NOTES for Isa 17:1-14
The prophet sees the coming defeat of Damascus, which, together with all Syria, will have to taste the consequences of its sins. The Ephraimites, having allied themselves with the Syrian pagans and placed their hope in jointly resisting their common enemies, will share their fate. But they have an opportunity to turn away from paganism and turn to the Holy One of Israel—the only One capable of restraining the aggressors’ hordes.
The noise of the pagan nations advancing to conquer is compared here to the roar of the sea. This comparison is not accidental, for in the perception of the ancient Israelites the sea often symbolized demonic forces. The hordes of pagans, resembling rows of sea waves, truly appeared as crowds possessed by such forces.
The enemies are still full of strength and continue their advance, yet with his inner eye the prophet already sees that, in the longer view, they have been defeated. Even great victories will prove to be nothing more than a prelude to total defeat if the Lord is not on the army’s side and the army itself is far from His truth.