Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 17

Verse 1

Damascus. When it was taken by Theglathphalassar, or rather by Sennacherib, chap. x. 8. It was again ruined by Nabuchodonosor, Jeremias xlix. 24. But after the first taking, it never regained its power. Magni nominis umbra. (Calmet)

Verse 2

Aroer. Chaldean, "abandoned, shall be folds for sheep." Septuagint, "left for ever a resting place for flocks and herds, and none shall pursue." The tribes on the east of the Jordan shall be led captive, as well as those on the west, Ephraim, &c. (Haydock)

Verse 3

Damascus. Their too great union proved their ruin. Sennacherib took Damascus, as Salmanasar had done Samaria.

Verse 4

Lean. All the power of the kingdom shall fail, as in a mortal illness.

Verse 5

Raphaim. Near Jerusalem, 3 Kings xxiii. 13. Septuagint, "of stones." (Calmet) --- It will be equally difficult to find any men left in the kingdom of Israel. (Haydock)

Verse 7

Israel. They obeyed the summons of Ezechias and of Josias, (2 Paralipomenon xxx. 1., and xxxiv. 6.) and every after followed the same worship as Juda. (Calmet)

Verse 9

Left. By the Chanaanites, when the children of Israel came into their land. (Challoner) --- Their consternation was become proverbial, Josue ii. 9., and v. 11.

Verse 10

Good. Septuagint, "fruitless." Israel had abandoned the Lord; and could expect nothing but the fruits of death. (Calmet)

Verse 11

Much. Thou hast laboured earnestly, but reaped no benefit. (Haydock)

Verse 12

Multitude, &c. This and all that follows to the end of the chapter, relates to the Assyrian army under Sennacherib, (Challoner) or rather to that of Israel and its allies. (Calmet) --- After the Assyrians had afflicted Israel, they were also punished. (Worthington)

Verse 14

CHAPTER XVII.

Not be. Phacee and Rasin were presently exterminated. --- Spoiled us. The kingdom of Achaz, 4 Kings xvii. 5.