King James Version
Isaiah 17
14 verses with commentary
Prophecy Against Damascus
The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.</strong> Damascus, one of the ancient world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, receives divine judgment. The word 'burden' (massa) introduces prophetic oracles of judgment. The phrase 'taken away from being a city' indicates not mere defeat but utter destruction—ceasing to functio...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
XVII.
(1) **The burden of Damascus.**—Syria, it will be remembered, had been “confederate with Ephraim,” *i.e., *with the kingdom of Israel, against Judah in the reign of Ahaz, and the prophet had then foretold its overthrow by Assyria (Isaiah 7:1-16). In 2Kings 16:9, 2 Chron. 28:29, we have a partial fulfilment of that prediction. Writing probably early in the reign of Hezekiah, Isaiah now looks ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
**Who ... woman--**The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 17
Syria and Israel threatened. (Is. 17:1-11) The woe of Israel's enemies. (Is. 17:12-14)
**Verses 1-11** Sin desolates cities. It is strange that great conquerors should take pride in being enemies to mankind; but it is better that flocks should lie down there, than that they should harbour any in open rebellion against God and holiness. The strong holds of Israel, the kingdom of th...
Read full commentary →The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
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KJV Study Commentary
The cities of Aroer (likely referring to cities in the region) are forsaken, becoming pastures for flocks that lie down undisturbed. This vivid image depicts urban centers reverting to pastoral landscape—walls that once protected citizens now shelter only sheep. The phrase 'none shall make them afraid' emphasizes complete desolation; typically shepherds feared bandits or wild animals, but here tot...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
**Who ... woman--**The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 17
Syria and Israel threatened. (Is. 17:1-11) The woe of Israel's enemies. (Is. 17:12-14)
**Verses 1-11** Sin desolates cities. It is strange that great conquerors should take pride in being enemies to mankind; but it is better that flocks should lie down there, than that they should harbour any in open rebellion against God and holiness. The strong holds of Israel, the kingdom of th...
Read full commentary →The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.
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KJV Study Commentary
The fortress ceases from Ephraim (northern Israel), and the kingdom from Damascus—both lose sovereignty. The remnant of Syria shall be 'as the glory of the children of Israel'—meaning as diminished as Israel will become. This reveals the futility of their alliance; instead of strengthening each other against Assyria, both face divine judgment. The phrase 'saith the LORD of hosts' emphasizes divine...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
**Who ... woman--**The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 17
Syria and Israel threatened. (Is. 17:1-11) The woe of Israel's enemies. (Is. 17:12-14)
**Verses 1-11** Sin desolates cities. It is strange that great conquerors should take pride in being enemies to mankind; but it is better that flocks should lie down there, than that they should harbour any in open rebellion against God and holiness. The strong holds of Israel, the kingdom of th...
Read full commentary →And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.
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KJV Study Commentary
'In that day shall the glory of Jacob be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.' This shift focuses judgment on Israel (Jacob). Their 'glory' (kavod—weight, substance, significance) becomes 'thin' (dalal—diminished, impoverished). The metaphor of 'fatness' becoming 'lean' depicts prosperity turning to poverty, strength to weakness. This agricultural imagery would resonate with ori...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **The glory of Jacob shall be made thin.**—The word is the same as that rendered “impoverished” in Judges 6:8. “Jacob” stands as commonly in the prophets, like Israel, for the northern kingdom, and the words point, therefore, to the downfall, or, adopting the prophet’s figurative language, the *emaciation, *of that kingdom.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
**Who ... woman--**The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 17
Syria and Israel threatened. (Is. 17:1-11) The woe of Israel's enemies. (Is. 17:12-14)
**Verses 1-11** Sin desolates cities. It is strange that great conquerors should take pride in being enemies to mankind; but it is better that flocks should lie down there, than that they should harbour any in open rebellion against God and holiness. The strong holds of Israel, the kingdom of th...
Read full commentary →And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.
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KJV Study Commentary
The imagery shifts to harvest: 'as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm.' This depicts thorough gleaning—the harvester's arm gathering grain completely. Then: 'as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.' The Valley of Rephaim, near Jerusalem, was known for bountiful harvests. The metaphor indicates Assyria will thoroughly harvest (conquer and deport) I...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn.**—The work of devastation is described under another image. The conqueror shall plunder the cities of Israel as the reaper cuts off the ears of corn. With his usual Dantesque vividness the prophet localises the imagery. The valley of Rephaim, or, as in Joshua 15:8; Joshua 18:16, “of the giants,” lay to the south-west of Jerusalem in ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
**Who ... woman--**The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 17
Syria and Israel threatened. (Is. 17:1-11) The woe of Israel's enemies. (Is. 17:12-14)
**Verses 1-11** Sin desolates cities. It is strange that great conquerors should take pride in being enemies to mankind; but it is better that flocks should lie down there, than that they should harbour any in open rebellion against God and holiness. The strong holds of Israel, the kingdom of th...
Read full commentary →Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof.' Despite thorough judgment, a remnant survives—like few grapes or olives left after careful harvesting. The Hebrew concept of the 'remnant' is crucial to prophetic theology. Not total annihilation but severe reduct...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it.**—The idea of the “remnant” is still in the prophet’s thoughts, even in the case of the northern kingdom. First the vineyard, then the olive-yard, supplies a similitude. The “shaking” followed on the “beating” of Deuteronomy 24:20 (comp. Isaiah 24:13), but even after that a few berries might be seen on the topmost bough.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
**Who ... woman--**The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 17
Syria and Israel threatened. (Is. 17:1-11) The woe of Israel's enemies. (Is. 17:12-14)
**Verses 1-11** Sin desolates cities. It is strange that great conquerors should take pride in being enemies to mankind; but it is better that flocks should lie down there, than that they should harbour any in open rebellion against God and holiness. The strong holds of Israel, the kingdom of th...
Read full commentary →At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
'At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.' This verse provides hope—judgment will drive people back to God. The phrase 'look to his Maker' indicates turning from idols to the true God. 'Have respect to' (raah—see, regard, consider) suggests renewed spiritual sight and proper reverence. The title 'Holy One of Israel' is characteristically...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **At that day shall a man look to his Maker.**—The words are words of warning hardly less than of promise. There is to be a return to the true faith of Israel, but that return will be brought about by a bitter experience of the results of idolatry. The eyes of men will turn in that hour of their calamity to the Holy One of Israel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
**Who ... woman--**The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 17
Syria and Israel threatened. (Is. 17:1-11) The woe of Israel's enemies. (Is. 17:12-14)
**Verses 1-11** Sin desolates cities. It is strange that great conquerors should take pride in being enemies to mankind; but it is better that flocks should lie down there, than that they should harbour any in open rebellion against God and holiness. The strong holds of Israel, the kingdom of th...
Read full commentary →And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images. images: or, sun images
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KJV Study Commentary
'And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.' True repentance involves rejecting idolatry—not merely adding Yahweh worship alongside idols, but exclusive devotion. The phrase 'work of his hands...his fingers have made' emphasizes idols' human origin—manufactured gods cannot save. 'Groves' (Ash...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **The groves or the images.**—Literally, *the Asherah or the sun-images. *The former were conical, tree-like pillars which symbolised the worship of a Canaanite goddess, the giver of good fortune. (See Notes on 2Kings 21:7; 2Chronicles 34:3-7.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
**Who ... woman--**The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 17
Syria and Israel threatened. (Is. 17:1-11) The woe of Israel's enemies. (Is. 17:12-14)
**Verses 1-11** Sin desolates cities. It is strange that great conquerors should take pride in being enemies to mankind; but it is better that flocks should lie down there, than that they should harbour any in open rebellion against God and holiness. The strong holds of Israel, the kingdom of th...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
'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.' The 'strong cities' (fortified urban centers) become like abandoned tree branches—once verdant, now forsaken. The phrase 'which they left because of the children of Israel' likely refers to Canaanite cities abandoned during Joshua'...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough.**—Better, *his fortified cities shall be like a forsaken tract of forest and hill-top. *These were naturally the usual sites of fortresses (2Chronicles 27:4), 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 par...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
**Who ... woman--**The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 17
Syria and Israel threatened. (Is. 17:1-11) The woe of Israel's enemies. (Is. 17:12-14)
**Verses 1-11** Sin desolates cities. It is strange that great conquerors should take pride in being enemies to mankind; but it is better that flocks should lie down there, than that they should harbour any in open rebellion against God and holiness. The strong holds of Israel, the kingdom of th...
Read full commentary →Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
'Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips.' The indictment is clear: forgetting God despite His salvation. The title 'God of thy salvation' recalls exodus deliverance—Israel forgot their Redeemer. 'Rock of thy strength' emphasizes God as foundation, re...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength.**—Jehovah, as the true defence, the fortress rock of His people (Deuteronomy 32:4), is contrasted with the rock-fortresses in which the people had put their trust. They had forsaken the One, and therefore, by a just retribution, the others should be forsaken.
**Therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants.**—Better, *thou didst plant. *The wo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
**Who ... woman--**The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 17
Syria and Israel threatened. (Is. 17:1-11) The woe of Israel's enemies. (Is. 17:12-14)
**Verses 1-11** Sin desolates cities. It is strange that great conquerors should take pride in being enemies to mankind; but it is better that flocks should lie down there, than that they should harbour any in open rebellion against God and holiness. The strong holds of Israel, the kingdom of th...
Read full commentary →In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: but the harvest shall be a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow. a heap: or, removed in the day of inheritance, and there shall be deadly sorrow
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
'In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: but the harvest shall be a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow.' The cultivated plants initially thrive—rapid growth suggesting apparent success. But the harvest produces only a 'heap' (ned—heap of ruins) in the day of 'grief' (nachaleh—sickness) and 'desperate sorrow' (keev anush—i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **In the day shalt thou make.**—Better, *thou makest, *or, *thou fencest, thy plant. *The alliance between Syria and Ephraim is compared in the rapidity of its growth with the “gardens of Adonis.” All the “*harvest heaps*” from such a planting would end, not in the wonted joy of harvest (Isaiah 9:3), but in “grief and *incurable pain” *There is no sufficient evidence for the marginal reading ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
**Who ... woman--**The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 17
Syria and Israel threatened. (Is. 17:1-11) The woe of Israel's enemies. (Is. 17:12-14)
**Verses 1-11** Sin desolates cities. It is strange that great conquerors should take pride in being enemies to mankind; but it is better that flocks should lie down there, than that they should harbour any in open rebellion against God and holiness. The strong holds of Israel, the kingdom of th...
Read full commentary →Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! multitude: or, noise mighty: or, many
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KJV Study Commentary
'Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!' The focus shifts to invading armies—described as roaring seas and rushing mighty waters. 'Woe' introduces judgment pronouncement. The imagery of seas and waters depicts overwhelming destructive force—armies sweeping across the l...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Woe to the multitude of many people.**—The three Isaiah 17:12-14 stand as an isolated fragment, probably placed here as beginning like Isaiah 18:1. They may have been connected with the progress of Sennacherib’s army. In the “rushing of mighty waters” to describe the march of an army we have a parallel to Isaiah 8:7-8.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
**Who ... woman--**The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-14** The rage and force of the Assyrians resembled the mighty waters of the sea; but when the God of Israel should rebuke them, they would flee like chaff, or like a rolling thing, before the whirlwind. In the evening Jerusalem would be in trouble, because of the powerful invader, but before morning his army would be nearly cut off. Happy are those who remember God as their salvation, ...
Read full commentary →The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind. a rolling: or, thistledown
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
'The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.' Despite nations' terrifying power (rushing waters), God rebukes them and they flee. The verb 'rebuke' (gaar) indicates authoritative command silencing opposition. Invincibl...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **But God shall rebuke them.**—Better, *He shall rebuke. *The insertion of the word “God” weakens the force of the sublime indefiniteness of the Hebrew.
**Like a rolling thing.**—The Hebrew word is the same as the “wheel” of Psalm 83:13, and probably refers, like the “chaff of the mountains,” to the w*hirling dust-clouds *driven from an elevated threshing-floor before the wind (Psalm 1:4; Psa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with the customs of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Hebrew the verses begin with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order (compare Introduction to Poetical Books).
**Who ... woman--**The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (compare Pr 18:22; 19:14...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-14** The rage and force of the Assyrians resembled the mighty waters of the sea; but when the God of Israel should rebuke them, they would flee like chaff, or like a rolling thing, before the whirlwind. In the evening Jerusalem would be in trouble, because of the powerful invader, but before morning his army would be nearly cut off. Happy are those who remember God as their salvation, ...
Read full commentary →And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not. This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.
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KJV Study Commentary
'And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not. This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.' The time markers emphasize suddenness—evening brings trouble, but before morning the threat vanishes. 'He is not' echoes Psalm 37:35-36 describing the wicked's sudden disappearance. 'Portion' and 'lot' indicate divinely ordained destiny—those who plunde...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **And behold at eveningtide trouble.**—The words, though spoken in general terms, received a special fulfilment in the destruction of Sennacherib’s army (Isaiah 37:36). Possibly the parallelism they present to Isaiah 17:11 may have led to the insertion of the oracle in this place.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
ECCLESIASTES; OR THE PREACHER.
THE GREEK TITLE IN THE LXX.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-14** The rage and force of the Assyrians resembled the mighty waters of the sea; but when the God of Israel should rebuke them, they would flee like chaff, or like a rolling thing, before the whirlwind. In the evening Jerusalem would be in trouble, because of the powerful invader, but before morning his army would be nearly cut off. Happy are those who remember God as their salvation, ...
Read full commentary →