Topical Bible: Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Terror and Dismay In, Occasioned by Its Invasion

◄ Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Terror and Dismay In, Occasioned by Its Invasion ►

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Syria, a significant nation in biblical history, is frequently mentioned in the context of prophecies and divine judgments. The biblical narrative often portrays Syria as both an adversary and a tool of divine purpose, particularly in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The prophecies concerning Syria often highlight themes of terror and dismay, especially in relation to its invasions and the subsequent divine judgments.

Prophetic Context

The prophecies concerning Syria are primarily found in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos, among others. These prophecies often depict Syria as a nation that experiences divine wrath due to its actions against Israel and Judah. The prophetic messages serve as a warning to Syria and a reminder of God's sovereignty over the nations.

Isaiah's Prophecies

The prophet Isaiah provides a vivid portrayal of the terror and dismay that would befall Syria. In Isaiah 17:1-3 , the oracle against Damascus, the capital of Syria, is pronounced: "Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins. The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be for flocks to lie down in, with no one to frighten them. The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus; the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites," declares the LORD of Hosts.

This prophecy indicates a time of desolation and destruction for Damascus, symbolizing the broader judgment upon Syria. The imagery of a city reduced to ruins and the loss of its kingdom underscores the terror and dismay that would accompany such an invasion.

Jeremiah's Pronouncements

Jeremiah also speaks to the fate of Syria, particularly in Jeremiah 49:23-27 , where he describes the fear and anguish that would grip the nation: "Concerning Damascus: Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard bad news; they are disheartened. There is trouble on the sea; it cannot be calmed. Damascus has become feeble; she has turned to flee. Panic has gripped her; anguish and pain have seized her like a woman in labor. How is the city of praise not forsaken, the town of My joy! Therefore her young men will fall in her streets; all the warriors will be silenced in that day," declares the LORD of Hosts.

The prophecy highlights the emotional and physical turmoil that would accompany the invasion, with imagery of panic, anguish, and the silencing of warriors. The reference to Damascus as a "city of praise" and a "town of My joy" suggests a former glory that would be lost, further emphasizing the depth of the coming dismay.

Amos' Warnings

The prophet Amos also addresses the fate of Syria, particularly in Amos 1:3-5 : "This is what the LORD says: 'For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron. So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael to consume the citadels of Ben-hadad. I will break down the gate of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler of the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden. The people of Aram will go into exile to Kir,' says the LORD."

Amos' prophecy underscores the divine judgment against Syria for its transgressions, particularly its brutal treatment of Gilead. The imagery of fire consuming citadels and the breaking down of gates conveys the terror and destruction that would accompany the invasion, leading to exile and displacement.

Conclusion

The prophetic literature concerning Syria consistently portrays a theme of terror and dismay in the face of divine judgment and invasion. These prophecies serve as a testament to the sovereignty of God over the nations and His righteous judgment against those who oppose His people. Through the words of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos, the Bible provides a sobering reminder of the consequences of national transgressions and the ultimate authority of the Lord of Hosts.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 49:23,24
Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Their migration from Media into Syria and Palestine ... this same period of stress and
terror, there came ... he dictated a summary of all the prophecies delivered by ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm