1. Here is a message the Lord gave me about Damascus. He said, "Damascus will not be a city anymore. Instead, all of its buildings will be knocked down.
2. The cities of Aroer will be deserted. They will be left to the flocks that lie down there. No one will make them afraid.
3. Ephraim's people will no longer have cities with high walls around them. Royal power will disappear from Damascus. Those who are left alive in Aram will be like the glory of the people of Israel," announces the Lord who rules over all.
4. "In days to come, the glory of Jacob's people will fade. Their strength will get weaker and weaker.
5. It will be as when a worker cuts and gathers grain in the Valley of Rephaim. He gathers up stalks with his arms. Only a few heads of grain are left.
6. In the same way, only a few people will be left alive. It will be as when workers knock olives off the trees. Only two or three olives are left on the highest branches. Four or five at most are left on the limbs that produce fruit," announces the Lord, the God of Israel.
7. In days to come, men will look to their Maker for help. They will turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.