was troubling Judah at the moment but they would soon have problems of their own.

1. The destruction of Damascus (vs. 1-3)

Damascus was one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world, but the coming Assyrian judgment would reduce it to a heap of ruins.

2. Israel will be judged also (vs. 4-5)

At this time, Israel and Syria were closely aligned against Judah. Since they are such close friends, God will announce His judgment against Ephraim, against Israel, at the same time He speaks to Syria! See 2 Kings 15:29 and 16:9 for a description of the fulfilment of this prophecy.

Israel’s modern interaction with Syria is interesting, and a potential hot-spot for future conflict. When Syria occupied the Golan Heights, a strategically crucial high plateau above the whole region of Galilee, Israel was under constant threat of invasion and shelling from Syrian placements on the Golan. But when Syria eventually made a full on invasion of Israel from the Golan, Israel miraculously beat them back and captured the Golan Heights. The Israelis are adamant that they will never give back land that belongs to them, and is necessary for their security. In the meantime, Syria fights Israel through terrorism and their support of militia groups in Lebanon. The dream of a “Greater Syria”, encompassing Syria, Lebanon, and parts of northern Israel is a powerful influence in the Syrian leadership.

3. People will return to the Lord when they have suffered enough (vs. 6-8)

In the midst of such severe judgment, some will respond as they should, with humble respect for God. God would strip away from Israel every wrong thing they might have trusted in – pagan altars, wooden images, incense altars, and even their strong cities would give no protection. Their only hope was in the Lord. God used judgment again and again to try and cure Israel of its acceptance of idols in worship.

4. Others will be punished because they had forgotten God (vs. 9-11)

The Lord’s judgment against Israel will be to bring their hard work to nothing. They will work hard to plant and grow crops (both literally and figuratively), but the harvest will be a heap of ruins. Why did the Lord bring this judgment on Israel? It was because they have “forgotten the God of your salvation”. It is a great sin. Why? He is the God who created us and provided salvation. If you forget Him, you can forget about your salvation.

5. The Assyrians will come up against Jerusalem and destroyed by God in one night (vs. 12-14)

See also Isaiah 37:36. God will use other nations to bring judgment against Syria and Israel. They will come against them like a flash flood that can’t be stopped. God can use one sinner to judge another, and then judge the sinner He just used! It is a comforting principle: Even in the midst of judgment, God shows mercy. As bad as it was going to be for Israel, it could have been worse. Instead, God will allow it for a time, and then He would rebuke those attacking Israel. Israel was not at the mercy of circumstances or their enemies; they were at the mercy of God.

Categories: Isaiah