Isaiah 17: Group Study Handout

Overview

Damascus faces judgment as it will become a 'ruinous heap' (vv. 1-2). The power of Ephraim will decline, and the kingdom from Damascus will cease (v. 3). The glory of Jacob will diminish, and the strength of Israel will be reduced (vv. 4-6). In that day, the people will turn back to their Maker and respect the Holy One of Israel (vv. 7-9). They will forget God, leading to consequences for their planting efforts, which will yield nothing in their sorrow (vv. 10-11). Nations will rise in uproar, like the roaring of seas, but Yahweh will rebuke them, causing them to flee (vv. 12-13). At evening, terror will come, and by morning, the oppressors will be no more (v. 14).

Key verse

“In that day, people will look to their Maker, and their eyes will have respect for the Holy One of Israel.”

Isaiah 17:7 (WEB)

Outline

1. Isaiah 17:1–2 Judgment on Damascus
2. Isaiah 17:3 Decline of Israel's Power
3. Isaiah 17:4–6 Diminished Glory of Jacob
4. Isaiah 17:7–9 Turning Back to God
5. Isaiah 17:10–11 Consequences of Forgetting God
6. Isaiah 17:12–13 The Uproar of Nations
7. Isaiah 17:14 Finality of Judgment

Discussion questions

1. In v1, what does the prophecy say will happen to Damascus?
2. What do the people in v7 look to for help during their time of trouble?
3. The imagery of gleanings in v6: what does this suggest about God's provision amidst destruction?
4. In vv. 9-10, what does forgetting 'the God of your salvation' imply for the people of Israel?
5. When have you experienced a time of loss like the 'desolation' in v9?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 17: Isaiah 10, Deuteronomy 32, Isaiah 27.

Before next time: read Isaiah 18.