Isaiah 17:1-6

Common English Bible

Concerning Damascus and Ephraim

17 An oracle about Damascus.

Look! Damascus is finished as a city;
    it will become a fallen ruin.
²The villages of Aroer are abandoned forever.^[a]
    They will be pastures for flocks,^[b]
    which will lie down undisturbed.
³Ephraim’s security will cease,
    as will Damascus’ rule.
    What’s left of Aram will resemble the glory of the Israelites,
    says the Lord of heavenly forces.

⁴On that day, Jacob’s glory will dwindle;
    his sleek body will waste away.
⁵It will be as when harvesters gather grain.
    God will harvest armfuls at a time,
    like one who gathers grain
    in the Rephaim Valley.
⁶Only remaining bits are left,
        like an olive tree that has been shaken:
    two or three olives on the highest branch;
        four or five on a fruitful twig,
        says the Lord God of Israel.