Desolation
This series of chapters starts off with a moving song of salvation (chapter 12) after the prophecy of chapter 11 that a branch will come from David's family - speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ, the rejected Messiah. The song in chapter 12 is wonderfully descriptive of the coming of salvation through the Messiah. Yet, we know his own rejected Him.
The next chapters are all prophecies against the nations that conquer and lay Israel and Judah desolate. This occurs because Israel did not live according to the laws of Jehovah and thus had to been severely punished. Because of the correctness of God's justice, the nations that destroy Israel are also cursed to destruction. These prophecies are for Babylon (13-14), Assyria (14), Philistia (14), Moab(15-16), Damascus(17), and Israel(17).
Particularly disturbing is the prophecy against Israel in chapter 17:4-18. Even though they call on the Lord, they have waited too late because they have forgotten their Rock (17:10). The imagery is dire. They plant a vineyard but harvest pain and grief.
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