An oracle concerning Damascus is a heading. For oracle see the introductory comments on 13.1—23.18. Damascus was the capital of Syria (see the comments on 7.8-9). This title has no verb, but Contemporary English Version adds one, saying “This is a message about Damascus.” Good News Translation begins with “The LORD said” to indicate that this oracle comes from God.

Behold calls attention to what follows. It should only be translated if the receptor language has a natural, appropriate equivalent (see the comments on 3.1). New Revised Standard Version and New International Version say “See.”

Damascus will cease to be a city is literally “Damascus will be turned aside from a city.” The passive construction means that someone will bring about its end. Since the oracle is from Yahweh, we can presume he is the agent. Good News Translation identifies “God” as the agent in its section heading, but not in its text. The world power that Yahweh uses to destroy Syria is Assyria.

And will become a heap of ruins: The buildings and walls of Damascus will be destroyed completely. The Hebrew words for heap (meʿi) here and “from a city” (meʿir) in the previous line are similar in sound. This play-on-words emphasizes the destruction of the city. It will be reduced to a heap of stones.

For the translation of this verse consider the following examples:

• A message concerning Damascus.
Take note! Damascus will come to an end as a city and be reduced to a heap of ruins.

• A message about Damascus.
Look out! It is the end of the city of Damascus. It will become a heap of ruins.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .