About Jesus  -  Steve Sweetman

  Damascus  Is Doomed

Damascus is the capital city of Syria.  Historians say that it is the longest continuing existing city in history.  Unlike other cities that have risen and fallen from history over the centuries, Damascus has existed without interruption for centuries, despite all of the battles fought over her.  In terms of the Bible, Damascus is first mentioned in Genesis 14:15. 

Isaiah 17:1, Jeremiah 49, and Zechariah 9, all predict the total destruction of Damascus.  That is the prophetic fact.  The historic fact is that Damascus has never been destroyed.  Add these two facts together and we learn that Isaiah 17:1 is yet to be fulfilled.  Isaiah 17:1 reads:

"A prophecy against Damascus:  'See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins.'"

Jesus told us to be alert and on guard for the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.  See Mark 13:33.  Many Christians do not live in such prophetic preparedness because they think prophecy is way too difficult to understand, but when it comes to Damascus, it is not hard to figure out.  The day is coming when this important city will be utterly destroyed.  We simply need to believe the validity of the prophecy, expect and watch for its fulfillment.  That day might not be far off due to present circumstances.           

Syria has been in turmoil over the last several of years.  Syria and Israel have been at odds with each other for decade.  Both Russia and Iran, enemies of the West, are allied with Syria.  Russia has military out-posts in Syria and has provided the Syrian regime with weapons.  Add these and other present-day trends together and you never know from one day to the next what might happen to Damascus.         

When the Soviet Union fell apart in the 1980's many people said that world be the end of Russia, but it wasn't.  Despite that collapse and some bad economic years, Russia has re-emerged stronger than ever.  It is a world power to be reckoned with, and it is clearly a player in Middle Eastern tensions.   

We know the prophetic facts about Russia's involvement in the war of Ezekiel 38 and 39 that comes somewhere near the end of this age. The re-emergence of Russia and the present situation in Syria and the Middle East might well be prophetically significant.  Only time will tell how significant these present trends will be.   Whatever happens and whenever it happens, Isaiah 17:1 will find its place in prophetic history.