Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is first mentioned in Genesis 14:15, when Abram pursued the kings who had taken Lot captive as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. It is also referenced in Genesis 15:2, where Abram mentioned Eliezer of Damascus as a potential heir.
Throughout the Old Testament, Damascus was a significant city in Aram (modern-day Syria) and often in conflict with Israel. In 2 Kings 5, Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, came from Damascus to be healed of leprosy by the prophet Elisha. He was told to wash in the Jordan River seven times, and after doing so, he was cleansed and acknowledged the God of Israel.
The city was frequently at odds with Israel and Judah. In 1 Kings 11:24–25, Hadad the Edomite fled to Damascus and became an adversary to Solomon. The kings of Syria often attacked Israel from Damascus, and prophets like Isaiah and Amos prophesied judgment upon the city (Isaiah 17:1; Amos 1:3–5).
The Bible contains a striking prophecy regarding the future of Damascus. In Isaiah 17:1 it says, “The burden against Damascus. Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap.” This prophecy declares that Damascus will be utterly destroyed, no longer functioning as a city. Though Damascus has experienced war and damage in history, this complete and final desolation has not yet been fulfilled. The chapter continues with broader judgments affecting surrounding regions, including Israel, because of forsaking the Lord.
Jeremiah also prophesied concerning Damascus: “Damascus has grown feeble… Her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off… I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus” (Jeremiah 49:23–27). This reiterates a divine judgment that brings about devastation and warfare.
In the New Testament, Damascus holds special significance in the life of the Apostle Paul. In Acts 9, Saul (later Paul) was traveling to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus when he was confronted by a light from heaven and the voice of the risen Lord. This dramatic conversion marked the beginning of his apostleship. He was led into the city, where he was later baptized by Ananias and received his sight (Acts 9:1–18). Paul also referenced his escape from Damascus in a basket through a window in the wall (2 Corinthians 11:32–33).
Damascus represents both a site of ancient hostility and a place of divine transformation. In Saul’s conversion, Damascus becomes a symbol of God’s grace, where the greatest persecutor of the Church became its most fervent preacher. Yet it also remains under divine judgment, with its prophesied future desolation still awaiting fulfillment.