Isaiah 17:1-8 ▼

1 A pronouncement concerning Damascus: Look, Damascus is no longer a city. It has become a ruined heap.

2 The cities of Aroer are abandoned; they will be places for flocks. They will lie down without fear.

3 The fortress disappears from Ephraim, and a kingdom from Damascus. The remnant of Aram will be like the splendor of the Israelites. This is the declaration of the LORD of Armies.

4 On that day the splendor of Jacob will fade, and his healthy body will become emaciated.

5 It will be as if a reaper had gathered standing grain — his arm harvesting the heads of grain — and as if one had gleaned heads of grain in Rephaim Valley.

6 Only gleanings will be left in Israel, as if an olive tree had been beaten — two or three olives at the very top of the tree, four or five on its fruitful branches. This is the declaration of the LORD, the God of Israel.

7 On that day people will look to their Maker and will turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.

8 They will not look to the altars they made with their hands or to the Asherahs and shrines they made with their fingers.