“>
Damascus (Syrian City of Aram)
Meaning
Damascus is today the capital of Syria. And it’s the second largest Syrian city after Aleppo. The city has also been called “Aram” and “Ash-Sham” a name which refers to both Syria and its capital Damascus. The city of Damascus is known as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Damascus is located fifty miles inland from the Mediteranean coast. And it sits on what was known as the “King’s Highway” which was part of the major trade routes between Egypt, Arabia and Mesopotamia. The city itself sits on a high plateau which rises approximately 2200 feet above sea level. The plateau was very fertile and well watered because of the Ghouta oasis and the Barada River.
Damascus is also featured prominently within Bible history. A young Pharisee named Saul was heading to Damascus to persecute and arrest Jewish converts to Christianity. On the road, he was knocked off his horse by the risen Christ. This young Pharisee became the Apostle Paul who wrote most of the New Testament. Damascus has been mentioned extensively in historical sources as well as the Bible. However, more importantly the Bible mentions Damascus in end-times prophecy. According to the Bible in the end-times the city of Damascus will be completely destroyed and become a ruinous heap.
“Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'” (Book of Acts 9:1-5)
“The burden against Damascus. Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, And it will be a ruinous heap. The fortress also will cease from Ephraim, The kingdom from Damascus, And the remnant of Syria; They will be as the glory of the children of Israel,’ Says the Lord of hosts. Then behold, at eventide, trouble And before the morning, he is no more.” (Book of Isaiah 17:1-3, 14)