Reference: Damascus
American
A celebrated metropolis of Syria, first mentioned in Ge 14:15; 15:2, and now probably the oldest city on the globe. It stands on the river Barada, the ancient Chrysorrhoas, in a beautiful and fertile plain on the east and south east of Anti-Lebanon. See ABANA. This plain is about fifty miles in circumference; it is open to the desert of Arabiaon the south and east, and is bounded on the other sides by the mountains. The region around and north of Damascus, including probably the valley between the ridges of Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon, is called in the Scriptures, "Syria of Damascus," 2Sa 8:5, and by Strabo, Coelesyria. This city, which at first had its own kings, was taken by David, 2Sa 8:5-6; and by Jeroboam II., 2Ki 14:28. Its history at this period is to be found in the accounts given of Naaman, Ben-hadad, Hazael, and Rezin. It was subdued by Tiglath-pileser, 2Ki 16:9; and was afterwards subject to the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Seleucidea, and Romans. In the days of Paul it appears to have been held, for a time at least, by Aretas, king of Arabia Petraea, the father-in-law of Herod Antipas. At this period the city was so much thronged by the Jews, that, according to Josephus, ten thousand of them, by command of Nero, were put to death at once. It is memorable to Christians as the scene of the miraculous conversion of that most illustrious "servant of the Lord Jesus Christ," the apostle Paul, Ac 9:1-27; 22:1-16. Since 1506, Damascus has been held by the Turks; it is the metropolis of "the Pashalic of Damascus," and has a population of about one hundred and fifty thousand. The Arabs call it Eshshams. It is still celebrated, with the surrounding country, by all travellers, as one of the most beautiful and luxuriant regions in the world. The orientals themselves call it "Paradise on earth," and it is pretended that Mohammed refused to enter it, lest he should thereby forfeit his heavenly Paradise. The plain around the city is well watered and of exuberant fertility; and the eye of the traveller from any direction is fascinated by the view-a wilderness of verdure, interspersed with innumerable villas and hamlets, with gardens, fountains, and groves. A nearer view of the city discloses much that is offensive to the senses, as well as to the spirit. It is the most purely oriental city yet remaining of all that are named in the Bible. Its public buildings and bazaars are fine; and many private dwellings, though outwardly mean, are decorated within in a style of the most costly luxury. Its position has made it from the very first a commercial city, Eze 27:18. They cloth called Damask is supposed to have originated here, and Damascus steel has never been equaled. It still caries on an extensive traffic in woven stuffs of silk and cotton, in fine inlaid cabinet work, in leather, fruits, sweetmeats, etc. For this purpose huge caravans assemble here at intervals, and traverse, just as of old, the desert routes to remote cities. Here too is a chief gathering-place of pilgrims to Mecca. People from all the nations of East resort to Damascus, a fact which shows its importance as a missionary station. An encouraging commencement has been made by English Christians, and the fierce and bigoted intolerance of its Mussulman population has begun to give way. A street is still found here called "Straight," probably the same referred to in Ac 9:11. It runs a mile or more through the city from the eastern gate.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And set himself and his servants in array, and fell upon them by night, and smote them, and chased them away unto Hobah, which lieth on the lefthand of Damascus,
And Abram answered, "LORD Jehovah, what wilt thou give me? I go childless, and the cater of mine house, this Eliezer of Damascus, hath a son."
Then came the Syrians of Damascus to succor Hadadezer king of Zobah. And David slew of them two and twenty thousand men and put soldiers in Syria, Damascus.
Then came the Syrians of Damascus to succor Hadadezer king of Zobah. And David slew of them two and twenty thousand men and put soldiers in Syria, Damascus. And the Syrians became servants to David paying tribute. And thus the LORD saved David in all that he went to.
The rest of the deeds of Jeroboam, and all he did, and his power how he fought, and how he restored Damascus and Hamath to Judah in Israel are written in the book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.
And the king of Assyria hearkened to him, and went to Damascus, and took it, and carried the people away to Kir and slew Rezin.
Damascus also used merchandises with thee, in the best wine and white wool: because thy occupying was so great, and thy wares so many.
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. read more. But as he journeyed, it fortuned that he drew nigh to Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" And he said, "What art thou, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it shall be hard for thee to kick against the prick." And he, both trembling and astonished, said, "Lord what wilt thou have me to do?" And the Lord said unto him, "Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou shalt do." The men which journeyed with him on his way stood amazed, for they heard a voice, but saw no man. And Saul arose from the earth, and opened his eyes, but saw no man. Then led they him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and to him said the Lord in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Behold, I am here Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Arise, and go into the street which is called straight, and seek in the house of Judas after one called Saul of the city of Tarsus. For behold, he prayeth;
And the Lord said to him, "Arise, and go into the street which is called straight, and seek in the house of Judas after one called Saul of the city of Tarsus. For behold, he prayeth; And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in unto him; And putting his hands on him, that he might receive his sight." read more. Then Ananias answered, "Lord I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority of the high priests to bind all that call on thy name." The Lord said unto him, "Go thy ways: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the gentiles, and kings and the children of Israel: For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." Ananias went his way and entered into the house and put his hands on him and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight and be filled with the holy ghost." And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales and he received his sight, and arose and was baptised. And received meat and was comforted. Then was Saul a certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the Synagogues how that he was the son of God. All that heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this he that spoiled them which called on this name in Jerusalem? And came hither for the intent that he should bring them bound unto the high priests?" But Saul increased in strength; And confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus affirming that this was very Christ. And after a good while, the Jews took counsel together among themselves, to kill him. But their layings wait was known of Saul. And they watched at the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and put him through the wall and let him down in a basket. And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to couple himself with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way and had spoken with him: and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus;
"Ye men, brethren, and fathers, hear mine answer which I make unto you." When they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence. read more. And he said, "I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia: nevertheless yet brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, and informed diligently in the law of the fathers, and was fervent minded to Godward, as ye all are this same day, and I persecuted this way unto the death: binding, and delivering into prison both men and women, as the chief priest doth bear me witness, and all the elders: of whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem for to be punished. And it fortuned that as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus, about noon, that suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me, and I fell unto the earth, and heard a voice saying unto me, 'Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?' And I answered, 'What art thou Lord?' And he said unto me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.' And they that were with me saw verily a light and were afraid: but they heard not the voice of him that spake with me. And I said, 'What shall I do Lord?' And the Lord said unto me, 'Arise and go into Damascus and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.' And when I saw nothing for the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand of them that were with me, and came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a perfect man, and as pertaining to the law having good report of all the Jews which there dwelt, came unto me, and stood and said unto me, 'Brother Saul, look up.' And that same hour I received my sight and saw him. And he said unto me, 'The God of our fathers hath ordained thee before, that thou shouldest know his will, and shouldest see that which is rightful, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth: for thou shalt be his witness unto all men of those things which thou hast seen and heard. And now: why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptised, and wash away thy sins, in calling on the name of the Lord.'
Easton
activity, the most ancient of Oriental cities; the capital of Syria (Isa 7:8; 17:3); situated about 133 miles to the north of Jerusalem. Its modern name is Esh-Sham; i.e., "the East."
The situation of this city is said to be the most beautiful of all Western Asia. It is mentioned among the conquests of the Egyptian king Thothmes III. (B.C. 1500), and in the Amarna tablets (B.C. 1400).
Illustration: Damascus
It is first mentioned in Scripture in connection with Abraham's victory over the confederate kings under Chedorlaomer (Ge 14:15). It was the native place of Abraham's steward (Ge 15:2). It is not again noticed till the time of David, when "the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Hadadezer" (q.v.), 2Sa 8:5; 1Ch 18:5. In the reign of Solomon, Rezon became leader of a band who revolted from Hadadezer (1Ki 11:23), and betaking 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 (2Ki 15:37).
The Syrians were at length subdued by the Assyrians, the city of Damascus was taken and destroyed, and the inhabitants carried captive into Assyria (2Ki 16:7-9; comp. Isa 7:8). In this, prophecy was fulfilled (Isa 17:1; Am 1:4; Jer 49:24). The kingdom of Syria remained a province of Assyria till the capture of Nineveh by the Medes (B.C. 625), when it fell under the conquerors. After passing through various vicissitudes, Syria was invaded by the Romans (B.C. 64), and Damascus became the seat of the government of the province. In A.D. 37 Aretas, the king of Arabia, became master of Damascus, having driven back Herod Antipas.
This city is memorable as the scene of Saul's conversion (Ac 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 (Ga 1:16-17). Christianity was planted here as a centre (Ac 9:20), from which it spread to the surrounding regions.
In A.D. 634 Damascus was conquered by the growing Mohammedan power. In A.D. 1516 it fell under the dominion of the Turks, its present rulers. It is now the largest city in Asiatic Turkey. Christianity has again found a firm footing within its walls.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And set himself and his servants in array, and fell upon them by night, and smote them, and chased them away unto Hobah, which lieth on the lefthand of Damascus,
And Abram answered, "LORD Jehovah, what wilt thou give me? I go childless, and the cater of mine house, this Eliezer of Damascus, hath a son."
Then came the Syrians of Damascus to succor Hadadezer king of Zobah. And David slew of them two and twenty thousand men and put soldiers in Syria, Damascus.
And God stirred up another adversary, one Rezon the son of Eliada, which fled from Hadadezer king of Zobah his master.
In those days the LORD began to send against Judah: Rezin the king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah.
Then Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, "I am thy servant and thy son, come and deliver me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which are risen against me." And Ahaz took the silver and the gold that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasure of the king's house, and sent it for a reward to the king of Assyria. read more. And the king of Assyria hearkened to him, and went to Damascus, and took it, and carried the people away to Kir and slew Rezin.
For the head city of the Syrians is Damascus, but the head of Damascus is Rezin. And after five and threescore years, shall Ephraim be no more a people.
For the head city of the Syrians is Damascus, but the head of Damascus is Rezin. And after five and threescore years, shall Ephraim be no more a people.
This is the heavy burden upon Damascus: Behold, Damascus shall be no more a city, but a heap of broken stones.
Ephraim shall no more be strong, and Damascus shall no more be a kingdom. And as for the glory of the remnant of the Syrians, it shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, sayeth the LORD of Hosts.
Damascus shall be sore afraid, and shall flee; trembling shall come upon her. Sorrow and pain shall overtake her as a woman travailing of child.
But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, the same shall consume the palaces of Benhadad.
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. read more. But as he journeyed, it fortuned that he drew nigh to Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" And he said, "What art thou, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it shall be hard for thee to kick against the prick." And he, both trembling and astonished, said, "Lord what wilt thou have me to do?" And the Lord said unto him, "Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou shalt do." The men which journeyed with him on his way stood amazed, for they heard a voice, but saw no man. And Saul arose from the earth, and opened his eyes, but saw no man. Then led they him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and to him said the Lord in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Behold, I am here Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Arise, and go into the street which is called straight, and seek in the house of Judas after one called Saul of the city of Tarsus. For behold, he prayeth; And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in unto him; And putting his hands on him, that he might receive his sight." Then Ananias answered, "Lord I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority of the high priests to bind all that call on thy name." The Lord said unto him, "Go thy ways: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the gentiles, and kings and the children of Israel: For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." Ananias went his way and entered into the house and put his hands on him and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight and be filled with the holy ghost." And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales and he received his sight, and arose and was baptised. And received meat and was comforted. Then was Saul a certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the Synagogues how that he was the son of God.
And straightway he preached Christ in the Synagogues how that he was the son of God. All that heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this he that spoiled them which called on this name in Jerusalem? And came hither for the intent that he should bring them bound unto the high priests?" read more. But Saul increased in strength; And confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus affirming that this was very Christ. And after a good while, the Jews took counsel together among themselves, to kill him. But their layings wait was known of Saul. And they watched at the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and put him through the wall and let him down in a basket.
Fausets
The most ancient city of Syria, at the foot of the S.E. range of Antilibanus, which rises 1,500 ft. above the plain of Damascus, which is itself 2,200 above the sea. Hence, Damascus enjoys a temperate climate cooled by breezes. The plain is a circle of 30 miles diameter, watered by the Barada (the ABANA of 2 Kings 5), which bursts through a narrow cleft in the mountain into the country beneath, pouring fertility on every side. This strikes the eye the more, as bareness and barrenness characterize all the hills and the plain outside. Fruit of various kinds, especially olive trees, grain and grass abound within the Damascus plain. The Barada flows through Damascus, and thence eastward 15 miles, when it divides and one stream falls into lake el Kiblijeh: another into lake esh-Shurkijeh, on the border of the desert. The wady Helbon on the N. and Awaj on the S. also water the plain.
The Awaj is probably the scriptural PHARPAR. First mentioned in Ge 14:15; 15:2. Abraham entering Canaan by way of Damascus there obtained Eliezer as his retainer. Josephus makes Damascus to have been founded by Uz, son of Aram, grandson of Shem. The next Scriptural notice of Damascus is 2Sa 8:5, when "the Syrians of Damascus succored Hadadezer king of Zobah" against David. David slew 22,000 Syrians, and "put garrisons in Syria of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought gifts" (1Ch 18:3-6). Nicholaus of Damascus says Hadad (so he named him) reigned over "all Syria except Phoenicia," and began the war by attacking David, and was defeated in a last engagement at the Euphrates River. His subject Rezon, who escaped when David conquered Zobah, with the help of a band made himself king at Damascus over Syria (1Ki 11:23-25), and was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon.
Hadad's family recovered the throne; or else (See BENHADAD I, who helped Baasha against Asa and afterward Asa against Baasha, was grandson of Rezon. He "made himself streets" in Samaria (1Ki 20:34), so completely was he Israel's master. His son, Benhadad II, who besieged Ahab (1Ki 20:1), is the Ben-idri of the Assyrian inscriptions. These state that in spite of his having the help of the Phoenicians, Hittites and Hamathites, he was unable to oppose Assyria, which slew 20,000 of his men in just one battle. Hazael, taking advantage of his subjects' disaffection owing to their defeats, murdered Benhadad (2Ki 8:10-15; 1Ki 19:15). Hazael was defeated by Assyria in his turn, with great loss, at Antilibanus; but repulsed Ahaziah's and Jehoram's attack on Israel (2Ki 8:28), ravaged Gilead, the land of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh (2Ki 10:32-33); took also Gath, and was only diverted from Jerusalem by Jehoash giving the royal and the temple treasures (2Ki 12:17-18). (See HAZAEL.)
Benhadad his son continued to exercise a lordship over Israel (2Ki 13:3-7,22) at first; but Joash, Jehoahaz' son, beat him thrice, according to Elisha's dying prophecy (2Ki 13:14-19), for "the Lord had compassion on His people ... because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, neither east He them from His presence us yet" (2Ki 13:23). Jeroboam II, Joash's son, further "recovered Damascus and Hamath, which belonged to Judah, for Israel ... according to the word of the Lord ... by Jonah the prophet" (2Ki 14:23-28), 836 B.C. Rezin of Damascus, a century later, in a respite from the Assyrian invasions, allied himself to Pekah of Israel against Judah, with a view to depose Ahaz and set up one designated "the son of Tabeal." (See AHAZ.) The successive invasions of Pul and Tiglath Pileser suggested the thought of combining Syria, Israel, and Judah as a joint power against Assyria. Ahaz' leaning to Assyria made him obnoxious to Syria and Israel.
But, as their counsel was contrary to God's counsel that David's royal line should continue until Immanuel, it came to nought (2Ki 15:19,29,38; 16:5; Isa 7:1-6). Elath on the shore of the Red Sea, in Edom, built by Azariah of Judah on territory alleged to be Syrian, was "recovered" by Rezin. Whereupon Ahaz begged Assyria's alliance; and the very policy of Damascus and Israel against Assyria, namely, to absorb Judah, was the very means of causing their own complete absorption by Assyria (2Ki 16:6-9,17; Isa 7:14-25; 8:6-10; 10:9). The people of Damascus were carried captive to Kir, as Amos (Am 1:5) foretold, the region from which they originally came, associated with Elam (Isa 22:6), probably in Lower Mesopotamia = Kish or Cush, i.e. eastern Ethiopia, the Cissia of Herodotus (G. Rawlinson).
Isaiah (Isa 17:1) and Amos (Am 1:4) had prophesied that Damascus should be "taken away from being a city, and should be a ruinous heap," that Jehovah should "send a fire into the house of Hazael, which should devour the palaces of Benhadad"; and Jeremiah (Jer 49:24-25) that "Damascus is waxed feeble .... How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!" By the time of the Mede-Persian supremacy Damascus had not only been rebuilt, but was the most famous city in Syria (Strabo, 16:2,19). In Paul's time (2Co 11:32) it was part of (See ARETAS ' (see) kingdom. It is still a city of 150,000 inhabitants, of whom about 130,000 are Mahometans, 15,000 Christians, and about 5,000 Jews. Damascus was the center through which the trade of Tyre passed on its way to Assyria, Palmyra, Babylon, and the East.
It supplied "white wool and the wine of Helbon" (in Antilebanon, 10 miles N.W. of Damascus) in return for "the wares of Tyre's making" (Eze 27:18). Its once famous damask and steel were not manufactured until Mahometan times, and are no longer renowned. The street called "Straight" is still there, leading from one gate to the pasha's palace, i.e. from E. to W. a mile long; it was originally divided by Corinthian colonnades into three avenues, of which the remains are still traced (Ac 9:11); called by the natives "the street of bazaars." The traditional localities of Ac 9:3,25; 2Co 11:33 (Paul's conversion on his way to Damascus, and his subsequent escape in a basket let down from the wall) are more than doubtful. Now es-Sham, "The East." Magnus was its bishop at the council of Nice, A.D. 325. The khalif Omar A.D. 635 took it. It fell into the hands of the Turks, its present masters, under Selim I, A.D. 1516.
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And set himself and his servants in array, and fell upon them by night, and smote them, and chased them away unto Hobah, which lieth on the lefthand of Damascus,
And set himself and his servants in array, and fell upon them by night, and smote them, and chased them away unto Hobah, which lieth on the lefthand of Damascus,
And Abram answered, "LORD Jehovah, what wilt thou give me? I go childless, and the cater of mine house, this Eliezer of Damascus, hath a son."
And Abram answered, "LORD Jehovah, what wilt thou give me? I go childless, and the cater of mine house, this Eliezer of Damascus, hath a son."
Then came the Syrians of Damascus to succor Hadadezer king of Zobah. And David slew of them two and twenty thousand men and put soldiers in Syria, Damascus.
Then came the Syrians of Damascus to succor Hadadezer king of Zobah. And David slew of them two and twenty thousand men and put soldiers in Syria, Damascus.
And God stirred up another adversary, one Rezon the son of Eliada, which fled from Hadadezer king of Zobah his master.
And God stirred up another adversary, one Rezon the son of Eliada, which fled from Hadadezer king of Zobah his master. Which Rezon gathered men unto him and became captain over the company, when David slew them. And they went to Damascus and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.
Which Rezon gathered men unto him and became captain over the company, when David slew them. And they went to Damascus and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus. And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, with the evil that Hadad did, which abhorred Israel and reigned in Syria.
And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, with the evil that Hadad did, which abhorred Israel and reigned in Syria.
And Benhadad, king of Syria, gathered all his host together - and thirty two kings with him, with horse and chariot - and went up and besieged Samaria and warred against it.
And Benhadad, king of Syria, gathered all his host together - and thirty two kings with him, with horse and chariot - and went up and besieged Samaria and warred against it.
And Benhadad said, "The cities which my father took from thy father, I will restore again. And thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria. And I will make a covenant with thee and send thee away." And so he made a covenant with him and sent him away.
And Benhadad said, "The cities which my father took from thy father, I will restore again. And thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria. And I will make a covenant with thee and send thee away." And so he made a covenant with him and sent him away.
And Elisha said to him, "Go and say to him, 'Thou shalt recover.' Howbeit, the LORD hath showed me that he shall surely die."
And Elisha said to him, "Go and say to him, 'Thou shalt recover.' Howbeit, the LORD hath showed me that he shall surely die." And the man of God began to look earnestly, insomuch that he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.
And the man of God began to look earnestly, insomuch that he was ashamed: and the man of God wept. And Hazael said, "Why weepeth my lord?" And he answered, "For I know that thou shalt do evil unto the children of Israel: their strong cities thou shalt set on fire, and their young men thou shalt slay with the sword, and shalt dash out the brains of their sucking children: and all to tear their women with child."
And Hazael said, "Why weepeth my lord?" And he answered, "For I know that thou shalt do evil unto the children of Israel: their strong cities thou shalt set on fire, and their young men thou shalt slay with the sword, and shalt dash out the brains of their sucking children: and all to tear their women with child." And Hazael said, "What is thy servant, which am but a dog, that I should do this great thing?" And Elisha said, "For the LORD hath showed me, that thou shalt be king of Syria."
And Hazael said, "What is thy servant, which am but a dog, that I should do this great thing?" And Elisha said, "For the LORD hath showed me, that thou shalt be king of Syria." And so he departed from Elisha and came to his master, which said to him, "What said Elisha to thee?" And he said, "He told me that thou shouldest recover."
And so he departed from Elisha and came to his master, which said to him, "What said Elisha to thee?" And he said, "He told me that thou shouldest recover." And on the morrow he took a rough cloth and dipped it in the water and spread it on his face, and he died, and Hazael reigned in his stead.
And on the morrow he took a rough cloth and dipped it in the water and spread it on his face, and he died, and Hazael reigned in his stead.
And Jehoram the son of Ahab went to war with Hazael king of Syria, at Ramoth in Gilead, and the Syrians wounded him.
And Jehoram the son of Ahab went to war with Hazael king of Syria, at Ramoth in Gilead, and the Syrians wounded him.
In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short, for Hazael slew them in all the coasts of Israel,
In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short, for Hazael slew them in all the coasts of Israel, from Jordan Eastward: even all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, the Reubenites and the Manassites, from Aroer upon the river of Arnon, with Gilead and Bashan.
from Jordan Eastward: even all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, the Reubenites and the Manassites, from Aroer upon the river of Arnon, with Gilead and Bashan.
Then came Hazael king of Syria, and fought against Gath and took it, and appointed himself to go up to Jerusalem.
Then came Hazael king of Syria, and fought against Gath and took it, and appointed himself to go up to Jerusalem. But Jehoash king of Judah took all the dedicated things that Jehoshaphat, Jehoram and Ahaziah his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and that he himself had dedicated, and all the gold that could be found in the treasure of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and so he departed from Jerusalem.
But Jehoash king of Judah took all the dedicated things that Jehoshaphat, Jehoram and Ahaziah his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and that he himself had dedicated, and all the gold that could be found in the treasure of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and so he departed from Jerusalem.
Wherefore, the LORD was angry with Israel, and delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael all their days.
Wherefore, the LORD was angry with Israel, and delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael all their days. But Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD heard him. For he had seen the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them.
But Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD heard him. For he had seen the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them. And therefore the LORD gave Israel a deliverer and they went out from under the hands of the Syrians. And the children of Israel dwelt in their tents as before time.
And therefore the LORD gave Israel a deliverer and they went out from under the hands of the Syrians. And the children of Israel dwelt in their tents as before time. Nevertheless they departed not from the sin of the house of Jeroboam which made Israel sin, but walked therein. And there remained a grove also in Samaria still:
Nevertheless they departed not from the sin of the house of Jeroboam which made Israel sin, but walked therein. And there remained a grove also in Samaria still: But there were left of the people, to Jehoahaz, but fifty horsemen and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen - for the king of Syria had destroyed them and made them like threshed chaff.
But there were left of the people, to Jehoahaz, but fifty horsemen and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen - for the king of Syria had destroyed them and made them like threshed chaff.
When Elisha was fallen sick of the sickness whereof he died, Joash king of Israel came to him and wept to him, and said, "O father, father! The chariot of Israel and the horsemen of the same!"
When Elisha was fallen sick of the sickness whereof he died, Joash king of Israel came to him and wept to him, and said, "O father, father! The chariot of Israel and the horsemen of the same!" And Elisha said unto him, "Bring bow and arrows." And he brought to him bow and arrows.
And Elisha said unto him, "Bring bow and arrows." And he brought to him bow and arrows. And he said to the king of Israel, "Put thine hand upon the bow, and when he had put his hand upon the bow, Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands."
And he said to the king of Israel, "Put thine hand upon the bow, and when he had put his hand upon the bow, Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands." Then he said, "Open a window eastward," and he opened. And Elisha said, "shoot," and he shot. And he said, "The arrow of salvation of the LORD; and the arrow of salvation against the Syrians: For thou shalt beat the Syrians in Aphek till thou have consumed them."
Then he said, "Open a window eastward," and he opened. And Elisha said, "shoot," and he shot. And he said, "The arrow of salvation of the LORD; and the arrow of salvation against the Syrians: For thou shalt beat the Syrians in Aphek till thou have consumed them." Then he said, "Take arrows," and he took. Then he said to the king of Israel, "Smite the ground," and he smote thrice and ceased.
Then he said, "Take arrows," and he took. Then he said to the king of Israel, "Smite the ground," and he smote thrice and ceased. And the man of God was angry with him and said, "Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times, and then thou hadst smitten the Syrians till thou hadst consumed them: where now thou shalt beat them but thrice."
And the man of God was angry with him and said, "Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times, and then thou hadst smitten the Syrians till thou hadst consumed them: where now thou shalt beat them but thrice."
And Hazael oppressed Israel, all the days of Jehoahaz. But the LORD had mercy on them and pitied them and turned to them because of his covenant made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and would not destroy them, either cast them from him as yet.
But the LORD had mercy on them and pitied them and turned to them because of his covenant made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and would not destroy them, either cast them from him as yet.
The fifteenth year of Amaziah son of Jehoash king of Judah, was Jeroboam son of Joash made king over Israel in Samaria and reigned forty one years,
The fifteenth year of Amaziah son of Jehoash king of Judah, was Jeroboam son of Joash made king over Israel in Samaria and reigned forty one years, and wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD: for he turned in nothing from the sin of Jeroboam the son of Nebat which made Israel sin.
and wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD: for he turned in nothing from the sin of Jeroboam the son of Nebat which made Israel sin. He restored the coasts of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea, in the wild fields, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel which he spake through his servant Jonah the son of Amittai the prophet, which was of Gathhepher.
He restored the coasts of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea, in the wild fields, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel which he spake through his servant Jonah the son of Amittai the prophet, which was of Gathhepher. For the LORD had seen how that the affliction of Israel was exceeding bitter, in so much that the prisoned and the forsaken were at an end. And there was no helper unto Israel.
For the LORD had seen how that the affliction of Israel was exceeding bitter, in so much that the prisoned and the forsaken were at an end. And there was no helper unto Israel. And the LORD had not yet said that men should put out the name of Israel from under heaven. And therefore he helped them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.
And the LORD had not yet said that men should put out the name of Israel from under heaven. And therefore he helped them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash. The rest of the deeds of Jeroboam, and all he did, and his power how he fought, and how he restored Damascus and Hamath to Judah in Israel are written in the book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.
The rest of the deeds of Jeroboam, and all he did, and his power how he fought, and how he restored Damascus and Hamath to Judah in Israel are written in the book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.
And Pul, king of Assyria, came upon the land. And Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, to help him to establish his kingdom.
And Pul, king of Assyria, came upon the land. And Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, to help him to establish his kingdom.
In the days of Pekah king of Israel, came Tiglathpileser, king of Assyria, and took Ijon, Abelbethmaacah, Janoah, Kadesh, Hazor, Gilead, Galilee, and all the land of Naphtali, and carried them away to Assyria.
In the days of Pekah king of Israel, came Tiglathpileser, king of Assyria, and took Ijon, Abelbethmaacah, Janoah, Kadesh, Hazor, Gilead, Galilee, and all the land of Naphtali, and carried them away to Assyria.
And Jotham rested with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father, and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.
And Jotham rested with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father, and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.
Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to fight. And they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.
Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to fight. And they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him. At the same time Rezin king of Syria brought Elath again to Syria, and rid the Jews thence. And the Syrians went to Elath and dwelt therein unto this day.
At the same time Rezin king of Syria brought Elath again to Syria, and rid the Jews thence. And the Syrians went to Elath and dwelt therein unto this day. Then Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, "I am thy servant and thy son, come and deliver me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which are risen against me."
Then Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, "I am thy servant and thy son, come and deliver me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which are risen against me." And Ahaz took the silver and the gold that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasure of the king's house, and sent it for a reward to the king of Assyria.
And Ahaz took the silver and the gold that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasure of the king's house, and sent it for a reward to the king of Assyria. And the king of Assyria hearkened to him, and went to Damascus, and took it, and carried the people away to Kir and slew Rezin.
And the king of Assyria hearkened to him, and went to Damascus, and took it, and carried the people away to Kir and slew Rezin.
And king Ahaz brake the sides of the bottoms and took the lavers from off them, and took down the sea from off the brazen oxen that were under it, and put it upon a pavement of stone.
And king Ahaz brake the sides of the bottoms and took the lavers from off them, and took down the sea from off the brazen oxen that were under it, and put it upon a pavement of stone.
And David beat Hadadezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to bring his dominion unto the river Euphrates.
And David beat Hadadezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to bring his dominion unto the river Euphrates. And David took from him a thousand chariots and seven thousand horsemen and twenty thousand footmen, and brake all the chariots, save that he reserved of them a hundred.
And David took from him a thousand chariots and seven thousand horsemen and twenty thousand footmen, and brake all the chariots, save that he reserved of them a hundred. Then came the Syrians of Damascus to help Hadadezer king of Zobah. And David slew of the Syrians twenty two thousand,
Then came the Syrians of Damascus to help Hadadezer king of Zobah. And David slew of the Syrians twenty two thousand, and put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: And the Syrians became David's servants and brought him tribute. For the LORD helped David in all that he went to.
and put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: And the Syrians became David's servants and brought him tribute. For the LORD helped David in all that he went to.
It happened in the time of Ahaz the son of Jotham, which was the son of Uzziah, king of Judah: that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to besiege it, but won it not.
It happened in the time of Ahaz the son of Jotham, which was the son of Uzziah, king of Judah: that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to besiege it, but won it not. Now when the house of David - that is Ahaz - heard word thereof, that Syria and Ephraim were confederate together: His heart quaked, yea and the hearts also of his people, like as a tree in the field that is moved with the wind.
Now when the house of David - that is Ahaz - heard word thereof, that Syria and Ephraim were confederate together: His heart quaked, yea and the hearts also of his people, like as a tree in the field that is moved with the wind. Then said God unto Isaiah, "Go meet Ahaz, thou and thy son Shearjashub, at the head of the over pole, in the foot path by the fuller's ground,
Then said God unto Isaiah, "Go meet Ahaz, thou and thy son Shearjashub, at the head of the over pole, in the foot path by the fuller's ground, and say unto him, 'Take heed to thyself and be still, but fear not, neither be fainthearted for these two tails: that is, for these two smoking firebrands, the wrath and furiousness of Rezin the Syrian and Remaliah's son.
and say unto him, 'Take heed to thyself and be still, but fear not, neither be fainthearted for these two tails: that is, for these two smoking firebrands, the wrath and furiousness of Rezin the Syrian and Remaliah's son. Because that the king of Syria, Ephraim, and Remaliah's son have wickedly conspired against thee,
Because that the king of Syria, Ephraim, and Remaliah's son have wickedly conspired against thee, saying, 'We will go down into Judah, vex them, and bring them under us, and set a king there, even the son of Tabeel.'
saying, 'We will go down into Judah, vex them, and bring them under us, and set a king there, even the son of Tabeel.'
Neverthelater, yet the Lord, he will give you a sign. Behold: a virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Neverthelater, yet the Lord, he will give you a sign. Behold: a virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. He shall eat butter and honey, that he may have understanding to refuse the evil and to choose the good.
He shall eat butter and honey, that he may have understanding to refuse the evil and to choose the good. For before the child come to knowledge, to eschew the evil and chose the good, the land that thou so abhorest shall be desolate of both her kings.
For before the child come to knowledge, to eschew the evil and chose the good, the land that thou so abhorest shall be desolate of both her kings. "The LORD also shall send a time upon thee, upon thy people, and upon thy father's house, such as never came since the time that Ephraim departed from Judah, through the king of the Assyrians.
"The LORD also shall send a time upon thee, upon thy people, and upon thy father's house, such as never came since the time that Ephraim departed from Judah, through the king of the Assyrians. For at the same time shall the LORD whistle for the flies that are about the water of Egypt, and for the bees in the Assyrian land.
For at the same time shall the LORD whistle for the flies that are about the water of Egypt, and for the bees in the Assyrian land. These shall come, and shall light all in the valleys, and in the vaults of stone, upon all green things, and in all corners.
These shall come, and shall light all in the valleys, and in the vaults of stone, upon all green things, and in all corners. At the same time shall the LORD shave the hair of the head and the feet and the beard clean off, with the razor that he shall hire beyond the water: namely, with the king of the Assyrians.
At the same time shall the LORD shave the hair of the head and the feet and the beard clean off, with the razor that he shall hire beyond the water: namely, with the king of the Assyrians. At the same time shall a man live with a cow, and two sheep.
At the same time shall a man live with a cow, and two sheep. Then because of the abundance of milk, he shall make butter and eat it. So that every one which remaineth in the land, shall eat butter and honey.
Then because of the abundance of milk, he shall make butter and eat it. So that every one which remaineth in the land, shall eat butter and honey. At the same time all vineyards - though there be a thousand vines in one, and were sold for a thousand silverlings - shall be turned to briers and thorns.
At the same time all vineyards - though there be a thousand vines in one, and were sold for a thousand silverlings - shall be turned to briers and thorns. Like as they shall come into the land with arrows and bows, so shall all the land become briers and thorns.
Like as they shall come into the land with arrows and bows, so shall all the land become briers and thorns. And as for all hills that now are hewn down, thou shalt not come upon them, for fear of briers and thorns. But the cattle shall be driven thither, and the sheep shall feed there."
And as for all hills that now are hewn down, thou shalt not come upon them, for fear of briers and thorns. But the cattle shall be driven thither, and the sheep shall feed there."
"Forasmuch as the people refuseth the still-running water of Siloam, and put their delight in Rezin and Remaliah's son:
"Forasmuch as the people refuseth the still-running water of Siloam, and put their delight in Rezin and Remaliah's son: Behold, the Lord shall bring mighty and great floods of water upon them: namely, the king of the Assyrians with all his power. Which shall pour out his furiousness upon every man, and run over all their banks.
Behold, the Lord shall bring mighty and great floods of water upon them: namely, the king of the Assyrians with all his power. Which shall pour out his furiousness upon every man, and run over all their banks. And shall break in upon Judah, increasing in power, till he get him by the throat. He shall fill also the wideness of thy land with his broad wings, O Immanuel."
And shall break in upon Judah, increasing in power, till he get him by the throat. He shall fill also the wideness of thy land with his broad wings, O Immanuel." Go together ye people, and gather you, hearken to all ye of far countries. Muster you, and you shall be broken down: prepare you to battle and you shall be torn in pieces.
Go together ye people, and gather you, hearken to all ye of far countries. Muster you, and you shall be broken down: prepare you to battle and you shall be torn in pieces. Take your counsel together, yet must your counsel come to nought; go in hand withal, yet shall it not prosper. For God is with us.
Take your counsel together, yet must your counsel come to nought; go in hand withal, yet shall it not prosper. For God is with us.
Is not Calno as easy to win as Carchemish? Is it harder to conquer Hamath than Arpad? Or is it lighter to overcome Damascus than Samaria?"
Is not Calno as easy to win as Carchemish? Is it harder to conquer Hamath than Arpad? Or is it lighter to overcome Damascus than Samaria?"
This is the heavy burden upon Damascus: Behold, Damascus shall be no more a city, but a heap of broken stones.
This is the heavy burden upon Damascus: Behold, Damascus shall be no more a city, but a heap of broken stones.
Elam bare the quiver in a chariot of footmen and of horsemen, and the city of Kir showed the shield open.
Elam bare the quiver in a chariot of footmen and of horsemen, and the city of Kir showed the shield open.
Damascus shall be sore afraid, and shall flee; trembling shall come upon her. Sorrow and pain shall overtake her as a woman travailing of child.
Damascus shall be sore afraid, and shall flee; trembling shall come upon her. Sorrow and pain shall overtake her as a woman travailing of child. But how should so worshipful and glorious a city be forsaken?
Damascus also used merchandises with thee, in the best wine and white wool: because thy occupying was so great, and thy wares so many.
Damascus also used merchandises with thee, in the best wine and white wool: because thy occupying was so great, and thy wares so many.
But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, the same shall consume the palaces of Benhadad.
But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, the same shall consume the palaces of Benhadad. Thus will I break the bars of Damascus, and root out the inhabiter from the field of Aven, and him that holdeth the scepter, out of the pleasant house: so that the people shall be driven out of fair Syria,' sayeth the LORD.
Thus will I break the bars of Damascus, and root out the inhabiter from the field of Aven, and him that holdeth the scepter, out of the pleasant house: so that the people shall be driven out of fair Syria,' sayeth the LORD.
But as he journeyed, it fortuned that he drew nigh to Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven.
But as he journeyed, it fortuned that he drew nigh to Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven.
And the Lord said to him, "Arise, and go into the street which is called straight, and seek in the house of Judas after one called Saul of the city of Tarsus. For behold, he prayeth;
And the Lord said to him, "Arise, and go into the street which is called straight, and seek in the house of Judas after one called Saul of the city of Tarsus. For behold, he prayeth;
Then the disciples took him by night, and put him through the wall and let him down in a basket.
Then the disciples took him by night, and put him through the wall and let him down in a basket.
In the city of Damascus, the governor of the people under king Aretas, laid watch in the city of the Damascenes, and would have caught me,
In the city of Damascus, the governor of the people under king Aretas, laid watch in the city of the Damascenes, and would have caught me,
Hastings
DAMASCUS
1. Situation, etc.
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And set himself and his servants in array, and fell upon them by night, and smote them, and chased them away unto Hobah, which lieth on the lefthand of Damascus,
And Abram answered, "LORD Jehovah, what wilt thou give me? I go childless, and the cater of mine house, this Eliezer of Damascus, hath a son."
Then came the Syrians of Damascus to succor Hadadezer king of Zobah. And David slew of them two and twenty thousand men and put soldiers in Syria, Damascus. And the Syrians became servants to David paying tribute. And thus the LORD saved David in all that he went to.
And God stirred up another adversary, one Rezon the son of Eliada, which fled from Hadadezer king of Zobah his master. Which Rezon gathered men unto him and became captain over the company, when David slew them. And they went to Damascus and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.
And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, because that he would let none of Asa's people, king of Judah, go in or out.
And he said unto the king, "Thus sayeth the LORD, 'Because thou hast let go a man that ought to have died, thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his."
The rest of the deeds of Jeroboam, and all he did, and his power how he fought, and how he restored Damascus and Hamath to Judah in Israel are written in the book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.
Then came the Syrians of Damascus to help Hadadezer king of Zobah. And David slew of the Syrians twenty two thousand,
Whereupon Asa fetched out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent it to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, and said,
And when the year was out, the host of the Syrians came against him: and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the lords of the people from among the people and sent all the spoil of them unto the king to Damascus.
Thy neck is as it were a tower of ivory; thine eyes are like the water pools in Heshbon, by the port of Bathrabbim. Thy nose is like the tower of Lebanon, which looketh toward Damascus.
"Upon Damascus, Hamath and Arpad shall come confusion, for they shall hear evil tidings: they shall be tossed to and fro like the sea that cannot stand still.
Damascus also used merchandises with thee, in the best wine and white wool: because thy occupying was so great, and thy wares so many.
Thus the borders from the sea forth, shall be Hazarenan, the border of Damascus the North, and the borders of Hamath. That is the north part.
"Thus sayeth the LORD, 'For three and four wickednesses of Damascus, I will not spare her: because they have threshed Gilead with iron stales. But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, the same shall consume the palaces of Benhadad. read more. Thus will I break the bars of Damascus, and root out the inhabiter from the field of Aven, and him that holdeth the scepter, out of the pleasant house: so that the people shall be driven out of fair Syria,' sayeth the LORD.
The word of the LORD shall be received in Hadrach, and Damascus shall be his offering: for the eyes of all men and of the tribes of Israel shall look up unto the LORD.
Then the disciples took him by night, and put him through the wall and let him down in a basket.
Morish
One of the oldest cities in the world, being mentioned as a known city in the days of Abraham. Ge 14:15; 15:2. Josephus says it was founded by Uz, grandson of Shem. It is not again mentioned in scripture until the time of David. It was the capital of Syria. Isa 7:8. The Syrians of Damascus sided with Hadadezer, king of Zobah, against Israel, but David slew 22,000 of the Syrians. 2Sa 8:5. David put garrisons in Syria, and they brought him gifts. 1Ch 18:3-6. Rezon escaped and established himself at Damascus as king of Syria and was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon. 1 Kings 11:23-25.
A few years later Ben-hadad was induced by Judah to attack Baasha king of Israel, when all the land of Naphtali was smitten. 1Ki 15:16-20. About 30 years after this Benhadad II. besieged Samaria; but God wrought for their deliverance, and Ben-hadad was taken prisoner; but Ahab called him 'brother' and released him, for which he was rebuked by a prophet. 1 Kings 20. About B.C. 890 Hazael murdered Ben-hadad and became king of Syria; and we read that Jehovah began to cut Israel short and He used Hazael as His instrument. He smote all the coasts of Israel, from Jordan eastward, in Gilead and the lands of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh. 2Ki 10:32-33. He took also Gath, and was only diverted from Jerusalem by Jehoash giving up the royal and temple treasures. 2Ki 12:17-18. Ben-hadad III. his son continued to exercise dominion over Israel, 2Ki 13:3-7,22; but Jehovah had compassion on Israel, and Joash, according to the dying prophecy of Elisha, overcame the king of Syria three times and recovered the cities of Israel. 2Ki 13:14-19,23-25. Jeroboam also 'restored' the coast of Israel, and recovered Damascus and Hamath, according to the prophecy of Jonah. 2 Kings 14:23-28.
About a century later, Rezin king of Syria and Pekah king of Israel attacked Ahaz and besieged Jerusalem. Ahaz sent the royal and temple treasures to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria to induce him to resist Rezin. He attacked Damascus, and took it, and carried away the inhabitants to Kir, and slew Rezin, about B.C. 740. 2Ki 16:5-9; Isa 7:1-9.
Isaiah prophesied that Damascus should be a ruinous heap, because of its confederacy with Ephraim against God's city Jerusalem. Isa 17:1: cf. also Am 1:3-5; Jer 49:23-27; Zec 9:1. God had used the kings of Syria to punish Israel; but, as in other cases, He afterwards for their arrogance and cruelty brought them to nought.
In the time of the Medo-Persian kingdom, Damascus was again rebuilt and was the most famous city of Syria; it afterwards belonged to the Greeks, and later to the Romans, and eventually to the Arabs, Saracens, and Turks.
In the N.T. Damascus is of note as the city near to which Paul was converted, and where he received his sight, and began to preach. He escaped from his enemies by being let down by the wall in a basket. Ac 9:2-27; 22:5-11. In 2Co 11:32 its inhabitants are called DAMASCENES. Damascus was the first Gentile city in which Jesus was preached as 'the Son of God;' and though it is now in possession of Muslims, yet in their great mosque a stone has been preserved that formed part of a church erected on the spot, bearing this inscription in Greek: "Thy kingdom, O Christ, is an everlasting kingdom, and Thy dominion endureth throughout all generations." The city is also lamentably memorable on account of the outburst of Muslim hatred in 1860, when on the 9th, 10th and 11th of July not less than 2,500 adult Christians were murdered by them in cold blood, and many besides lost their lives in their flight.
The city is beautifully situated (33 30' N, 36 18' E) at the foot of the south-east range of Antilibanus on a large plain, watered by the two rivers Barada and Awaj (the Abana and Pharpar of 2Ki 5:12), the former of which runs through the city, and may be said to be the life of the place. The plain abounds in corn-fields, olive-groves, and meadows, with vines, figs, apricots, citrons, plums, pomegranates, and other fruits. There is a long street of more than a mile in length that may well have been called 'Straight,' but is now a street of Bazaars. This was divided into rows by Corinthian columns, the remains of which can still be traced.
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And set himself and his servants in array, and fell upon them by night, and smote them, and chased them away unto Hobah, which lieth on the lefthand of Damascus,
And Abram answered, "LORD Jehovah, what wilt thou give me? I go childless, and the cater of mine house, this Eliezer of Damascus, hath a son."
Then came the Syrians of Damascus to succor Hadadezer king of Zobah. And David slew of them two and twenty thousand men and put soldiers in Syria, Damascus.
And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days. And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, because that he would let none of Asa's people, king of Judah, go in or out. read more. Then Asa took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasure of the house of the LORD, and all the treasure of the king's house and delivered it unto his servants, and sent them to Benhadad the son of Tabrimmon the son of Hezion king of Syria that dwelt at Damascus, saying, "There is a bond between thee and me as was between thy father and mine. Therefore, I send thee both gold and silver for a gift, that thou go and break the covenant between thee and Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me." And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, Dan, Abel called Bethmaacah and all Chinnereth with all the land of Naphtali.
Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Might I not rather wash in them and be clean?" And so he turned and departed in an anger.
In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short, for Hazael slew them in all the coasts of Israel, from Jordan Eastward: even all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, the Reubenites and the Manassites, from Aroer upon the river of Arnon, with Gilead and Bashan.
Then came Hazael king of Syria, and fought against Gath and took it, and appointed himself to go up to Jerusalem. But Jehoash king of Judah took all the dedicated things that Jehoshaphat, Jehoram and Ahaziah his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and that he himself had dedicated, and all the gold that could be found in the treasure of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and so he departed from Jerusalem.
Wherefore, the LORD was angry with Israel, and delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael all their days. But Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD heard him. For he had seen the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them. read more. And therefore the LORD gave Israel a deliverer and they went out from under the hands of the Syrians. And the children of Israel dwelt in their tents as before time. Nevertheless they departed not from the sin of the house of Jeroboam which made Israel sin, but walked therein. And there remained a grove also in Samaria still: But there were left of the people, to Jehoahaz, but fifty horsemen and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen - for the king of Syria had destroyed them and made them like threshed chaff.
When Elisha was fallen sick of the sickness whereof he died, Joash king of Israel came to him and wept to him, and said, "O father, father! The chariot of Israel and the horsemen of the same!" And Elisha said unto him, "Bring bow and arrows." And he brought to him bow and arrows. read more. And he said to the king of Israel, "Put thine hand upon the bow, and when he had put his hand upon the bow, Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands." Then he said, "Open a window eastward," and he opened. And Elisha said, "shoot," and he shot. And he said, "The arrow of salvation of the LORD; and the arrow of salvation against the Syrians: For thou shalt beat the Syrians in Aphek till thou have consumed them." Then he said, "Take arrows," and he took. Then he said to the king of Israel, "Smite the ground," and he smote thrice and ceased. And the man of God was angry with him and said, "Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times, and then thou hadst smitten the Syrians till thou hadst consumed them: where now thou shalt beat them but thrice."
And Hazael oppressed Israel, all the days of Jehoahaz. But the LORD had mercy on them and pitied them and turned to them because of his covenant made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and would not destroy them, either cast them from him as yet. read more. And when Hazael king of Syria was dead, Benhadad his son reigned in his stead. And then Joash the son of Jehoahaz went again - and took out of the hand of Benhadad, son of Hazael, the cities which he had taken away out of the hands of Jehoahaz his father, with war. And three times did Joash beat him and brought the cities of Israel again.
Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to fight. And they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him. At the same time Rezin king of Syria brought Elath again to Syria, and rid the Jews thence. And the Syrians went to Elath and dwelt therein unto this day. read more. Then Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, "I am thy servant and thy son, come and deliver me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which are risen against me." And Ahaz took the silver and the gold that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasure of the king's house, and sent it for a reward to the king of Assyria. And the king of Assyria hearkened to him, and went to Damascus, and took it, and carried the people away to Kir and slew Rezin.
And David beat Hadadezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to bring his dominion unto the river Euphrates. And David took from him a thousand chariots and seven thousand horsemen and twenty thousand footmen, and brake all the chariots, save that he reserved of them a hundred. read more. Then came the Syrians of Damascus to help Hadadezer king of Zobah. And David slew of the Syrians twenty two thousand, and put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: And the Syrians became David's servants and brought him tribute. For the LORD helped David in all that he went to.
It happened in the time of Ahaz the son of Jotham, which was the son of Uzziah, king of Judah: that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to besiege it, but won it not. Now when the house of David - that is Ahaz - heard word thereof, that Syria and Ephraim were confederate together: His heart quaked, yea and the hearts also of his people, like as a tree in the field that is moved with the wind. read more. Then said God unto Isaiah, "Go meet Ahaz, thou and thy son Shearjashub, at the head of the over pole, in the foot path by the fuller's ground, and say unto him, 'Take heed to thyself and be still, but fear not, neither be fainthearted for these two tails: that is, for these two smoking firebrands, the wrath and furiousness of Rezin the Syrian and Remaliah's son. Because that the king of Syria, Ephraim, and Remaliah's son have wickedly conspired against thee, saying, 'We will go down into Judah, vex them, and bring them under us, and set a king there, even the son of Tabeel.' For thus sayeth the LORD God thereto: It shall not so go forth, neither come so to pass: For the head city of the Syrians is Damascus, but the head of Damascus is Rezin. And after five and threescore years, shall Ephraim be no more a people.
For the head city of the Syrians is Damascus, but the head of Damascus is Rezin. And after five and threescore years, shall Ephraim be no more a people. And the chief city of Ephraim is Samaria, but the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. And if ye believe not, there shall no promise be kept with you.'"
This is the heavy burden upon Damascus: Behold, Damascus shall be no more a city, but a heap of broken stones.
"Upon Damascus, Hamath and Arpad shall come confusion, for they shall hear evil tidings: they shall be tossed to and fro like the sea that cannot stand still. Damascus shall be sore afraid, and shall flee; trembling shall come upon her. Sorrow and pain shall overtake her as a woman travailing of child. read more. But how should so worshipful and glorious a city be forsaken? Hear, therefore: her young men shall fall in the streets, and all her men of war shall be taken away in that time, sayeth the LORD of Hosts. I will kindle a fire in the walls of Damascus, which shall consume the palace of Benhadad."
"Thus sayeth the LORD, 'For three and four wickednesses of Damascus, I will not spare her: because they have threshed Gilead with iron stales. But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, the same shall consume the palaces of Benhadad. read more. Thus will I break the bars of Damascus, and root out the inhabiter from the field of Aven, and him that holdeth the scepter, out of the pleasant house: so that the people shall be driven out of fair Syria,' sayeth the LORD.
The word of the LORD shall be received in Hadrach, and Damascus shall be his offering: for the eyes of all men and of the tribes of Israel shall look up unto the LORD.
and desired of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. But as he journeyed, it fortuned that he drew nigh to Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven. read more. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" And he said, "What art thou, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it shall be hard for thee to kick against the prick." And he, both trembling and astonished, said, "Lord what wilt thou have me to do?" And the Lord said unto him, "Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou shalt do." The men which journeyed with him on his way stood amazed, for they heard a voice, but saw no man. And Saul arose from the earth, and opened his eyes, but saw no man. Then led they him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and to him said the Lord in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Behold, I am here Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Arise, and go into the street which is called straight, and seek in the house of Judas after one called Saul of the city of Tarsus. For behold, he prayeth; And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in unto him; And putting his hands on him, that he might receive his sight." Then Ananias answered, "Lord I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority of the high priests to bind all that call on thy name." The Lord said unto him, "Go thy ways: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the gentiles, and kings and the children of Israel: For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." Ananias went his way and entered into the house and put his hands on him and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight and be filled with the holy ghost." And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales and he received his sight, and arose and was baptised. And received meat and was comforted. Then was Saul a certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the Synagogues how that he was the son of God. All that heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this he that spoiled them which called on this name in Jerusalem? And came hither for the intent that he should bring them bound unto the high priests?" But Saul increased in strength; And confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus affirming that this was very Christ. And after a good while, the Jews took counsel together among themselves, to kill him. But their layings wait was known of Saul. And they watched at the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and put him through the wall and let him down in a basket. And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to couple himself with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way and had spoken with him: and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus;
as the chief priest doth bear me witness, and all the elders: of whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem for to be punished. And it fortuned that as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus, about noon, that suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me, read more. and I fell unto the earth, and heard a voice saying unto me, 'Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?' And I answered, 'What art thou Lord?' And he said unto me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.' And they that were with me saw verily a light and were afraid: but they heard not the voice of him that spake with me. And I said, 'What shall I do Lord?' And the Lord said unto me, 'Arise and go into Damascus and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.' And when I saw nothing for the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand of them that were with me, and came into Damascus.
In the city of Damascus, the governor of the people under king Aretas, laid watch in the city of the Damascenes, and would have caught me,
Smith
Damas'cus,
one of the most ancient and most important of the cities of Syria. It is situated 130 miles northeast of Jerusalem, in a plain of vast size and of extreme fertility, which lies east of the great chain of Anti-Libanus, on the edge of the desert. This fertile plain, which is nearly circular and about 30 miles in diameter, is due to the river Barada, which is probably the "Abana" of Scripture. Two other streams the Wady Helbon upon the north and the Awaj, which flows direct from Hermon upon the south, increase the fertility of the Damascene plain, and contend for the honor of representing the "Pharpar" of Scripture. According to Josephus, Damascus was founded by Uz grandson of Shem. It is first mentioned in Scripture in connection with Abraham,
whose steward was a native of the place.
At one time david became complete master of the whole territory, which he garrisoned with israelites.
It was in league with Baasha, king of Israel against Asa,
and afterwards in league with Asa against Baasha.
Under Ahaz it was taken by Tiglath-pileser,
the kingdom of Damascus brought to an end, and the city itself destroyed, the inhabitants being carried captive into Assyria.
comp. Isai 7:8 and Amos 1:5 Afterwards it passed successively under the dominion of the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans and Saracens, and was at last captured by the Turks in 1516 A.D. Here the apostle Paul was converted and preached the gospel.
Damascus has always been a great centre for trade. Its present population is from 100,000 to 150,000. It has a delightful climate. Certain localities are shown as the site of those scriptural events which specially interest us in its history. Queen's Street, which runs straight through the city from east to west, may be the street called Straight.
The house of Judas and that of Ananias are shown, but little confidence can be placed in any of these traditions.
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And set himself and his servants in array, and fell upon them by night, and smote them, and chased them away unto Hobah, which lieth on the lefthand of Damascus,
And Abram answered, "LORD Jehovah, what wilt thou give me? I go childless, and the cater of mine house, this Eliezer of Damascus, hath a son."
Then came the Syrians of Damascus to succor Hadadezer king of Zobah. And David slew of them two and twenty thousand men and put soldiers in Syria, Damascus. And the Syrians became servants to David paying tribute. And thus the LORD saved David in all that he went to.
"There is a bond between thee and me as was between thy father and mine. Therefore, I send thee both gold and silver for a gift, that thou go and break the covenant between thee and Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me." And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, Dan, Abel called Bethmaacah and all Chinnereth with all the land of Naphtali.
Then Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, "I am thy servant and thy son, come and deliver me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which are risen against me." And Ahaz took the silver and the gold that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasure of the king's house, and sent it for a reward to the king of Assyria. read more. And the king of Assyria hearkened to him, and went to Damascus, and took it, and carried the people away to Kir and slew Rezin.
And the king of Assyria hearkened to him, and went to Damascus, and took it, and carried the people away to Kir and slew Rezin.
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. read more. But as he journeyed, it fortuned that he drew nigh to Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" And he said, "What art thou, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it shall be hard for thee to kick against the prick." And he, both trembling and astonished, said, "Lord what wilt thou have me to do?" And the Lord said unto him, "Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou shalt do." The men which journeyed with him on his way stood amazed, for they heard a voice, but saw no man. And Saul arose from the earth, and opened his eyes, but saw no man. Then led they him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and to him said the Lord in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Behold, I am here Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Arise, and go into the street which is called straight, and seek in the house of Judas after one called Saul of the city of Tarsus. For behold, he prayeth;
And the Lord said to him, "Arise, and go into the street which is called straight, and seek in the house of Judas after one called Saul of the city of Tarsus. For behold, he prayeth; And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in unto him; And putting his hands on him, that he might receive his sight." read more. Then Ananias answered, "Lord I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority of the high priests to bind all that call on thy name." The Lord said unto him, "Go thy ways: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the gentiles, and kings and the children of Israel: For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." Ananias went his way and entered into the house and put his hands on him and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight and be filled with the holy ghost." And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales and he received his sight, and arose and was baptised. And received meat and was comforted. Then was Saul a certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the Synagogues how that he was the son of God. All that heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this he that spoiled them which called on this name in Jerusalem? And came hither for the intent that he should bring them bound unto the high priests?" But Saul increased in strength; And confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus affirming that this was very Christ. And after a good while, the Jews took counsel together among themselves, to kill him. But their layings wait was known of Saul. And they watched at the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and put him through the wall and let him down in a basket.
Watsons
DAMASCUS, a celebrated city of Asia, and anciently the capital of Syria, may be accounted one of the most venerable places in the world for its antiquity. It is supposed to have been founded by Ux, the son of Aram; and is, at least, known to have subsisted in the time of Abraham, Ge 15:2. It was the residence of the Syrian kings, during the space of three centuries; and experienced a number of vicissitudes in every period of its history. Its sovereign, Hadad, whom Josephus calls the first of its kings, was conquered by David, king of Israel. In the reign of Ahaz, it was taken by Tiglath Pileser, who slew its last king, Rezin, and added its provinces to the Assyrian empire. It was taken and plundered, also, by Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, the generals of Alexander the Great, Judas Maccabeus, and at length by the Romans in the war conducted by Pompey against Tigranes, in the year before Christ, 65. During the time of the emperors, it was one of the principal arsenals in Asia, and is celebrated by the emperor Julian as, even in his day, "the eye of the whole east." About the year 634, it was taken by the Saracen princes, who made it the place of their residence, till Bagdad was prepared for their reception; and, after suffering a variety of revolutions, it was taken and destroyed by Tamerlane, A.D.
1400. It was repaired by the Mamelukes, when they gained possession of Syria; but was wrested from them by the Turks, in 1506; and since that period has formed the capital of one of their pachalics. The modern city is delightfully situated about fifty miles from the sea, in a fertile and extensive plain, watered by the river which the Greeks called Chrysorrhoras, or "Golden River," but which is known by the name of Barrady, and of which the ancient Abana and Pharpar are supposed to have been branches. The city is nearly two miles in length from its north-east to its north-west extremity; but of very inconsiderable breadth, especially near the middle of its extent, where its width is much contracted. It is surrounded by a circular wall, which is strong, though not lofty; but its suburbs are extensive and irregular. Its streets are narrow; and one of them, called Straight, mentioned in Ac 9:11, still runs through the city about half a mile in length. The houses, and especially those which front the streets, are very indifferently built, chiefly of mud formed into the shape of bricks, and dried in the sun; but those toward the gardens, and in the squares, present a more handsome appearance. In these mud walls, however, the gates and doors are often adorned with marble portals, carved and inlaid with great beauty and variety; and the inside of the habitation, which is generally a large square court, is ornamented with fragrant trees and marble fountains, and surrounded with splendid apartments, furnished and painted in the highest style of luxury. The market places are well constructed, and adorned with a rich colonnade of variegated marble. The principal public buildings are, the castle, which is about three hundred and forty paces in length; the hospital, a charitable establishment for the reception of strangers, composing a large quadrangle lined with a colonnade, and roofed in small domes covered with lead; and the mosque, the entrance of which is supported by four large columns of red granite; the apartments in it are numerous and magnificent, and the top is covered with a cupola ornamented with two minarets.
Damascus is surrounded by a fruitful and delightful country, forming a plain nearly eighty miles in circumference; and the lands, most adjacent to the city, are formed into gardens of great extent, which are stored with fruit trees of every description. "No place in the world," says Mr. Maundrell, "can promise to the beholder at a distance a greater voluptuousness;" and he mentions a tradition of the Turks, that their prophet, when approaching Damascus: took his station upon a certain precipice, in order to view the city; and, after considering its ravishing beauty and delightful aspect, was unwilling to tempt his frailty by going farther; but instantly took his departure with this remark, that there was but one paradise designed for man, and that, for his part, he was resolved not to take his in this world. The air or water of Damascus, or both, are supposed to have a powerful effect in curing the leprosy, or, at least, in arresting its progress, while the patient remains in the place.
The Rev. James Conner visited Damascus in 1820, as an agent of the Church Missionary Society. He had a letter from the archbishop of Cyprus to Seraphim, patriarch of Antioch, the head of the Christian church in the east, who resides at Damascus. This good man received Mr. Conner in the most friendly manner; and expressed himself delighted with the systems and operations of the Bible Society. He undertook to encourage and promote, to the utmost of his power, the sale and distribution of the Scriptures throughout the patriarchate; and, as a proof of his earnestness in the cause, he ordered, the next day, a number of letters to be prepared, and sent to his archbishops and bishops, urging them to promote the objects of the Bible Society in their respective stations.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And Abram answered, "LORD Jehovah, what wilt thou give me? I go childless, and the cater of mine house, this Eliezer of Damascus, hath a son."