Isaiah 13-17

“Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city and become a heap of ruins” (17:1). Isaiah prophesied that Babylon, Moab, and Damascus would be punished because of their prideful idolatry. But God told Israel to welcome the refugees: “Be a shelter to them from the destroyer” (16:4). God’s purpose was to call people to repentance. “In that day man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will look on the Holy One of Israel. He will not look to the altars, the work of his hands ... what his own fingers have made” (17:7-6-7).

“Then a throne will be established in steadfast love” (16:5). The Messiah’s throne of steadfast love is our shelter from the destruction and chaos of sin.