King James Version

What Does Isaiah 17:9 Mean?

Isaiah 17:9 in the King James Version says “In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the chil... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 17:9 · KJV


Context

7

At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.

8

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

9

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.

10

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:

11

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


Commentary

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's conquest, now serving as parallel for Israel's own coming desolation. Ironic role reversal: Israel will experience what they inflicted on Canaanites. This demonstrates the principle that covenant unfaithfulness leads to experiencing the curses meant for covenant breakers. God's covenant includes both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The reference to Canaanite cities 'left because of children of Israel' recalls the conquest under Joshua, when Canaanite inhabitants fled or were destroyed as God drove them out. Cities like Jericho, Ai, and Hazor fell to Israel. Now Israel faces similar conquest—their strong cities becoming desolate as Canaanite cities were. This fulfills Deuteronomy 28's covenant curses for disobedience. Archaeologically, many Israelite cities show 8th century destruction layers from Assyrian conquest, validating the prophecy. The covenant's reciprocal nature means blessings and curses both come from the same divine source based on faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Israel experiencing Canaanite-like desolation teach about covenant curses applying to God's people?
  2. How does this demonstrate that divine election doesn't guarantee exemption from judgment for unfaithfulness?
  3. In what ways do Deuteronomy 28's covenant curses find fulfillment in historical judgments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
בַּיּ֨וֹם1 of 15

In that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֜וּא2 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יִהְי֣וּ׀3 of 15
H1961

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

עָרֵ֣י4 of 15

cities

H5892

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

מָעוּזּ֗וֹ5 of 15

shall his strong

H4581

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

עָזְב֔וּ6 of 15

be as a forsaken

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

הַחֹ֙רֶשׁ֙7 of 15

bough

H2793

a forest (perhaps as furnishing the material for fabric)

וְהָ֣אָמִ֔יר8 of 15

and an uppermost branch

H534

a summit (of a tree or mountain)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָזְב֔וּ10 of 15

be as a forsaken

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

מִפְּנֵ֖י11 of 15

because

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בְּנֵ֣י12 of 15

of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל13 of 15

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְהָיְתָ֖ה14 of 15
H1961

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

שְׁמָמָֽה׃15 of 15

and there shall be desolation

H8077

devastation; figuratively, astonishment


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 17:9 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 17:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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