Topical Bible: Syria: Damascus the Capital of

◄ Syria: Damascus the Capital of ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Syria, a significant region in biblical history, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures. Its capital, Damascus, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and holds a prominent place in biblical narratives. The region of Syria and the city of Damascus are intertwined with the history of Israel and the early Christian church.

Biblical References

Damascus is first mentioned in the context of Abraham's servant, Eliezer, who hailed from this city (Genesis 15:2). This early reference highlights Damascus's longstanding significance even in the patriarchal period. The city later becomes a focal point in the narratives of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

Damascus in the Time of David and Solomon

During the reigns of King David and King Solomon, Syria, including Damascus, was a region of interest due to its strategic location and wealth. David established dominance over the Arameans of Damascus, as recorded in 2 Samuel 8:5-6: "When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand men. Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute."

The Divided Kingdoms and Damascus

The city of Damascus played a crucial role during the period of the divided kingdoms. It was often in conflict with Israel and Judah. The prophet Isaiah prophesied against Damascus, foretelling its downfall: "Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins" (Isaiah 17:1). This prophecy underscores the city's importance and the divine judgment pronounced upon it.

Damascus and the Assyrian Empire

Damascus fell to the Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-Pileser III in the 8th century BC, as recorded in 2 Kings 16:9: "So the king of Assyria complied by attacking Damascus, capturing it, and exiling its people to Kir. Then he put Rezin to death." This event marked a significant shift in the power dynamics of the region and fulfilled the prophetic words concerning Damascus.

New Testament Significance

In the New Testament, Damascus is most notably associated with the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who later became the Apostle Paul. On the road to Damascus, Saul encountered the risen Christ, an event that dramatically transformed his life and mission (Acts 9:3-6). This encounter underscores Damascus's role as a pivotal location in the spread of early Christianity.

Cultural and Historical Context

Damascus was a center of trade and culture, strategically located on the crossroads of several major trade routes. Its wealth and influence made it a coveted prize for empires throughout history. The city's enduring presence in biblical narratives highlights its significance in the ancient Near East.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of Syria and its capital, Damascus, reflects the complex interplay of politics, prophecy, and divine intervention. From the time of the patriarchs to the early church, Damascus stands as a testament to the unfolding of God's purposes in history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 7:8
For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within three score and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Nations of the North-East
... empire the smaller Aramaic principalities of central Syria. Geshur, Maachah, Damascus
all acknowledged his authority ... crushed, and while its capital was closely ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

His Conversion
... Having heard that Damascus, the capital of Syria, was one of the places where the
fugitives had taken refuge, and that they were carrying on their propaganda ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter iii his conversion.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... In Damascus, the capital of Syria, it appears that the gospel had made
considerable progress. There the disciples multiplied under ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xii the conversion of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... we agreed to admit that in ver.15 the name of the capital of Eglon ... use of the various
routes leading in the direction of Damascus, Tyre, and Coele-Syria.**. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Paul Before his Conversion.
... scattered disciples. Thus armed, he set out for Damascus, the capital of
Syria, which numbered many synagogues. He was determined ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 30 paul before his.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... a direct attack on his capital, Kunulua, whither ... a triumphal progress through Northern
Syria, is almost a ... success by injudiciously attacking Damascus or Babylon ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Kingdom of Samaria.
... David; namely, the Syrians, a powerful nation, whose capital was at Damascus, a
city ... were vouchsafed to Ahab, because Benhadad, King of Syria, fancied that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson viii the kingdom of.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... of the district of which Susa is the capital. ... it was used by the Babylonians to denote
all Syria. ... name given by the cuneiform inscriptions to Damascus and its ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

A Discourse
... This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly
fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

A Little Maid
... like the Rhine and Danube, and a capital city so ... Israel had once conquered Syria,
and Syria had broken away ... and that he must leave beautiful Damascus, and give ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/a little maid.htm