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The Demise Of Damascus

It's called the "1982 Massacre of Hama".  To squelch a revolt based in Hama, Syria, then President Hafez al-Assad massacred an estimated 20,000 of his own people.  Hama has been in the news of late for being involved in the revolt against the Syrian regime based in Damascus.  Along with Hama and other communities, tell Erfad has joined the fight.  Both Hama and tell Erfad have existed for many centuries.  

When it comes to Damascus, historians say it's the longest continually inhabited city in human history.  It's the capital city of present day Syria.  It's first seen in the Bible as far back as Genesis 14:15.  More prophetically than ironically, both Hama and tell Erfad can be found in the Bible as well.  Jeremiah 49:23 to 27 says that Hamath (present day Hama) and Arpad (present day tell Erfad) will be dismayed, disheartened, troubled, and restless, because of bad news they hear about Damascus.  The prophet goes on to say that Damascus has become feeble, panic stricken, and gripped with anguish and pain. 

Isaiah clues us in on what's going on in Damascus.  He says that Damascus will no longer exist and that it will become a heap of ruins. (Isaiah 17:1)  Those in Hama and tell Erfad see the coming demise of Damascus which stresses them out.  Isaiah continues to say that Damascus' royal power will be taken from her. (Isaiah 17:3)  She won't relinquish her power without a fight.    

Although there are hints, neither Isaiah nor Jeremiah tells us exactly how or why the fall of Damascus will take place.  As is the case with Biblical prophecies, sometimes the Lord leaves out a few all important pieces of the puzzle that keeps us intently watching for their fulfillment. 

Jeremiah hints at how Damascus falls in Jeremiah 49:26 when he says that her young men will fall in the streets and her soldiers will be silenced.  The mere mention of soldiers being silenced tells us there will be a military strike against Damascus.    

Isaiah 17:3 - 4 also speaks to the demise of Damascus when it says that her glory will be like the glory of Jacob.  Jacob is Israel.  Isaiah then says that Israel's glory will fade because of the destruction of a certain fortified city in Ephraim, which is present day northern Israel.  In short, the fall of Damascus occurs after a military loss suffered by Israel in her northern region that borders on Syria.  

Jeremiah 49:27 says that God will set fire to the walls of Damascus which will consume the forces of Ben-Hadad.  The term "Ben-Haddad" was a term used for Syrian kings who viewed themselves as "sons of god".  Jeremiah appears to be saying that God will set Damascus on fire because of her leader's dictatorial claim to supremacy.  Dictatorial claim to supremacy is what the Syrian regime is all about.  

Isaiah 17:7 says, "in that day men will look to their Maker, the Holy One of Israel".  The phrase "in that day" refers to the last days of this age.  I say this because men are looking to the Holy One of Israel, who is the Lord Jesus Christ, who I believe they see returning to earth.  Also, Isaiah 17:12 speaks of the nations of the world raging over this conflict in that part of the world.  Various Biblical prophecies tell us that the nations of the world will involve themselves in this conflict by attacking Israel as this age ends.    

I conclude that the destruction of Damascus will occur after Syria, or possibly a Syrian proxy in  Lebanon aided by Iran, destroys a northern Israeli city.  Israel will retaliate by destroying  Damascus, who has been a long standing enemy of both Israel and God.  At this point, the end of this age will be upon us.             

When you view the events now taking place in the Middle East, especially in and around Damascus, Syria, these prophecies become relevant.  Then, when you consider Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the proximity of Israel to Lebanon and Syria, the picture that Isaiah and Jeremiah paint could be a present day possibility.  If that is so, we should be Biblically informed on what we're now seeing.   

The population of present day metropolitan Damascus is about 2.7 million people.  The total annihilation of this long standing city will make the Massacre of Hama in 1982 look small in comparison, but, when considering all the destruction that occurs at the end of this age, the destruction of Damascus will look pretty small in comparison as well. 

To read my detailed commentary on
Jeremiah 49:23 – 27 click here

Tor read my detailed commentary on
Isaiah 17 click here  

To listen to my audio commentary on Jeremiah 49:23 – 27 and Isaiah 17 you can Listen Now

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