Introduction
God announces His judgment on the alliance of Israel and Syria for their invasion against Judah, see chapter 11 and 2 Kings 25:29 and 16:9.
The Destruction of Judgment, vv 1-5, 12-14
A. The Lord destroys the cities of Syria:
1. Damascus–>a ruinous heap
2. Aroer–>pasture land for flocks
B. The Lord destroys Ephraim
1. The fortress
2. The land picked clean
3. The people panic
The Purpose of Judgment, vv. 6-8
A. Judgment causes a remnant to survive, v. 6
B. Judgment causes the remnant to return to their Maker, vv. 7-8.
The Reason for Judgment, vv. 9-14
A. Ephraim forgot God, v. 10.
B. Ephraim trusted their own works, vv. 10-11.