Isaiah — Chapter 17
Synopsis: Oracle against Damascus and Syria, along with the linked fate of Samaria/Ephraim (because they were allied). Both will be devastated — Damascus become a rubble-heap, Ephraim nearly erased like scattered ears of grain after harvest. The remnant (vv.7-8) will turn to God, abandoning idols.
Verse 1
The burden of Damascus. Behold Damascus shall cease to be a city, and shall be as a ruinous heap of stones. Fulfilled by Tiglath-Pileser (ca.732 BC). Lapide notes that Josephus, and Arabic historians, confirm Damascus was repeatedly devastated and rebuilt. Allegorically: all cities that are built on pride and sin will eventually become rubble-heaps.
Verse 6
And there shall be left in it as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries on the top of a bough, or four or five upon the extremities of the branches of it. The tiny olive-gleaning remnant that survives the Assyrian harvest — applied to the small remnant of believing Israel who will return to God (v.7) and ultimately to the Apostolic remnant.
Verse 7
In that day man shall bow down to his Maker, and his eyes shall look to the Holy One of Israel. The remnant after devastation will turn from idols to the Holy One of Israel = primarily God, secondarily and typically Christ. This verse applies to every soul brought to conversion through suffering.