Verses 1-9 A Prophetic Warning against an Alliance between Israel (Ephraim) and Syria

17.1

The object of the alliance between Pekah and Rezin, was to organise a resistance against Assyria. Ahaz, apparently refused to join the confederacy.  The object of the attack of the allied kings was either to force Ahaz to join, or else to depose him.

17.2

This is Isaiah’s first prophecy to Judah. All Northern Israel was called by the name of Ephraim, the leading northern tribe.  The idea seems to be that the Syrian armies already occupy the Ephraimitish territory  preparatory to the joint attack.

Was moved as the trees of the wood – This image expresses universal trembling and alar, as the trees are moved “together” when the wind passes violently over them.

17.3

The remnant shall return.

Shear-jashub was one of Isaiah’s sons.

17.4

The image is that of a torch that has burned out. The charred pieces of wood have no strength and carry no real threat. Don’t be alarmed by the attack; those two kings have little fire left.

17.5

Son of Remaliah = Pekah.

17.6

And vex it – Weaken it.

And let us make a breach therein – Let us break down the walls.

The son of Tabeal – Nothing more is known of this person. He might have been some disaffected member of the royal family of David.

17.7

The counsel of God shall stand, but not the counsel of men.

17.8

Damascus shall still continue to be the capital and chief city of the kingdom of Syria; and therefore Jerusalem shall not be taken, nor become a part of Rezin’s dominion. At the end of sixty five years, the kingdom of the house of Israel shall cease.

17.9

Samaria shall continue to be the chief city of the kingdom of Israel, and Pekah shall not conquer Jerusalem. If you lack faith you will not be saved.

Verses 10-16 The Messianic Promise a Protection

17.10

Jehovah spoke further.

17.11

Since you don’t believe the prophet ask for a sign in heaven or on earth,

17.12

Ahaz’ true reason for declining was not to do God’s will, but to negotiate with Assyria, and persevere in his idolatry.

17.13

The prophet no longer addresses himself to Ahaz singly, who would not regard his words, but to the whole royal family, all of whom he reproves.

You are not satisfied with wearying people, but you would also fatigue and wear out the patience of God.

17.14

Isaiah’s second prophecy.

This passage is cited in the New Testament as being fulfilled by the birth of Jesus Christ (see Matthew 1:25). Some commentators point out that the word translated virgin means only a young woman and not someone who has never had sexual relations. They do this in an attempt to refute this passage as proof of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. But it can be shown that the term is properly translated and did mean an unmarried woman (see Young, Book of Isaiah, 1:286–88). (Institute Old Testament Manual)

Immanuel = with us is God

17.15

Butter and honey = curd and honey – the only foods available to the poor at times. Christ will be born of humble circumstances.

17.16

The third prophecy.

In ancient Hebrew culture a child knew good from evil at three years old. Pekah and Rezin were killed within three years.

17.17

The fourth prophecy.

The prophet having assured Ahaz that his kingdom should be free from the invasion that then threatened it, proceeds, however, to state to him that it would be endangered from another source. The immediate danger is the threat of Assyria.

17.18

And it shall be at that time that the Lord shall call to a people, bands of armies, of mighty men, who are numerous as flies, and shall bring them from the ends of the land of Egypt; and to mighty armies, who are powerful as bees, and shall bring them from the uttermost parts of the land of Assyria:

Hiss = whistle; ie signal, summon.

For the fly – ie for attacking forces (as numerous as flies in Egypt)

17.19

The idea in this verse is, that they would spread over the land, and lay it waste.

17.20

God will bring upon them this punishment, but that he will make use of the Assyrians as an “instrument” by which to do it. The act of shaving off the hair denotes punishment or disgrace.

Verses 21-25 The consequences of war.

17.21

Only a few self-sustaining survivors shall remain. The verse refers to the scarcity of men and animals.

17.22

Whoever escapes the Assyrian razor will eat thickened milk and honey, that and nothing but that, without variation. The reason being that there would be nothing else to eat.

17.23

Where there had previously been valuable vineyards there would now only be briars..

Silverlings = pieces of silver

17.24

Only the hunter will go there, armed with his weapons of chase, to kill the wild animals that will haunt the thickets.

17.25

The place that used to be  fertile, that was cultivated, shall now be so completely covered with thorns that men will be deterred from going there. It will be good only for wild sheep and goats.

Digged with the mattock = hoed with the hoe.

Lesser cattle = sheep or goats.