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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 17:1 This is the burden against Damascus: "Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/17-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/23_Isa_17_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 17:1 - An Oracle Concerning Damascus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This is the burden against Damascus: Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/isaiah/17-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/isaiah/17-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/isaiah/16-14.htm" title="Isaiah 16:14">◄</a> Isaiah 17:1 <a href="/isaiah/17-2.htm" title="Isaiah 17:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/isaiah/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A prophecy against Damascus: &#8220See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This message came to me concerning Damascus: “Look, the city of Damascus will disappear! It will become a heap of ruins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />An oracle concerning Damascus. Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city and will become a heap of ruins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is the burden against Damascus: “Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from <i>being</i> a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The burden against Damascus. “Behold, Damascus will cease from <i>being</i> a city, And it will be a ruinous heap.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The pronouncement concerning Damascus: “Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city And will become a fallen ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The oracle concerning Damascus. &#8220Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city And will become a fallen ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The oracle concerning Damascus. “Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city, And it will become a fallen ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The oracle concerning Damascus. “Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city And will become a fallen ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The [mournful, inspired] oracle (a burden to be carried) concerning Damascus [capital of Aram (Syria), and Israel’s defense against Assyria]. “Listen carefully, Damascus will cease to be a city And will become a fallen ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A pronouncement concerning Damascus: Look, Damascus is no longer a city. It has become a ruined heap.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />An oracle against Damascus: Look, Damascus is no longer a city. It has become a ruined heap. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />This is a message about Damascus: Damascus is doomed! It will end up in ruins. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />This is the divine revelation about Damascus. "Damascus will no longer be a city. It will become a pile of rubble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD said, "Damascus will not be a city any longer; it will be only a pile of ruins. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A message about Damascus: "Look! Damascus will cease to be a city. Instead, it will become a pile of ruins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is the burden against Damascus: ?Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Here is a message about Damascus: "Look, Damascus is no longer a city, it is a heap of ruins! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The burden of Damascus: "Look, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The burden of Damascus. “Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from [being] a city, "" And it has been a heap—a ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The burden of Damascus. Lo, Damascus is taken away from being a city, And it hath been a heap -- a ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus being taken away from a city, and it was a falling heap of rubbish.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />THE burden of Damascus. Behold Damascus shall cease to be a city, and shall be as a ruinous heap of stones. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city, and it will be like a heap of stones in ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Oracle on Damascus: See, Damascus shall cease to be a city and become a pile of ruins; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />An oracle concerning Damascus. See, Damascus will cease to be a city, and will become a heap of ruins.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />THE prophecy concerning the fall of Damascus. Behold, Damascus shall cease to be a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The burden of Darmsuq: “Behold, Darmsuq passes away from the city, and it shall be for a wilderness and for a ruin<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, And it shall be a ruinous heap.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />THE WORD AGAINST DAMASCUS. Behold, Damascus shall be taken away from among cities, and shall become a ruin;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/17-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=3558" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/17.htm">An Oracle Concerning Damascus</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4853.htm" title="4853: maś·śā (N-msc) -- From nasa'; a burden; specifically, tribute, or porterage; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire.">This is the burden</a> <a href="/hebrew/1834.htm" title="1834: dam·mā·śeq (N-proper-fs) -- A city in Aram (Syria). Or Duwmeseq; or Darmeseq; of foreign origin; Damascus, a city of Syria.">against Damascus:</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1834.htm" title="1834: ḏam·me·śeq (N-proper-fs) -- A city in Aram (Syria). Or Duwmeseq; or Darmeseq; of foreign origin; Damascus, a city of Syria.">Damascus</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: mū·sār (V-Hofal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">is no longer</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: mê·‘îr (Prep-m:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">a city;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yə·ṯāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">it has become</a> <a href="/hebrew/4596.htm" title="4596: mə·‘î (N-msc) -- Perhaps ruin heap. From avah; a pile of rubbish, i.e. A ruin.">a heap</a> <a href="/hebrew/4654.htm" title="4654: map·pā·lāh (N-fs) -- Something fallen, a ruin. Or mappelah; from naphal; something fallen, i.e. A ruin.">of ruins.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be left to the flocks, which will lie down with no one to fear.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/49-23.htm">Jeremiah 49:23-27</a></span><br />Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed. / Damascus has become feeble; she has turned to flee. Panic has gripped her; anguish and pain have seized her like a woman in labor. / How is the city of praise not forsaken, the town that brings Me joy? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/1-3.htm">Amos 1:3-5</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron. / So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael to consume the citadels of Ben-hadad. / I will break down the gates of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler from the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir,” says the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/9-1.htm">Zechariah 9:1</a></span><br />This is the burden of the word of the LORD against the land of Hadrach and Damascus its resting place—for the eyes of men and of all the tribes of Israel are upon the LORD—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/16-9.htm">2 Kings 16:9</a></span><br />So the king of Assyria responded to him, marched up to Damascus, and captured it. He took its people to Kir as captives and put Rezin to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-5.htm">2 Kings 17:5-6</a></span><br />Then the king of Assyria invaded the whole land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years. / In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and carried away the Israelites to Assyria, where he settled them in Halah, in Gozan by the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/7-8.htm">Isaiah 7:8</a></span><br />For the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be shattered as a people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-4.htm">Isaiah 8:4</a></span><br />For before the boy knows how to cry ‘Father’ or ‘Mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-9.htm">Isaiah 10:9</a></span><br />“Is not Calno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/13-1.htm">Isaiah 13:1</a></span><br />This is the burden against Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz received:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-24.htm">Isaiah 14:24-27</a></span><br />The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. / I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountain. His yoke will be taken off My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.” / This is the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/25-2.htm">Isaiah 25:2</a></span><br />Indeed, You have made the city a heap of rubble, the fortified town a ruin. The fortress of strangers is a city no more; it will never be rebuilt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-12.htm">Isaiah 37:12-13</a></span><br />Did the gods of the nations destroyed by my fathers rescue those nations—the gods of Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph, and of the people of Eden in Telassar? / Where are the kings of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/25-15.htm">Ezekiel 25:15-17</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because the Philistines acted in vengeance, taking vengeance with malice of soul to destroy Judah with ancient hostility, / therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant along the coast. / I will execute great vengeance against them with furious reproof. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I lay My vengeance upon them.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/30-18.htm">Ezekiel 30:18</a></span><br />The day will be darkened in Tahpanhes when I break the yoke of Egypt and her proud strength comes to an end. A cloud will cover her, and her daughters will go into captivity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/5-8.htm">Hosea 5:8-9</a></span><br />Blow the ram’s horn in Gibeah, the trumpet in Ramah; raise the battle cry in Beth-aven: Lead on, O Benjamin! / Ephraim will be laid waste on the day of rebuke. Among the tribes of Israel I proclaim what is certain.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/15-1.htm">Isaiah 15:1</a></b></br> The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, <i>and</i> brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, <i>and</i> brought to silence;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/19-1.htm">Isaiah 19:1</a></b></br> The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.</p><p class="hdg">Damascus</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/7-8.htm">Isaiah 7:8</a></b></br> For the head of Syria <i>is</i> Damascus, and the head of Damascus <i>is</i> Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/14-15.htm">Genesis 14:15</a></b></br> And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which <i>is</i> on the left hand of Damascus.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2</a></b></br> And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house <i>is</i> this Eliezer of Damascus?</p><p class="hdg">Damascus is</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/8-4.htm">Isaiah 8:4</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/10-9.htm">Isaiah 10:9</a></b></br> <i>Is</i> not Calno as Carchemish? <i>is</i> not Hamath as Arpad? <i>is</i> not Samaria as Damascus?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/16-9.htm">2 Kings 16:9</a></b></br> And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried <i>the people of</i> it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.</p><p class="hdg">ruinous</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/25-2.htm">Isaiah 25:2</a></b></br> For thou hast made of a city an heap; <i>of</i> a defenced city a ruin: a palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be built.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/37-26.htm">Isaiah 37:26</a></b></br> Hast thou not heard long ago, <i>how</i> I have done it; <i>and</i> of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities <i>into</i> ruinous heaps.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/49-2.htm">Jeremiah 49:2</a></b></br> Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will cause an alarm of war to be heard in Rabbah of the Ammonites; and it shall be a desolate heap, and her daughters shall be burned with fire: then shall Israel be heir unto them that were his heirs, saith the LORD.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/15-1.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-10.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-31.htm">City</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-9.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-9.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-6.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-8.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/isaiah/15-1.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-25.htm">Removed</a> <a href="/isaiah/15-1.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/job/30-24.htm">Ruinous</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-17.htm">Ruins</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-4.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-13.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/19-1.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-3.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-3.htm">City</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-3.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-9.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-11.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-5.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-1.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-8.htm">Removed</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-13.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-26.htm">Ruinous</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-12.htm">Ruins</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-4.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-1.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/17-1.htm">Syria and Israel are threatened</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/17-6.htm">A remnant shall forsake idolatry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/17-9.htm">The rest shall be plagued for their impiety</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/17-12.htm">The woe of Israel's enemies</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>This is the burden against Damascus:</b><br>The term "burden" often refers to a prophetic oracle or message of judgment. Damascus, the capital of Syria, was a significant city in the ancient Near East. It was known for its wealth and influence, making it a notable subject of prophecy. The use of "burden" indicates a heavy message, often of impending doom or divine judgment. This prophecy against Damascus is part of a series of judgments against various nations, highlighting God's sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel.<p><b>Behold, Damascus is no longer a city;</b><br>The phrase "no longer a city" suggests complete desolation. Historically, Damascus was one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, known for its strategic location and trade routes. The prophecy indicates a dramatic change in its status, emphasizing the totality of the coming judgment. This serves as a warning to other nations and cities that rely on their strength and prosperity rather than on God.<p><b>it has become a heap of ruins.</b><br>The imagery of a "heap of ruins" conveys utter destruction. Archaeologically, ruins are often the remnants of once-thriving civilizations, serving as a testament to their downfall. This prophecy may have been partially fulfilled in various historical invasions and destructions of Damascus, such as those by the Assyrians. Theologically, it underscores the theme of divine retribution against pride and idolatry. The desolation of Damascus can also be seen as a type of the ultimate judgment that will come upon the world, pointing to the need for repentance and reliance on God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He served as a prophet in Judah during the reigns of several kings and is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/damascus.htm">Damascus</a></b><br>The capital city of Syria, Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In Isaiah's time, it was a significant political and military power.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/o/oracle.htm">Oracle</a></b><br>A divine message or prophecy. In this context, it refers to the specific message from God delivered by Isaiah concerning the fate of Damascus.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/syria.htm">Syria</a></b><br>The nation of which Damascus is the capital. Historically, Syria was often in conflict with Israel and Judah.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/heap_of_ruins.htm">Heap of Ruins</a></b><br>This phrase indicates total destruction, suggesting that Damascus will be completely devastated and uninhabitable.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_certainty_of_god's_judgment.htm">The Certainty of God's Judgment</a></b><br>God's pronouncements through His prophets are sure and will come to pass. This should remind us of the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_transience_of_earthly_powers.htm">The Transience of Earthly Powers</a></b><br>No matter how powerful a city or nation may seem, it is ultimately subject to God's authority. This should encourage believers to place their trust in God rather than in worldly powers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a></b><br>Prophecies of judgment serve as a warning and a call to repentance. We should examine our own lives and turn away from sin, seeking God's mercy and forgiveness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a></b><br>God is sovereign over all nations and their destinies. This should give us confidence in His control over world events, even when they seem chaotic.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_beyond_judgment.htm">Hope Beyond Judgment</a></b><br>While judgment is pronounced, the broader account of Isaiah includes promises of restoration and hope. Believers can find comfort in God's ultimate plan for redemption.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_proof_of_isaiah_17's_fulfillment.htm">Where is the definitive historical or archaeological evidence that confirms or denies the immediate fulfillment of Isaiah 17 in ancient Syria’s history? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_isaiah_17_1_say_damascus_is_destroyed.htm">How can Isaiah 17:1 claim Damascus would be destroyed if it remains one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_isaiah_17_unfulfilled.htm">Why does Isaiah 17’s prophecy appear unfulfilled when compared to other passages predicting judgments on Israel’s neighbors that were historically verified?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/am_i_seeking_more_in_life.htm">What does the Bible say about Damascus?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XVII.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">The burden of Damascus.</span>--Syria, it will be remembered, had been "confederate with Ephraim," <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>with the kingdom of Israel, against Judah in the reign of Ahaz, and the prophet had then foretold its overthrow by Assyria (<a href="/context/isaiah/7-1.htm" title="And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.">Isaiah 7:1-16</a>). In <a href="/2_kings/16-9.htm" title="And the king of Assyria listened to him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.">2Kings 16:9</a>, 2 Chron. 28:29, we have a partial fulfilment of that prediction. Writing probably early in the reign of Hezekiah, Isaiah now looks forward to a further fulfilment in the future.<p><span class= "bld">Damascus is taken away from being a city . . .</span>--The words emphasise the result of the Assyrian invasion. The city of ancient days (<a href="/genesis/15-2.htm" title="And Abram said, LORD God, what will you give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?">Genesis 15:2</a>) should lose glory and be no more worthy of the name; struck out, as it were, from the list of the great cities of the world.<p><span class= "bld">The cities of Aroer are forsaken.</span>--The LXX. and other versions seem to have followed a different text, and give, "The cities are forsaken for ever." Taking Aroer as the right reading, we note that there were two cities of the name, one in the tribe of Reuben (<a href="/deuteronomy/2-36.htm" title="From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even to Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all to us:">Deuteronomy 2:36</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/3-12.htm" title="And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I to the Reubenites and to the Gadites.">Deuteronomy 3:12</a>), afterwards in the possession of Moab (<a href="/jeremiah/48-19.htm" title="O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask him that flees, and her that escapes, and say, What is done?">Jeremiah 48:19</a>), and the other in that of Gad, near Rabbah of Ammon (<a href="/numbers/32-34.htm" title="And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,">Numbers 32:34</a>; <a href="/joshua/13-25.htm" title="And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, to Aroer that is before Rabbah;">Joshua 13:25</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/24-5.htm" title="And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lies in the middle of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:">2Samuel 24:5</a>). The present passage seems to imply a closer connection with Damascus. and therefore a more northern position than that of either of these cities. The latter of the two Just named may, however, have been in alliance with Damascus, and so have shared its fate during the Assyrian invasion. Possibly it may have been chosen for special mention on account of the significance of its name ("laid bare") as ominous of utter ruin. The picture of the "flocks" wandering through the streets of the city reminds us of that of Babylon in <a href="/isaiah/13-21.htm" title="But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there.">Isaiah 13:21</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 1-3.</span> - THE BURDEN OF DAMASCUS. The eye of the prophet travels northwards from Moab, and, passing over Ammon as an enemy of small account, rests once more upon Damascus, already threatened in <a href="/isaiah/7-1.htm">Isaiah 7:1 - 9</a>, and probably already partially punished. Damascus is seen once more in alliance with Ephraim (ver. 3), and the two are joined with a new power, Aroer (ver. 2), which possesses several "cities." Woe is denounced on all the three powers: desolation on Damascus and Aroer; on Damascus and Ephraim, the complete loss of the last shadow of independence. The Assyrian inscriptions point out, as the probable date of the prophecy, the commencement of Sargun's reign - about <span class="date">B.C. 722</span> or 721. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Damascus is taken away from being a city</span>. According to Vitringa, Damascus has been destroyed oftener than any other town; but it has a wonderful power of rising again from its ashes. Probably a destruction by Sargon is here intended ('Records of the Past,' vol. 9. p. 6). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/17-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">[This is] an oracle</span><br /><span class="heb">מַשָּׂ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(maś·śā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4853.htm">Strong's 4853: </a> </span><span class="str2">A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">concerning Damascus:</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּמָּ֑שֶׂק</span> <span class="translit">(dam·mā·śeq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1834.htm">Strong's 1834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Damascus -- a city in Aram (Syria)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Behold,</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנֵּ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Damascus</span><br /><span class="heb">דַמֶּ֙שֶׂק֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḏam·me·śeq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1834.htm">Strong's 1834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Damascus -- a city in Aram (Syria)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is no longer</span><br /><span class="heb">מוּסָ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(mū·sār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hofal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a city;</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעִ֔יר</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it has become</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָיְתָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·yə·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a heap</span><br /><span class="heb">מְעִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(mə·‘î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4596.htm">Strong's 4596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pile of rubbish, a ruin </span><br /><br /><span class="word">of ruins.</span><br /><span class="heb">מַפָּלָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(map·pā·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4654.htm">Strong's 4654: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something fallen, a ruin</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/17-1.htm">Isaiah 17:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/17-1.htm">Isaiah 17:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/17-1.htm">Isaiah 17:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/17-1.htm">Isaiah 17:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/17-1.htm">Isaiah 17:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/17-1.htm">Isaiah 17:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/17-1.htm">Isaiah 17:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/17-1.htm">Isaiah 17:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/17-1.htm">Isaiah 17:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/17-1.htm">Isaiah 17:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/17-1.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 17:1 The burden of Damascus: Behold Damascus (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/16-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 16:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 16:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/17-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 17:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 17:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>