S – In that day man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will look on the Holy One of Israel. ⁸ He will not look to the altars, the work of his hands, and he will not look on what his own fingers have made, either the Asherim or the altars of incense. 

 Isaiah 17:7–8 ESV

O – Commentary:

When Israel would be invaded by the Assyrians, God’s people would look to their Maker to see the Holy One of Israel (cf. comments on 1:4). When faced with the terror and distress of warfare they would realize the inadequacy of worshiping idols. The altars were those set up to idolatrous gods, not to the true God. The Asherah poles were wooden symbols of Asherah, Canaanite fertility goddess and consort of Baal. In the Northern Kingdom of Israel, widely influenced by Baalism, were many Asherah-worshipers. But when under Assyrian attack, Israel would realize that only the Lord could deliver them.

 John A. Martin, “Isaiah,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1064.

A – Like the book of Revelation, cities of Israel are being told what awaits their future.  They are called out for trusting these other “gods” instead of the true God.  In that day, they will look to God himself.  Great reminder for us to keep our eyes fixed on the one, true God.  Life has many distractions but there is only one God who deserves our faith, trust and love.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the one, True God.  Empower us today to see past the distractions to keep our focus on you. We can be confident in what you are doing in our lives.  Give us the strength and tenacity to remain strong in our relationship with you.