Israel is currently defending the Golan Heights from Iran's hostile
bases in Syria by launching very precise missile strikes. The presence of
Turkey, Iran, al Qaeda, the Muslim Brotherhood, Islamic State, Hezbollah, Hamas
and other enemies of God and of Israel in the Syrian theatre has many wondering
about the Isaiah 17 prophecy about the destruction of Damascus. There is much
speculation about whether we are now entering into the end time scenario written
so much about by the prophets in the Bible. Certainly, the crucible of prophecy
is being stirred and heated, but we must pay close attention to the actual words
and context of the prophets to discern current events.
According to the prophet Isaiah, 17:1, "The burden of Damascus.
Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous
heap." Many point to this verse to speculate when and how Damascus will be
destroyed. If we study the context of the prophecy, Chapter 10 begins with
prophesying judgment on Assyria and Ephraim (one of the tribes of Israel) for
attacking Israel. Damascus is named as one of the Assyrian's vassals. Damascus
also is included in end time judgment accounts of Egypt, Babylon, Moab, Assyria,
Ethiopia, Tyre, Philistia and others. This demonstrates the near and the far of
prophesy. Some of this was fulfilled historically; other parts of it are yet to
be fulfilled.
There has been a lot of talk that this is the time that perhaps
Isaiah's prophecy will be fulfilled. Damascus, after all, is hardly a city
nowadays. It is maintaining a heartbeat after years of civil war and fighting
that includes various al Qaeda terrorist groups, Hezbollah from Iran, Russian
interests, American interests, Turkey, the Islamic State, and, of course the
Assad government. The ingredients are there for the total destruction of
Damascus. Damascus may be devastated by this massive gathering of many forces,
but it is not the total destruction prophesied by Isaiah. As with most prophecy,
it often appears to be fulfilled, but in types and shadows, layers, and signs
before it is ultimately fulfilled.
The context of Isaiah 17 is judgment on nations that come against
Israel, beginning in Chapter 9 and continuing through Chapter 24. The phrase
"In/At that day" is mentioned no less than four times in Isaiah 17, a short
chapter of 14 verses. This phrase is an indicator for the Day of the Lord,
meaning when the Lord returns to judge the nations that came against Israel.
Verse 7 says, "At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall
have respect to the Holy One of Israel." Verse 11 speaks that the harvest shall
be a day of grief and of desperate sorrow. Context is key. It's irresponsible to
take just one verse and develop a scenario or doctrine around it. In Syria, we
are seeing prophetic movement, but we will know when God fulfills the prophecy.
It will be clear.
Have a Blessed and Powerful
Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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