Introduction
No chronologic order seems to be observed in the arrangement of these chapters. This prophecy was probably delivered near the beginning of the reign of Ahaz. As to time, then, it belongs with chaps. vii and 8. Its occasion remotely, at least was the alliance between Damascus and Ephraim. It is arranged herewith as belonging to prophecies relating to the heathen. The prophecy but barely touches Damascus, Isaiah 17:1-3. It consists of three parts, Isaiah 17:1-14. The first is a prediction against Damascus; the second is one respecting Ephraim; the third, one respecting the Assyrians. Damascus is a very ancient city, and is in flourishing condition at the present time. It lies on a vast and fertile oasis just east of the Anti-Lebanon range, forty miles southeast from Beyroot as the bird flies. In its history it has been several times captured and reduced to comparative ruin, but as often rebuilt, having ceased “to be a city” each time for only a brief period.
Be the first to react on this!
