Many of you have inquired about the Bible’s teaching concerning Syria. As we all are watching the news of the war in Israel that has two fronts: Lebanon, where the battle is severe with the forces and weapons of Hezbollah - and still in the Gaza Strip where Hamas and the Palestinian Authority are struggling against Israel. The common goal of these hostile terrorist organizations is the destruction of Israel and they say so frequently in the news and on their web sites.
All that is going on right now has brought the attention to SYRIA, a strong supporter of Hezbollah and a link to IRAN who is the main contributor to the weapons and needs of Hezbollah. Syria has been a “thorn” in the side of Israel for many years. The father of the current leader, Bashar Assad, had always argued against a Palestinian State and the efforts to create a separate people from his own country. The fact is that he was on record of claiming that the only Palestinian State was indeed Syria!
Almost 85% of Syria centers in its capital city of Damascus, one of the oldest cities in the world. Archaeological ruins point to a city that goes back at least 8000 years if not longer. Syria is mentioned frequently in the Bible in its relationships with the Nation of Israel. The Bible usually speaks of Syria in terms of its capital - Damascus.
In Isaiah 17:1-3 we read: “The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid (because the area will be destroyed and deserted). The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.”
Jeremiah 49:23-27 is also an indictment against Damascus and appears to have partial fulfillment in the past - the days of Ben-Hadad. Verse 24 says: “Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail.” Amos 1:3-5 also speaks of a coming judgment upon Damascus, but once again, the historical context deals with the days of Ben-Hadad.
In the New Testament, we read that Saul received letters from the High Priest to go to Damascus to the synagogues (Acts 9) and capture Jewish believers. But, it was on the road near Damascus that Saul was converted and became the Apostle Paul. It was a disciple at Damascus, Ananias, who ministered to Paul. It was in Damascus where Paul preached that Yeshua was the Messiah - in the synagoguges (Acts 9:20).
It appears from the prophecy of Isaiah 17 that Damascus will be removed from history in the last days. As to when that will occur, we do not know. The greatest burden we should have is to see thousands of Hezbollah and citizens of Syria turning to faith in the Messiah of Israel - our blessed Lord Yeshua! May God give us a burden to pray for the people of Syria that they may be saved!
Copyright © 2005 Dr. David Hocking - Hope For Today Ministries
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