Isaiah 17:1-8 ▼

1 This is the burden (burden) against Damascus (well-watered land): “Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins.

2 The cities of Aroer (ruins) are forsaken; they will be left to the flocks, which will lie down with no one to fear.

3 The fortress will disappear from Ephraim (The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim), and the sovereignty from Damascus (well-watered land). The remnant of Aram (exalted) will be like the splendor of the Israelites (God prevails),” declares the LORD {YHWH} of Hosts.

4 “In that day the splendor of Jacob (he grasps the heel) will fade, and the fat of his body will waste away,

5 as the reaper gathers the standing grain and harvests the ears with his arm, as one gleans heads of grain in the Valley of Rephaim.

6 Yet gleanings will remain, like an olive tree that has been beaten—two or three berries atop the tree, four or five on its fruitful branches,” declares the LORD, the God {YHWH Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God).

7 In that day men will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel (he wrestles with God).

8 They will not look to the altars they have fashioned with their hands or to the Asherahs (goddess) and incense altars they have made with their fingers.