This raises the question: When will the prophecy of Isaiah 17 be fulfilled? 

Some scholars believe it has already been fulfilled in the 8th century B.C. during the Assyrian siege of Damascus; specifically, in 732 B.C. Others believe it has a dual fulfillment in which the historical fulfillment has been completed and there is a future and more complete fulfillment. There are also those who think it could be fulfilled during the beginning of the Millennium or at the end of the Millennium.

My interpretation, which could be wrong, is it has not been fulfilled and will be fulfilled during the End Times before the Millennium. The 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ will be a time of peace and all the activity in Damascus these days means we could see it fulfilled quite soon. As tensions are increasing, Israel could easily launch an “all-out war” on this city and turn it into an uninhabitable heap of ruins. Some people, such as Amir Tsarfati, think it could precede the Ezekiel 38 war which is certainly possible. Specifically, he says: 

“Isaiah 17 is the thing that will ignite the whole region to bring about the Ezekiel 38 war. Isaiah 17 speaks of the utter destruction of Damascus to the point that it can no longer be inhabitable. And as you know, Damascus has never been destroyed to that point. And so, it’s a future event, and it will happen.” (“What Is the Destruction of Damascus in Isaiah 17?”)

Whenever it is actually fulfilled or even if it has already been fulfilled, God’s Word never fails. A common verse from Isaiah 46:10 says the following:

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please’” (New International Version).

From my perspective, the closeness of this prophecy being fulfilled is yet another sign we are nearing the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. People can continue to scoff and deny Jesus Christ is coming soon, but God is showing us where we are at on the Biblical timeline. And, it’s becoming increasingly clearer as each day passes.