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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 17:9 In that day their strong cities will be like forsaken thickets and summits, abandoned to the Israelites and to utter desolation.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/17-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/23_Isa_17_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 17:9 - An Oracle Concerning Damascus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In that day their strong cities will be like forsaken thickets and summits, abandoned to the Israelites and to utter desolation." /><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/17-9.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/17-9.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 9</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="/ad9.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/17-8.htm" title="Isaiah 17:8">◄</a> Isaiah 17:9 <a href="/isaiah/17-10.htm" title="Isaiah 17:10">►</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 />In that day their strong cities, which they left because of the Israelites, will be like places abandoned to thickets and undergrowth. And all will be desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Their largest cities will be like a deserted forest, like the land the Hivites and Amorites abandoned when the Israelites came here so long ago. It will be utterly desolate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />In that day their strong cities will be like the deserted places of the wooded heights and the hilltops, which they deserted because of the children of Israel, and there will be desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />In that day their strong cities will be like forsaken thickets and summits, abandoned to the Israelites and to utter desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />In that day his strong cities will be as a forsaken bough And an uppermost branch, Which they left because of the children of Israel; And there will be desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />On that day their strong cities will be like abandoned places in the forest, Or like branches which they abandoned before the sons of Israel; And the land will be a desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />In that day their strong cities will be like forsaken places in the forest, Or like branches which they abandoned before the sons of Israel; And the land will be a desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />In that day their strong cities will be like forsaken places in the forest, Or like branches which they abandoned before the sons of Israel; And the land will be a desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />In that day their strong cities will be like forsaken places in the forest, Or like branches which they forsook before the sons of Israel; And the land will be a desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />In that day the strong cities of Aram and Israel will be like deserted places in the forest, Or like branches which they abandoned before the children of Israel; And the land will be a desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />On that day their strong cities will be like the abandoned woods and mountaintops that were abandoned because of the Israelites; there will be desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />On that day their strong cities will be like the abandoned woods and mountaintops that were abandoned because of the Israelites; there will be desolation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Israel captured powerful cities and chased out the people who lived there. But these cities will lie in ruins, covered over with weeds and underbrush. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />In that day shall his 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When that day comes, the fortified cities which other people abandoned because of the Israelites will be like abandoned woods and undergrowth. So it will become a wasteland.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When that day comes, well-defended cities will be deserted and left in ruins like the cities that the Hivites and the Amorites abandoned as they fled from the people of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"At that time, their fortified cities that they abandoned because of the Israelis will be like desolate places of the forests and hilltops— there will be desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />In that day their strong cities will be like forsaken thickets and summits, abandoned to the Israelites and to utter desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />At that time their fortified cities will be like the abandoned summits of the Amorites, which they abandoned because of the Israelites; there will be desolation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />In that day, their strong cities will be like the forsaken places of the Hivites and the Amorites, which were forsaken from before the children of Israel; and it will be a desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />In that day, their strong cities will be like the forsaken places in the woods and on the mountain top, which were forsaken from before the children of Israel; and it will be a desolation. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />In that day the cities of his strength are "" As the forsaken thing of the forest, "" And the branch that they have left, "" Because of the sons of Israel, "" It has also been a desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> In that day are the cities of his strength As the forsaken thing of the forest, And the branch that they have left, Because of the sons of Israel, It also hath been a desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In that day shall his strong cities be as the forsaken thicket, and the summit which they forsook from the face of the sons of Israel: and it was a desolation.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />In that day his strong cities shall be forsaken, as the ploughs, and the corn that were left before the face of the children of Israel, and thou shalt be desolate. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />In that day, his strong cities will be abandoned, like the plows and the grain fields which were left behind before the face of the sons of Israel, and you shall be deserted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />On that day his strong cities shall be like those abandoned by the Hivites and Amorites When faced with the Israelites; and there shall be desolation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />On that day their strong cities will be like the deserted places of the Hivites and the Amorites, which they deserted because of the children of Israel, and there will be desolation.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />In that day shall his strong cities be like a desolate well, and like an emirate which was left destitute before the children of Israel; so you will become a desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />In that day the cities of his strength shall be as a pit of a Sorcerer and a high place that is forsaken from before the children of Israel, and you shall be for destruction<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />In that day shall his strong cities be as the forsaken places, which were forsaken from before the children of Israel, after the manner of woods and lofty forests; and it shall be a desolation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />In that day thy cities shall be deserted, as the Amorites and the Evaeans deserted <i>theirs</i>, because the of children of Israel; and they shall be desolate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/17-9.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=3640" 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">8</span>They will not look to the altars they have fashioned with their hands or to the Asherahs and incense altars they have made with their fingers. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">In that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bay·yō·wm (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day</a> <a href="/hebrew/4581.htm" title="4581: mā·‘uz·zōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- (also mauwz); or mahoz (also ma, uz; from azaz; a fortified place; figuratively, a defence.">their strong</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘ā·rê (N-fpc) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">cities</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">will be like</a> <a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: ka·‘ă·zū·ḇaṯ (Prep-k:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-fsc) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">forsaken</a> <a href="/hebrew/2793.htm" title="2793: ha·ḥō·reš (Art:: N-ms) -- Wood, wooded height. From charash; a forest.">thickets</a> <a href="/hebrew/534.htm" title="534: wə·hā·’ā·mîr (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- The top, summit. Apparently from 'amar; a summit">and summits,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: ‘ā·zə·ḇū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">abandoned</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mip·pə·nê (Prep-m:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">to the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></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.">and to utter</a> <a href="/hebrew/8077.htm" title="8077: šə·mā·māh (N-fs) -- Devastation, waste. Or shimamah; feminine of shamem; devastation; figuratively, astonishment.">desolation.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>For you have forgotten the God of your salvation and failed to remember the Rock of your refuge. Therefore, though you cultivate delightful plots and set out cuttings from exotic vines—…<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="/2_kings/17-7.htm">2 Kings 17:7-18</a></span><br />All this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods / and walked in the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, as well as in the practices introduced by the kings of Israel. / The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/8-14.htm">Hosea 8:14</a></span><br />Israel has forgotten his Maker and built palaces; Judah has multiplied its fortified cities. But I will send fire upon their cities, and it will consume their citadels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-7.htm">Jeremiah 4:7</a></span><br />A lion has gone up from his thicket, and a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his lair to lay waste your land. Your cities will be reduced to ruins and lie uninhabited.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/5-11.htm">Micah 5:11-14</a></span><br />I will remove the cities of your land and tear down all your strongholds. / I will cut the sorceries from your hand, and you will have no fortune-tellers. / I will also cut off the carved images and sacred pillars from among you, so that you will no longer bow down to the work of your own hands. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/2-13.htm">Zephaniah 2:13-15</a></span><br />And He will stretch out His hand against the north and destroy Assyria; He will make Nineveh a desolation, as dry as a desert. / Herds will lie down in her midst, creatures of every kind. Both the desert owl and screech owl will roost atop her pillars. Their calls will sound from the window, but desolation will lie on the threshold, for He will expose the beams of cedar. / This carefree city that dwells securely, that thinks to herself: “I am it, and there is none besides me,” what a ruin she has become, a resting place for beasts. Everyone who passes by her hisses and shakes his fist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/3-11.htm">Amos 3:11</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: “An enemy will surround the land; he will pull down your strongholds and plunder your citadels.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/6-6.htm">Ezekiel 6:6</a></span><br />Wherever you live, the cities will be laid waste and the high places will be demolished, so that your altars will be laid waste and desecrated, your idols smashed and obliterated, your incense altars cut down, and your works blotted out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/27-10.htm">Isaiah 27:10</a></span><br />For the fortified city lies deserted—a homestead abandoned, a wilderness forsaken. There the calves graze, and there they lie down; they strip its branches bare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-11.htm">Jeremiah 9:11</a></span><br />“And I will make Jerusalem a heap of rubble, a haunt for jackals; and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/10-14.htm">Hosea 10:14</a></span><br />the roar of battle will rise against your people, so that all your fortresses will be demolished as Shalman devastated Beth-arbel in the day of battle, when mothers were dashed to pieces along with their children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-9.htm">Isaiah 5:9</a></span><br />I heard the LORD of Hosts declare: “Surely many houses will become desolate, great mansions left unoccupied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-11.htm">Isaiah 6:11-12</a></span><br />Then I asked: “How long, O Lord?” And He replied: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left unoccupied and the land is desolate and ravaged, / until the LORD has driven men far away and the land is utterly forsaken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-14.htm">Isaiah 32:14</a></span><br />For the palace will be forsaken, the busy city abandoned. The hill and the watchtower will become caves forever—the delight of wild donkeys and a pasture for flocks—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-2.htm">Matthew 24:2</a></span><br />“Do you see all these things?” He replied. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-20.htm">Luke 21:20-24</a></span><br />But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. / For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/17-4.htm">Isaiah 17:4,5</a></b></br> And in that day it shall come to pass, <i>that</i> the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/6-11.htm">Isaiah 6:11-13</a></b></br> 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, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/7-16.htm">Isaiah 7:16-20</a></b></br> 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… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/10-14.htm">Abandoned</a> <a href="/psalms/136-19.htm">Amorites</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-6.htm">Bough</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-19.htm">Branch</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-6.htm">Branches</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-3.htm">Children</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-2.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-2.htm">Deserted</a> <a href="/isaiah/15-6.htm">Desolation</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-3.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-34.htm">Forest</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-34.htm">Forests</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-2.htm">Forsaken</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-23.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/8-7.htm">Hivites</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-7.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-3.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-15.htm">Lofty</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-26.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-1.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/isaiah/15-3.htm">Places</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-3.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-34.htm">Thickets</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-6.htm">Top</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-2.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/joshua/19-29.htm">Tract</a> <a href="/job/30-7.htm">Undergrowth</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-6.htm">Uppermost</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-4.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/psalms/50-10.htm">Woodland</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-18.htm">Woods</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/27-10.htm">Abandoned</a> <a href="/amos/2-10.htm">Amorites</a> <a href="/ezekiel/31-3.htm">Bough</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-15.htm">Branch</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-6.htm">Branches</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-17.htm">Children</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-18.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-10.htm">Deserted</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-12.htm">Desolation</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-18.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-13.htm">Forest</a> <a href="/jeremiah/21-14.htm">Forests</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-10.htm">Forsaken</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-25.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/genesis/10-17.htm">Hivites</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-24.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-12.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-5.htm">Lofty</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-6.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/isaiah/18-6.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-9.htm">Places</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-4.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-13.htm">Thickets</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-17.htm">Top</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-18.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/acts/4-37.htm">Tract</a> <a href="/job/30-7.htm">Undergrowth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/42-6.htm">Uppermost</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-5.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-29.htm">Woodland</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-13.htm">Woods</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>In that day</b><br>This phrase often refers to a future time of judgment or fulfillment of prophecy. In the context of Isaiah, it points to a specific period when God's judgment will be executed. It is a common prophetic term used throughout the Old Testament to denote a significant event orchestrated by God.<p><b>their strong cities</b><br>The "strong cities" refer to fortified cities that were considered secure and impenetrable. In ancient times, cities with strong walls and defenses were seen as symbols of power and safety. The mention of these cities highlights the extent of the coming judgment, as even the most secure places will not withstand it.<p><b>will be like forsaken thickets and summits</b><br>This imagery suggests desolation and abandonment. Thickets and summits, once vibrant and full of life, become overgrown and deserted. The comparison indicates that the once-bustling cities will be left in ruin, overtaken by nature, and devoid of human presence.<p><b>abandoned to the Israelites</b><br>This phrase implies a reversal of fortunes. Historically, the Israelites were often oppressed by surrounding nations. Here, the cities are abandoned to them, suggesting a shift in power. It reflects God's promise to restore and vindicate His people, as seen in other prophetic texts where Israel's enemies are defeated.<p><b>and to utter desolation</b><br>The term "utter desolation" emphasizes the complete and total destruction that will occur. It signifies not just physical ruin but also the end of any former glory or significance. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of divine judgment against nations that oppose God's will, as seen in the destruction of cities like Babylon and Nineveh.<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. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Judah and is known for his messages of judgment and hope.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. They are God's chosen people, often depicted in the Bible as experiencing cycles of faithfulness and rebellion.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/strong_cities.htm">Strong Cities</a></b><br>Refers to the fortified cities of Israel and possibly Syria, which were seen as symbols of security and strength but are prophesied to become desolate.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/thickets.htm">Thickets</a></b><br>Dense growths of shrubs or small trees, symbolizing neglect and abandonment in this context.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/desolation.htm">Desolation</a></b><br>A state of emptiness and destruction, often used in the Bible to describe the consequences of turning away from God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_abandoning_god.htm">The Consequences of Abandoning God</a></b><br>Just as the strong cities were abandoned, turning away from God leads to spiritual desolation. We must remain faithful to avoid such outcomes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_illusion_of_security.htm">The Illusion of Security</a></b><br>Earthly strongholds, like fortified cities, can give a false sense of security. True security is found only in God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a></b><br>Desolation serves as a wake-up call to return to God. We should heed warnings and seek repentance before facing consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a></b><br>God's judgments are just and serve a purpose. Understanding His sovereignty helps us trust His plans even in difficult times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_beyond_desolation.htm">Hope Beyond Desolation</a></b><br>While desolation is a theme of judgment, it also points to the hope of restoration for those who turn back to God.<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/how_to_reconcile_isaiah_17_3_with_other_accounts.htm">How do we reconcile Isaiah 17:3's prediction of the end of fortified cities with other biblical accounts that describe their continued presence in Israel and Judah?</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/how_can_all_visit_jerusalem_annually.htm">Zechariah 14:16-17 - How would the entire world be able to travel to Jerusalem annually to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">his fortified cities shall be like a forsaken tract of forest and hill-top. </span>These were naturally the usual sites of fortresses (<a href="/2_chronicles/27-4.htm" title="Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.">2Chronicles 27:4</a>), and the gist of the prediction is that they shall be left uninhabited and in ruins. The LXX., it may be noticed, either followed a different reading or else give a curious paraphrase, "thy cities shall be forsaken, like as the Amorites and Hivites forsook them before the face of the children of Israel." The whole verse reminds us of the "great forsaking" of <a href="/isaiah/6-12.htm" title="And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the middle of the land.">Isaiah 6:12</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">In that day</span>. While a remnant of the Israelites shall repent and turn to God, throwing in their lot with Judah, as it would seem the country generally shall feel the weight of God's chastening hand, on account of Israel's former <span class="accented">sins</span> and offences. <span class="cmt_word">As a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch</span>; rather, <span class="accented">as the forsaken tract of woodland and mountain-crest</span> (Kay). The reference is to the condition of the land when it passed out of the possession of the Canaanitish nations. It was then forsaken and desolate. So shall it be once more, when Israel is expelled for the same sins (see <a href="/2_kings/17-7.htm">2 Kings 17:7, 8</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Which they left because of the children of Israel</span>; rather, <span class="accented">which men forsook before the children of Israel</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> from which the Canaanites fled as the children of Israel advanced and took possession. The writer ignores the long and fierce struggle which the Canaanites made, and looks only to the result - retirement from a desolated country. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/17-9.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">In that</span><br /><span class="heb">הַה֜וּא</span> <span class="translit">(ha·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">day</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּיּ֨וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(bay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their strong</span><br /><span class="heb">מָעֻזּ֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(mā·‘uz·zōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4581.htm">Strong's 4581: </a> </span><span class="str2">A place or means of safety, protection</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cities</span><br /><span class="heb">עָרֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<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">will be like</span><br /><span class="heb">יִהְי֣וּ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(yih·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<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">forsaken</span><br /><span class="heb">עָזְב֔וּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·zə·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, relinquish, permit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">thickets</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחֹ֙רֶשׁ֙</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥō·reš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2793.htm">Strong's 2793: </a> </span><span class="str2">Horesh -- a forest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and summits,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָ֣אָמִ֔יר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·’ā·mîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_534.htm">Strong's 534: </a> </span><span class="str2">A summit (of a, tree, mountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">abandoned</span><br /><span class="heb">מִפְּנֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(mip·pə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the Israelites</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and to utter</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">desolation.</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמָמָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(šə·mā·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8077.htm">Strong's 8077: </a> </span><span class="str2">Devastation, astonishment</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/17-9.htm">Isaiah 17:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/17-9.htm">Isaiah 17:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/17-9.htm">Isaiah 17:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/17-9.htm">Isaiah 17:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/17-9.htm">Isaiah 17:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/17-9.htm">Isaiah 17:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/17-9.htm">Isaiah 17:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/17-9.htm">Isaiah 17:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/17-9.htm">Isaiah 17:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/17-9.htm">Isaiah 17:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/17-9.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 17:9 In that day their strong cities will (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/17-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 17:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 17:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/17-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 17:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 17:10" /></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>