What The Lord says about Damascus

Commentary

This passage has to do with God’s Judgment against Damascus (vv. 23-27). Damascus is the capital of Syria and was located at the intersection of three major trade routes. It was as much north of Canaan as Edom was south. Damascus was an old city (Gen. 14:15) but little is known about it during Jeremiah’s time. Hamath (vv. 23-27) was a city about one hundred ten miles north of Damascus, on the Orontes river and one of the chief trade routes from Asia Minor to the south passed through this city. Arad was a fortress north of Hamath and a place where the palaces of Benhadad were built.
As we observe the judgment against Syria we can see that it begins with a terrible fright and faint-heartedness. The people hear evil tidings, that the king of Babylon, with all his force, is coming against them, and they are confounded.  The towns of Harmath and Arad have heard bad news and lost hope (v. 23). The people of Damascus have lost courage, and in panic turn to run, gripped in fear and pain (v. 24). Once pleased with this famous city, Jeremiah warns them to escape while they still have a chance (v. 25). The Lord says that soon, even their best soldiers will be dead in the streets (v. 26). He says that He will set fire to the city walls and burn down the fortresses King Benhadad built (v. 27). This message is brief, but it carries power. How much does God have to say to convince people that His wrath is about to fall?

Application

There is a judgment day coming. I need to ask myself, “Am I living each day in light of that judgment day. Are there changes I should make because of the judgment day coming?”