Read & explore together
Judgment on Damascus
Jeremiah 49:23–27 speaks against Damascus with urgent, troubled language. The passage describes fear spreading through nearby places, the weakening of a famous city, and the judgement Yahweh declares against it.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
These verses are introduced simply as concerning Damascus. The message names Hamath and Arpad, describes disturbing news and growing fear, then moves to Damascus itself. The passage ends with Yahweh of Armies declaring destruction reaching the city’s wall and the palaces of Ben Hadad.
Jeremiah 49:23–27Main takeaway
This passage teaches that Yahweh declares judgement on Damascus in language of spreading fear, lost strength, and coming destruction.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Bad news brings public fearThe passage begins with places linked to Damascus hearing “evil news”. Hamath and Arpad are “confounded”, which shows confusion and alarm.
Explanation
The passage begins with places linked to Damascus hearing “evil news”. Hamath and Arpad are “confounded”, which shows confusion and alarm. “They have melted away” pictures courage disappearing. The line about sorrow on the sea adds a sense of unrest that cannot be calmed.
02Damascus loses strengthThe focus then narrows to Damascus. The city is described as feeble and turning to flee. Trembling, anguish, and sorrows have seized her.
Explanation
The focus then narrows to Damascus. The city is described as feeble and turning to flee. Trembling, anguish, and sorrows have seized her. The comparison to a woman in travail is part of the prophecy’s picture of intense pain and helplessness.
03A city once valuedVerse 25 pauses with an exclamation: “How is the city of praise not forsaken, the city of my joy?”
Explanation
Verse 25 pauses with an exclamation: “How is the city of praise not forsaken, the city of my joy?” The wording shows Damascus had a notable reputation. The verse does not explain every detail, but it highlights shock that such a celebrated city now stands under this message.
04Yahweh declares the outcomeThe prophecy ends with “therefore”, moving from fear to judgement. Young men will fall in the streets, men of war will be silenced, and Yahweh of Armies speaks this.
Explanation
The prophecy ends with “therefore”, moving from fear to judgement. Young men will fall in the streets, men of war will be silenced, and Yahweh of Armies speaks this. Then Yahweh says he will kindle a fire in Damascus that will devour the palaces of Ben Hadad.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What words in verse 23 show that fear spreads before any final destruction is described?
Look for the phrases about hearing evil news, being confounded, melting away, and unrest that “can’t be quiet”.
02How does the passage describe Damascus as weak and overwhelmed?
List the expressions about becoming feeble, turning to flee, trembling, anguish, and sorrows.
03What actions does Yahweh say he will bring on Damascus at the end of the passage?
Notice both the silencing of the men of war and the fire that will devour the palaces of Ben Hadad.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Jeremiah 49:23–27
23Of Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are confounded, for they have heard evil news. They have melted away. There is sorrow on the sea. It can’t be quiet.
24Damascus has grown feeble, she turns herself to flee, and trembling has seized her. Anguish and sorrows have taken hold of her, as of a woman in travail.
25How is the city of praise not forsaken, the city of my joy?
26Therefore her young men will fall in her streets, and all the men of war will be brought to silence in that day,” says Yahweh of Armies.
27“I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it will devour the palaces of Ben Hadad.”