King James Version

What Does Isaiah 17:1 Mean?

Isaiah 17:1 in the King James Version says “The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

Isaiah 17:1 · KJV


Context

1

The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

2

The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

3

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. 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 function as an urban center. Damascus represents Syria (Aram), Israel's northern neighbor and frequent antagonist. The judgment's cause relates to the Syro-Ephraimite coalition (735-732 BCE) when Damascus and Israel's northern kingdom allied against Judah (Isaiah 7:1-9), attempting to force Judah into rebellion against Assyria. God's sovereignty extends judgment to nations threatening His people and purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Damascus, Syria's capital, boasted millennia of history as a major trade center. The prophecy was fulfilled when Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria conquered Damascus in 732 BCE, deporting its population and reducing it to provincial status (2 Kings 16:9). While Damascus was later rebuilt and remains inhabited today, its status as an independent powerful kingdom ended permanently. The 'ruinous heap' describes its condition after Assyrian conquest—walls demolished, population deported, reduced from proud capital to administrative outpost.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judgment on Damascus demonstrate His sovereignty over nations beyond Israel?
  2. What does Damascus's fate teach about the consequences of opposing God's purposes?
  3. In what ways did this prophecy's fulfillment vindicate Isaiah's prophetic ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
מַשָּׂ֖א1 of 9

The burden

H4853

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

דַמֶּ֙שֶׂק֙2 of 9

Behold Damascus

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

הִנֵּ֤ה3 of 9
H2009

lo!

דַמֶּ֙שֶׂק֙4 of 9

Behold Damascus

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

מוּסָ֣ר5 of 9

is taken away

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵעִ֔יר6 of 9

from being a city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְהָיְתָ֖ה7 of 9
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מְעִ֥י8 of 9

heap

H4596

a pile of rubbish (as contorted), i.e., a ruin

מַפָּלָֽה׃9 of 9

and it shall be a ruinous

H4654

something fallen, i.e., a ruin


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 17:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 17:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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