1. An oracle about Damascus.Look! Damascus is finished as a city;it will become a fallen ruin.
2. The villages of Aroer are abandoned forever.They will be pastures for flocks,which will lie down undisturbed.
3. Ephraim’s security will cease,as will Damascus’ rule.What’s left of Aram will resemble the glory of the Israelites,says the Lord of heavenly forces.
4. On that day, Jacob’s glory will dwindle;his sleek body will waste away.
5. It will be as when harvesters gather grain.God will harvest armfuls at a time,like one who gathers grainin the Rephaim Valley.
6. Only remaining bits are left,like an olive tree that has been shaken:two or three olives on the highest branch;four or five on a fruitful twig,says the Lord God of Israel.
7. On that day, people will have regard for their maker,and their eyes will look to the holy one of Israel.
8. They will have no regard for altars,the work of their hands,or look to what their fingers made:sacred poles and incense stands.
9. On that day, their strong cities will be like those abandoned by the Hivites and the Amorites; abandoned because of the Israelites. They will be a wasteland,