Structure in Isaiah 17

Isaiah 17:7-8 has a complex structure, revolving around two different verbs for “look” or “see.” Following the Hebrew word order, we have this structure in verse 7:

A. Looks ( sha’ah )

B. Adam

C. on his Maker

B’. his eyes

C’. to the Holy One of Israel

A’. Looks ( ra’ah )

Verse 8 uses the same two verbs, and also uses variations of the verb ‘asah , “make” or “do.”

A. Not look ( sha’ah ) to altars

B. made-things of his hands

B’. which made his fingers

A’. not look ( ra’ah ) Asherim or incense stands

Several observations on the themes this structure highlights. Verse 7 describes positively what Israel is to look at – her Maker and her Holy One – while verse 8 describes negatively what she is to turn her gaze from – altars, Asherah poles, incense stands. Repentance is a change of glance. Our eyes look to the one we expect will help us – “as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,” and so what our eyes gaze at is what we consider our savior. Though verse 7’s reference to “Maker” means specifically the Maker of Israel, the potter who has formed Israel’s clay, the use of adam points to a wider creation context.

Finally, the contrast of Maker and made is striking. We look to the products of our fingers for salvation or to God. That is, our choice is between God and technology.