Israel's Time of Trouble

 Isaiah chapter 17 points to the day of Jacob or Israel's time of great trouble. Israel had joined with Damascus against Judah which refused to align with Damascus to help protect against Assyria. Ancient Assyria included parts of Iraq, Turkey, Syria, and Iran. The core region was northern Iraq. The part with the Tigris River flowing through it. The Assyrian threat pictures a future time when Israel and Jerusalem will be invaded at Armageddon. This will be the time of final destruction of Israel's foes. Revelation 16:16.

Ten tribes of Israel had joined forces with the Arameans (Syria) to defend against Assyria. The two tribes of Judah would not participate in the unholy alliance. The Lord wanted Israel to trust in Him for their well being and not a gentile nation. Not only did the aggressor nations suffer but Israel also suffered because of faithlessness. Isiah 17:4-6 predicts this ruin and a surviving Israeli remnant.

Damascus reduced to rubble

Damascus was reduced to rubble when Tiglath-pileser (Assyria) took the city in 732 B.C. Sennacherib was grandson to Tiglath-pileser III. He waged war against many cities along the Mediterranean coast. Judah and Jerusalem were the most famous of his campaigns in 701 B.C. He did not succeed though and withdrew after receiving tribute from King Hezekiah. 

While Sennacherib conducted successful campaigns, his reign was marked by rebellions, political schemes, and ultimately, his assassination. What happened to Sennacherib is a picture of what will happen to all of Israel's foes during the time of great trouble (Day of the Lord). This time of tribulation will also bring forth a converted Israeli remnant destined for Kingdom blessing.

How do we escape this terrible time of tribulation that will come upon all the earth? This time period called the Day of the Lord, Jacob’s trouble, tribulation period that will last for 7 years? How do we escape? Repent and trust in Jesus!