What is…
Damascus and how is it Biblically significant?

also known as: Esh-Sham

Meaning: activity.

This is the name of the most ancient Middle Eastern cities, the capital of Aram (Isaiah 7:8) and Syria located about 133 miles north of Jerusalem. It is mentioned in 55 verses of the Bible (both the Old and New Testament).

It has also been known by the name Esh-Sham; i.e., “the East.” The location of this city was said to be the most beautiful of all Western Asia.

Damascus is first mentioned in Scripture in connection with Abraham's victory over the confederate kings under King Chedorlaomer of Elam (Genesis 14:15). It was the native place of Abraham's steward (15:2).

It is not mentioned again till the time of David, when the Syrians of Damascus came to assist Hadadezer (2 Samuel 8:5; 1 Chronicles 18:5).

Damascus has a long and complicated history with numerous conquerors.

Egyptian conqest

Damascus is mentioned among the conquests of the Egyptian king Thothmes III (1500 BC), and in the Amarna tablets (1400 BC).

Taken by Rezon, a Syrian

During the reign of Solomon, Rezon became leader of a band who revolted from Hadadezer (1 Kings 11:23), and moving themselves to Damascus, settled there and made their leader king.

There was a long war, with varying success, between the Israelites and Syrians, who at a later period became allies of Israel against Judah (2 Kings 15:37).

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  Answers about Ancient Syria and its biblical significance

Assyrian conquest

The Syrians were at length subdued by the Assyrians, the city of Damascus was taken and destroyed, and the inhabitants carried captive into Assyria (2 Kings 16:7-9; compare Isaiah 7:8). In this, prophecy was fulfilled (Isaiah 17:1; Amos 1:4; Jeremiah 49:24).

Mede conquest

The kingdom of Syria remained a province of Assyria till the capture of Nineveh by the Medes (625 BC), when it fell under the conquerors.

Roman conquest

After passing through various changes in circumstances, Syria was invaded by the Romans (64 BC), and Damascus became the seat of the government of the province.

Petra/Nabatean conquest

In 37 AD, Aretas, the king of Arabia Petraea/Nabatea, became master of Damascus, having driven back Herod Antipas, his son-in-law.

Saul’s conversion from fanatically anti-Christian to a devout follower of Christ

This city is memorable as the scene of Saul’s conversion (Acts 9:1-25). The street called “Straight,” in which Judas lived, in whose house Saul was found by Ananias, is known by the name Sultany, or “Queen’s Street.” It is the principal street of the city. Paul visited Damascus again on his return from Arabia (Galatians 1:16-17). Christianity was planted here as a center (Acts 9:20), from which it spread to the surrounding regions.

Islamic conquest

In 634 AD Damascus was conquered by the growing Islamic power.

In 1516 AD it fell under the dominion of the Turks (the Ottoman Empire).