Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The cities of Aroer will be deserted and left to flocks, which will lie down, with no one to make them afraid. New Living Translation The towns of Aroer will be deserted. Flocks will graze in the streets and lie down undisturbed, with no one to chase them away. English Standard Version The cities of Aroer are deserted; they will be for flocks, which will lie down, and none will make them afraid. Berean Standard Bible The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be left to the flocks, which will lie down with no one to fear. Berean Literal Bible The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be for flocks to lie down, and no one will frighten them. King James Bible The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. New King James Version The cities of Aroer are forsaken; They will be for flocks Which lie down, and no one will make them afraid. New American Standard Bible “The cities of Aroer are abandoned; They will be for herds to lie down in, And there will be no one to frighten them. NASB 1995 “The cities of Aroer are forsaken; They will be for flocks to lie down in, And there will be no one to frighten them. NASB 1977 “The cities of Aroer are forsaken; They will be for flocks to lie down in, And there will be no one to frighten them. Legacy Standard Bible The cities of Aroer are forsaken; They will be for flocks, and they will lie down in them; And there will be no one to cause them to tremble. Amplified Bible “The cities of Aroer [east of the Jordan] are deserted; They will be [only a refuge] for flocks to lie down in, And there will be no one to make them afraid. Berean Annotated Bible The cities of Aroer (ruins) are forsaken; they will be left to the flocks, which will lie down with no one to fear. Christian Standard Bible The cities of Aroer are abandoned; they will be places for flocks. They will lie down without fear. Holman Christian Standard Bible The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be places for flocks. They will lie down without fear. American Standard Version The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Contemporary English Version The villages around Aroer will be deserted, with only sheep living there and no one to bother them. English Revised Version The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. GOD'S WORD® Translation The cities of Aroer will be deserted. These cities will be used for sheep, which will lie down in them. There will be no one to disturb those sheep. Good News Translation The cities of Syria will be deserted forever. They will be a pasture for sheep and cattle, and no one will drive them away. International Standard Version The cities of Oraru will be deserted— they will be devoted to herds that will lay at rest, and terrorism will be no more. NET Bible The cities of Aroer are abandoned. They will be used for herds, which will lie down there in peace. New Heart English Bible Her cities will be abandoned forever. They will be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Webster's Bible Translation The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be left to the flocks, which will lie down with no one to fear. World English Bible The cities of Aroer are forsaken. They will be for flocks, which shall lie down, and no one shall make them afraid. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe cities of Aroer are forsaken, "" They are for droves, and they have lain down, "" And there is none troubling. Berean Literal Bible The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be for flocks to lie down, and no one will frighten them. Young's Literal Translation Forsaken are the cities of Aroer, For droves they are, and they have lain down, And there is none troubling. Smith's Literal Translation The cities of Aroer were forsaken: they shall be for flocks, and they lay down, and none terrifying. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe cities of Aroer shall be left for flocks, and they shall rest there, and there shall be none to make them afraid. Catholic Public Domain Version The cities in ruin will be left for the flocks, and they will take rest there, and there will be no one who may terrify them. New American Bible Her cities shall be forever abandoned, for flocks to lie in undisturbed. New Revised Standard Version Her towns will be deserted forever; they will be places for flocks, which will lie down, and no one will make them afraid. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe cities of Adoer shall be forsaken; they shall be for flocks which shall lie down in them, and none shall harm them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the cities of Aduir shall be forsaken, and they shall be for flocks that they will lie down in them, and it shall not be harmful for them OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The cities of Aroer are forsaken; They shall be for flocks, Which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Brenton Septuagint Translation abandoned for ever, to be a fold and resting-place for flocks, and there shall be none to go after them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context An Oracle Concerning Damascus1This is the burden against Damascus: “Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins. 2The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be left to the flocks, which will lie down with no one to fear. 3The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the sovereignty from Damascus. The remnant of Aram will be like the splendor of the Israelites,” declares the LORD of Hosts.… Cross References The cities of Aroer are forsaken; Deuteronomy 2:36 From Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the valley, even as far as Gilead, not one city had walls too high for us. The LORD our God gave us all of them. Joshua 12:2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon. He ruled from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along the middle of the valley, up to the Jabbok River (the border of the Ammonites), that is, half of Gilead, 1 Chronicles 5:8 and Bela son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel. They settled in Aroer and as far as Nebo and Baal-meon. they will be left to the flocks, Isaiah 32:14 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— Isaiah 65:10 Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for My people who seek Me. Zephaniah 2:14 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. which will lie down with no one to fear. Leviticus 26:6 And I will give peace to the land, and you will lie down with nothing to fear. I will rid the land of dangerous animals, and no sword will pass through your land. Ezekiel 34:28 They will no longer be prey for the nations, and the beasts of the earth will not consume them. They will dwell securely, and no one will frighten them. Micah 4:4 And each man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, with no one to frighten him. For the mouth of the LORD of Hosts has spoken. Jeremiah 49:23-27 Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed. / Damascus has become feeble; she has turned to flee. Panic has gripped her; anguish and pain have seized her like a woman in labor. / How is the city of praise not forsaken, the town that brings Me joy? … Amos 1:3-5 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron. / So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael to consume the citadels of Ben-hadad. / I will break down the gates of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler from the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir,” says the LORD. Zechariah 9:1-2 This is the burden of the word of the LORD against the land of Hadrach and Damascus its resting place—for the eyes of men and of all the tribes of Israel are upon the LORD— / and also against Hamath, which borders it, as well as Tyre and Sidon, though they are very shrewd. 2 Kings 16:9 So the king of Assyria responded to him, marched up to Damascus, and captured it. He took its people to Kir as captives and put Rezin to death. Isaiah 7:8 For the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be shattered as a people. Isaiah 8:4 For before the boy knows how to cry ‘Father’ or ‘Mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.” Isaiah 10:9 “Is not Calno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus? Treasury of Scripture The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Aroer Numbers 32:34 And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer, Deuteronomy 2:36 From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us: Deuteronomy 3:12 And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites. they shall Isaiah 5:17 Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat. Isaiah 7:23-25 And it shall come to pass in that day, that every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings, it shall even be for briers and thorns… Ezekiel 25:5 And I will make Rabbah a stable for camels, and the Ammonites a couchingplace for flocks: and ye shall know that I am the LORD. none Jeremiah 7:33 And the carcases of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth; and none shall fray them away. Jump to Previous Afraid Aroer Cities Deserted Droves Fear Flocks Forsaken Frighten Lie Peace Rest Towns Troubling UnpeopledJump to Next Afraid Aroer Cities Deserted Droves Fear Flocks Forsaken Frighten Lie Peace Rest Towns Troubling UnpeopledIsaiah 17 1. Syria and Israel are threatened6. A remnant shall forsake idolatry 9. The rest shall be plagued for their impiety 12. The woe of Israel's enemies The cities of Aroer are forsaken; Aroer was a city located on the northern bank of the Arnon River, marking the southern boundary of the territory of Reuben. It was a significant city in the region of Moab and is mentioned in several Old Testament passages (e.g., Deuteronomy 2:36, Joshua 13:9). The forsaking of Aroer signifies a desolation that has come upon the land, likely due to divine judgment. This reflects the broader theme of judgment against nations that oppose God's people, as seen throughout the prophetic books. The abandonment of cities is a common motif in prophetic literature, symbolizing the removal of human presence and the cessation of normal life. they will be left to the flocks, which will lie down with no one to fear. Persons / Places / Events 1. AroerAroer was a city located on the northern bank of the Arnon River, which marked the boundary between Moab and the Amorites. It was later part of the territory given to the tribe of Reuben. In this context, Aroer symbolizes desolation and abandonment. 2. Flocks The mention of flocks lying down without fear indicates a transformation from a populated area to a deserted one, where only animals remain. This imagery suggests peace but also desolation due to the absence of human inhabitants. 3. Isaiah The prophet Isaiah is the author of this book. He was a major prophet in the 8th century BC, whose ministry was primarily to the Kingdom of Judah. His prophecies often included messages of judgment and hope. 4. Judgment The context of this verse is a prophecy of judgment against Damascus and Israel. It reflects the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting desolation. 5. Prophecy This verse is part of a larger prophetic message concerning the fate of nations that have opposed God’s will. It serves as a warning and a call to repentance. Teaching Points The Consequences of Abandoning GodIsaiah 17:2 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that come from turning away from God. Just as Aroer is left desolate, so too can our lives become spiritually barren without God. God’s Sovereignty in Judgment This verse underscores the sovereignty of God in executing judgment. It is a call to recognize His authority and align our lives with His will. The Peace of God’s Presence While the verse describes desolation, it also hints at peace for the flocks. In our lives, true peace comes from God’s presence, not from the absence of challenges. Repentance and Restoration The desolation of Aroer serves as a call to repentance. God’s desire is for restoration, and turning back to Him can lead to spiritual renewal. The Temporary Nature of Earthly Security The abandonment of cities like Aroer reminds us that earthly security is temporary. Our ultimate security should be found in God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 17:2?2. How does Isaiah 17:2 illustrate God's judgment on Damascus and its implications? 3. What lessons can we learn from "cities of Aroer" being "abandoned"? 4. How does Isaiah 17:2 connect with other prophecies about Damascus in the Bible? 5. What modern-day applications can we draw from the desolation described in Isaiah 17:2? 6. How can Isaiah 17:2 encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and justice? 7. What historical events does Isaiah 17:2 refer to regarding the cities of Aroer being abandoned? 8. How does Isaiah 17:2 align with archaeological evidence of Aroer's desolation? 9. What theological implications arise from the prophecy of Aroer's abandonment in Isaiah 17:2? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 17? 11. Ezekiel 34 - Are there any inconsistencies with other prophetic books about how judgment is executed and who is held accountable? 12. Did God separate from Israel? 13. Where is the definitive historical or archaeological evidence that confirms or denies the immediate fulfillment of Isaiah 17 in ancient Syria's history? 14. What defines spiritual dryness? What Does Isaiah 17:2 Mean The cities of Aroer are forsakenIsaiah sets the scene by naming Aroer, a cluster of towns on the edge of the Arnon Gorge (cf. Deuteronomy 2:36). In the judgment against Damascus and the northern kingdom, these frontier settlements would be emptied. • Such abandonment echoes Jeremiah 48:19, where Moab’s Aroer is told to “stand by the road and watch,” anticipating refugees. • The image lines up with the wider pattern of divine judgment that strips proud cities of inhabitants, as in Isaiah 13:19–20 concerning Babylon. God’s word is certain: when He announces desolation, it happens exactly as foretold. They will be left to the flocks Once people are gone, nature reclaims the streets. • Zephaniah 2:14 pictures a similar scene: “Flocks will lie down in her midst.” • Isaiah 5:17 had already warned that “lambs will graze as in their own pasture” where Judah’s wealthy once feasted. Here in Aroer, unattended sheep and goats wander freely, a living testimony that human strength cannot secure a city against God’s decree. The Creator who owns “the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10) effortlessly redistributes the land when judgment falls. Which will lie down with no one to fear The absence of shepherds or marauders means perfect stillness; even skittish animals feel safe. • Leviticus 26:6 promised Israel, “You will lie down with no one to make you afraid” when they walked in obedience. Ironically, disobedient nations now provide that peace—for animals, not people. • Ezekiel 34:25 foresees a messianic future where God removes “harmful beasts” so His flock can rest securely. The tranquil picture in Isaiah 17:2 foreshadows that ultimate shalom, while reminding us that God alone grants or withdraws safety. summary Isaiah 17:2 paints a vivid, literal outcome of divine judgment: populated towns become empty pastures. Forsaken Aroer testifies to God’s faithfulness in keeping His warnings, the silent flocks show His sovereignty over land and life, and the fear-free stillness previews the perfect peace He will one day bring to all creation through His righteous rule. Verse 2. - The cities of Aroer are forsaken. That the Aroer of this passage cannot be either that on the Arnon, or that facing Rabbath-Ammon (Joshua 13:25), has long been perceived and recognized (see Mr. Grove's article on "Aroer" in the 'Dict. of the Bible,' vol. 1. p. 115). It is evidently a city of the same name lying much further towards the north. Arid it is a city of far greater importance, having "cities" dependent on it. Now, Sargon's annals tell us of a "Gal'gar," a name well expressing the Hebrew ערער, which was united in a league with Damascus, Samaria, Arpad, and Simyra, in the second year of Sargon, and was the scene of a great battle and a great destruction. Sargon besieged it, took it, and reduced it to ashes ('Records of the Past,' 50.s.e.). There is every reason to recognize the "Aroer" of this verse in the "Gargar" of Sargon's inscriptions. They shall be for flocks (comp. Isaiah 5:17; Isaiah 7:25). It marked the very extreme of desolation, that cattle should be pastured on the sites of cities. None shall make them afraid; i.e. "there shall be no inhabitants to make any objection."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The citiesעָרֵ֣י (‘ā·rê) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 5892: Excitement of Aroer עֲרֹעֵ֑ר (‘ă·rō·‘êr) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 6177: Aroer -- three cities in Israel are forsaken; עֲזֻב֖וֹת (‘ă·zu·ḇō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine plural Strong's 5800: To loosen, relinquish, permit they will be left תִּֽהְיֶ֔ינָה (tih·ye·nāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be to the flocks, לַעֲדָרִ֣ים (la·‘ă·ḏā·rîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5739: An arrangement, muster which will lie down וְרָבְצ֖וּ (wə·rā·ḇə·ṣū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7257: To crouch, be implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed with no one וְאֵ֥ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle to fear. מַחֲרִֽיד׃ (ma·ḥă·rîḏ) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 2729: To shudder with terror, to fear, to hasten Links Isaiah 17:2 NIVIsaiah 17:2 NLT Isaiah 17:2 ESV Isaiah 17:2 NASB Isaiah 17:2 KJV Isaiah 17:2 BibleApps.com Isaiah 17:2 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 17:2 Chinese Bible Isaiah 17:2 French Bible Isaiah 17:2 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 17:2 The cities of Aroer are forsaken (Isa Isi Is) |
    |