Isaiah 17: Forgetful Damascus, Israel Remembered -- 2019/10/08

Rev. John Lukomski, retired pastor in Northfield, Minnesota, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Isaiah 17. Isaiah 17 continues the oracles against the nations, but this isn’t really an oracle against Damascus. It’s more of a Damascus oracle against Israel! Since the northern kingdom decided to make an alliance with Damascus rather than trust in Yahweh, the fates of Samaria and Damascus have been joined. They will share in glory—fading glory. Yet for all the devastating language of being reduced to a tiny remnant, the truth remains that God will spare a remnant, even from Damascus! God is the God of all peoples, even if they have forgotten their Maker. Though they obsess over what they themselves have made, it pains Him to punish and discipline. This is especially so because He has joined Himself to our suffering through our Lord’s cross. He was forgotten that we would be remembered. And He was remembered that we would remember our Maker—in the end, a Damascus oracle for Israel and for us.