Isaiah 17
Posted: October 15th, 2023, 1:51 pm
Isaiah 17
This chapter has prophecies of great interest in our days because of the turmoil in the Middle East. It states that when the defense of Ephraim will cease, Damascus will be destroyed. Since the Church is largely comprised of Ephraimites this prophecy relates directly to the Church. Also, since the odds of a devastating Israeli attack on Damascus have increased we should be very alert and maintain a high degree of spiritual preparedness.
It should be noted, however, that there are other possible interpretations of Damascus and Syria. Another possible interpretation of Moab could be states geographically close to Utah. Although Egypt definitely signifies the United States, it could be a case of overlapping symbols. For example, Egypt was a military power in the ancient world who controlled many kingdoms, just as the United States is today. However, to symbolize close parts of the United States to the lands of Ephraim, Isaiah could use Israel's close neighbors. For example, Moab could signify Colorado or New Mexico and Arizona. In Isaiah 17 it speaks of Damascus and the Kingdom of Syria. Syria could be Canada or Idaho and Toronto or Boise could be Damascus.
Of course, since a symbol can relate to multiple things, just as a word can have two meanings, the destruction of Damascus, in Syria, could be prophesied, as well. I believe this is the case, since there will be worldwide destruction, and since Ephraim and Judah are, to a certain extent, gathered and are in similar states of apostasy.
The destructions which are coming will make the body of Israel go from fat to lean. Gleanings, the small amount of produce left after the harvest, symbolizes what will remain of the House of Israel after the Tribulations and war.
Isaiah then explains that no more will we look to altars which we idolize, which are the works of our hands, which seem likely to symbolize our church houses and temples. Instead, we will look to Jehovah, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy One of Israel.
Our mighty cities, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Salt Lake City and Utah Valley, will become like the deserted cities which the Israelites found when they first took the lands of their inheritance.
Why? Because we forget God, our Maker and Salvation, and plant hybrid seed; or, in other words, mix in worldly philosophies with the gospel.
Because of this there will come a day of incurable pain, and there will be commotions among many people, likely signifying the turmoils caused by the Assyrian invasion.
Isaiah notes one thing of comfort at the end of this chapter. The day in which the Lord drives the Assyrians away. This will likely happen twice. First the Assyrians will be driven from Ephraim in one day; and then later on they will be utterly defeated and driven from Judah.
This chapter has prophecies of great interest in our days because of the turmoil in the Middle East. It states that when the defense of Ephraim will cease, Damascus will be destroyed. Since the Church is largely comprised of Ephraimites this prophecy relates directly to the Church. Also, since the odds of a devastating Israeli attack on Damascus have increased we should be very alert and maintain a high degree of spiritual preparedness.
It should be noted, however, that there are other possible interpretations of Damascus and Syria. Another possible interpretation of Moab could be states geographically close to Utah. Although Egypt definitely signifies the United States, it could be a case of overlapping symbols. For example, Egypt was a military power in the ancient world who controlled many kingdoms, just as the United States is today. However, to symbolize close parts of the United States to the lands of Ephraim, Isaiah could use Israel's close neighbors. For example, Moab could signify Colorado or New Mexico and Arizona. In Isaiah 17 it speaks of Damascus and the Kingdom of Syria. Syria could be Canada or Idaho and Toronto or Boise could be Damascus.
Of course, since a symbol can relate to multiple things, just as a word can have two meanings, the destruction of Damascus, in Syria, could be prophesied, as well. I believe this is the case, since there will be worldwide destruction, and since Ephraim and Judah are, to a certain extent, gathered and are in similar states of apostasy.
The destructions which are coming will make the body of Israel go from fat to lean. Gleanings, the small amount of produce left after the harvest, symbolizes what will remain of the House of Israel after the Tribulations and war.
Isaiah then explains that no more will we look to altars which we idolize, which are the works of our hands, which seem likely to symbolize our church houses and temples. Instead, we will look to Jehovah, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy One of Israel.
Our mighty cities, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Salt Lake City and Utah Valley, will become like the deserted cities which the Israelites found when they first took the lands of their inheritance.
Why? Because we forget God, our Maker and Salvation, and plant hybrid seed; or, in other words, mix in worldly philosophies with the gospel.
Because of this there will come a day of incurable pain, and there will be commotions among many people, likely signifying the turmoils caused by the Assyrian invasion.
Isaiah notes one thing of comfort at the end of this chapter. The day in which the Lord drives the Assyrians away. This will likely happen twice. First the Assyrians will be driven from Ephraim in one day; and then later on they will be utterly defeated and driven from Judah.