Isaiah Chapter 17 · Verse 2
The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
Original Language Analysis
עָרֵ֣י
The cities
H5892
עָרֵ֣י
The cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
2 of 8
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
עֲרֹעֵ֑ר
of Aroer
H6177
עֲרֹעֵ֑ר
of Aroer
Strong's:
H6177
Word #:
3 of 8
aror, the name of three places in or near palestine
לַעֲדָרִ֣ים
they shall be for flocks
H5739
לַעֲדָרִ֣ים
they shall be for flocks
Strong's:
H5739
Word #:
4 of 8
an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)
תִּֽהְיֶ֔ינָה
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֔ינָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְרָבְצ֖וּ
which shall lie down
H7257
וְרָבְצ֖וּ
which shall lie down
Strong's:
H7257
Word #:
6 of 8
to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
Cross References
Jeremiah 7:33And the carcases of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth; and none shall fray them away.Ezekiel 25:5And I will make Rabbah a stable for camels, and the Ammonites a couchingplace for flocks: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.Deuteronomy 2:36From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:Numbers 32:34And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,Micah 4:4But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.Zephaniah 2:6And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.Jeremiah 48:19O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, and say, What is done?Deuteronomy 3:12And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.
Historical Context
Aroer cities in the Transjordan region were strategic locations controlling trade routes. Assyrian conquest systematically depopulated conquered territories, deporting skilled populations and leaving land underdeveloped. Archaeological surveys show many ancient cities in this region have destruction layers from 8th century BCE followed by abandonment or reduced occupation. The pastoral reversal described here reflects actual historical patterns following Assyrian campaigns—urbanized areas becoming grazing lands as population centers collapsed.
Questions for Reflection
- What does cities becoming sheep pastures teach about the transience of human civilization?
- How does depopulation demonstrate judgment's comprehensive nature?
- In what ways should this warn against trusting in earthly securities like cities and walls?
Analysis & Commentary
The cities of Aroer (likely referring to cities in the region) are forsaken, becoming pastures for flocks that lie down undisturbed. This vivid image depicts urban centers reverting to pastoral landscape—walls that once protected citizens now shelter only sheep. The phrase 'none shall make them afraid' emphasizes complete desolation; typically shepherds feared bandits or wild animals, but here total depopulation means even flocks graze safely. This agricultural reversal illustrates judgment's thoroughness—civilization replaced by pastoral simplicity. Theologically, it demonstrates that human glory (cities, culture, power) is transient; only God's kingdom endures.