Isaiah 17:1-14; ; Isaiah 18:1-7
In Isaiah 7:1, we saw Rezin, the king of Syria, attacking Judah in league with Pekah, the son of Remaliah. 2 Kings 16:5-9 rounds off this incident with its ending: the capture of Damascus by Tiglath-pileser and the death of Rezin. However "the burden of Damascus" relates to the future just like the preceding judgments. Modern Syria will evidently form part of that "multitude of many people" (v. 12; Revelation 17:15) which like a raging sea will attempt to overwhelm Israel . . . but "before the morning" (v. 14) they will be no more (Psalms 37:36).
By way of contrast, ch. 18 presents a maritime country to us, spreading out its protective might (the shadow of its wings) to provide help for the chosen people. In this way God separates the nations of the world according to whether they are favour able to Israel or not. And note His opinion of His poor, earthly people while the world despises them and tramples them under their feet. In His eyes Israel is wonderful (Isaiah 18:7 JND trans. note) from that time and afterwards . . . Are they not the people of the One who is called "Wonderful . ."? (Isaiah 9:6).
A nation which waits and waits (Isaiah 18:7 JND translation) . . . What about us, believing friends? Are we waiting for that One who is not only our King but the heavenly Bridegroom of the Church?