Concerning Damascus:Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, was a significant city in ancient Syria. It was a center of trade and military power. In biblical prophecy, Damascus often symbolizes the enemies of Israel. This prophecy against Damascus indicates God's judgment on nations surrounding Israel, reflecting the broader theme of divine justice.
Hamath and Arpad are put to shame:
Hamath and Arpad were prominent cities in Syria, north of Damascus. Hamath was a major city-state, often mentioned in the context of Assyrian conquests. Arpad, located near modern-day Aleppo, was also significant in regional politics. Their shame indicates defeat and humiliation, likely due to military conquest or divine judgment. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations.
for they have heard a bad report;
The "bad report" likely refers to news of impending invasion or disaster, possibly from the Assyrian or Babylonian empires. In the ancient Near East, news of military campaigns spread quickly, causing fear and panic. This phrase underscores the power of God's judgment as it unfolds in history.
they are agitated like the sea;
The imagery of the sea conveys chaos and turmoil, common in biblical literature to describe nations in distress. The sea often symbolizes uncontrollable forces, reflecting the overwhelming nature of the threat facing these cities. This metaphor highlights the intensity of their fear and the inevitability of divine judgment.
their anxiety cannot be calmed:
The inability to calm their anxiety suggests a situation beyond human control, emphasizing the totality of God's judgment. This phrase resonates with the biblical theme of human helplessness in the face of divine will. It also serves as a reminder of the peace that only God can provide, contrasting the turmoil of those who oppose Him.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DamascusThe capital of Syria, a significant city in biblical times known for its wealth and influence. It often symbolizes worldly power and opposition to God's people.
2.
HamathA city located in the upper Orontes Valley, north of Damascus. It was a significant center in ancient Syria and often mentioned in the context of judgment against nations.
3.
ArpadA city near Hamath, frequently associated with it in the Bible. It was a fortified city and part of the Aramean kingdom.
4.
Bad NewsThe message of impending judgment and destruction that causes fear and dismay among the cities.
5.
Restless SeaA metaphor for turmoil and instability, reflecting the emotional and societal upheaval caused by the news of judgment.
Teaching Points
The Certainty of God's JudgmentGod's pronouncements against nations like Damascus remind us of His sovereignty and justice. No power or city is beyond His reach.
The Impact of Sin and RebellionThe dismay of Hamath and Arpad serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. Sin leads to instability and fear.
The Call to RepentanceThe "bad news" heard by these cities is a call to repentance. We are reminded to examine our lives and turn back to God before facing judgment.
Finding Peace in God Amidst TurmoilThe metaphor of the "restless sea" encourages believers to seek peace in God, who remains unshaken by the chaos of the world.
The Role of Prophecy in ScriptureProphecies like those in Jeremiah serve to affirm God's control over history and His plan for redemption through Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 49:23?
2.How does Jeremiah 49:23 reflect God's judgment on Damascus and its implications today?
3.What can we learn from the "troubled sea" metaphor in Jeremiah 49:23?
4.How does Jeremiah 49:23 connect with other prophecies about Damascus in the Bible?
5.How should believers respond to God's warnings as seen in Jeremiah 49:23?
6.What practical steps can we take when facing "trouble" as described in Jeremiah 49:23?
7.What historical events does Jeremiah 49:23 reference regarding Damascus and Hamath?
8.How does Jeremiah 49:23 reflect God's judgment on nations?
9.What is the significance of Damascus in Jeremiah 49:23?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 49?
11.(Jeremiah 49:23–27) If Damascus was prophesied to “become feeble” and ruined, why has it remained a continuously inhabited city since ancient times?
12.What does the Bible say about Damascus's destruction?
13.What does the Bible say about Damascus's destruction?
14.What does the Bible say about Damascus?What Does Jeremiah 49:23 Mean
Concerning Damascus“Concerning Damascus” (Jeremiah 49:23a) introduces a divine oracle aimed at the ancient Aramean-Syrian capital.
• Damascus had survived many assaults (Isaiah 17:1;Amos 1:3–5), yet God now targets it for judgment.
• The message falls within a series of prophecies against foreign nations (Jeremiah 46–51), underscoring that the Lord’s sovereignty extends beyond Judah.
• Like Babylon’s later fate (Jeremiah 51:47), Damascus cannot hide behind its reputation; the Lord sees and speaks.
Hamath and Arpad are put to shame“Hamath and Arpad are put to shame” (Jeremiah 49:23b).
• Hamath and Arpad were fortified Syrian cities north of Damascus (2 Kings 18:34; 19:13;Isaiah 37:13).
• Their “shame” signals public humiliation—strongholds exposed as powerless when God’s decree falls (Psalm 97:7;Isaiah 10:9).
• If these strategic towns collapse, Damascus must face the same destiny. Judah’s earlier fear of Assyria is now mirrored in Syria’s fear of Babylon (2 Kings 18:30-35).
They have heard a bad report“…for they have heard a bad report” (Jeremiah 49:23c).
• A rumor of approaching armies spreads like wildfire. God often uses “reports” to unsettle nations before judgment (2 Kings 19:7;Jeremiah 51:46).
• Bad news becomes a tool in the Lord’s hand; He stirs hearts so that panic precedes the physical invasion (Proverbs 21:1).
• This mirrors end-time warnings: rumors of wars unsettle the nations, urging readiness (Matthew 24:6).
They are agitated like the sea“They are agitated like the sea” (Jeremiah 49:23d).
• The restless sea pictures chaotic turmoil (Isaiah 57:20;Psalm 46:2-3).
• Waves crashing without relief portray citizens thrown into confusion—no political or military solution can still the storm (Jonah 1:4).
• Jesus later used similar imagery for the distress of nations before His return (Luke 21:25).
Their anxiety cannot be calmed“…their anxiety cannot be calmed” (Jeremiah 49:23e).
• Fear becomes chronic, not fleeting. InNahum 2:10, Nineveh’s knees knock; here, Damascus trembles with no remedy.
• Human courage evaporates when God removes peace (Leviticus 26:36;Luke 21:26).
• The verse points to a deeper reality: apart from the Lord, nations find no lasting security (Psalm 127:1).
summaryJeremiah 49:23 predicts God’s certain judgment on Damascus. Fortified Hamath and Arpad fall first, shaming Syrian pride. A troubling report spreads, throwing the region into relentless turmoil, like an ocean whipped by storm winds. Anxiety grips every heart because the Lord Himself is shaking the nations. The verse reminds believers that no city, however strong, can withstand God’s decree, while urging trust in the One who rules the sea and stills every storm.
(23)
Concerning Damascus.--Damascus is named as the capital of Aram, or Syria. The kingdom first became powerful under Rezon after David's death (
1Kings 11:23-24). In the history of 1 and 2 Kings we find it engaged in constant wars against Israel and Judah (
1Kings 22:1;
2Kings 6:8) or in alliance with Israel against Judah (
1Kings 15:19;
2Kings 16:5-6). The last of these alliances was the memorable confederacy of
Isaiah 7:2, between Rezin and Pekah. That ended, as Isaiah foretold, in the subjugation of Damascus by the Assyrians (
2Kings 16:9). And so the Syrians continued subject till the downfall of the Assyrian Empire, when they naturally fell before the power of Nebuchadnezzar. The language of the prophet is vague, but probably points to his attack. . . .
Verses 23-27. - The heading
Concerning Damascus is too limited (like that of the partly parallel prophecy in
Isaiah 17:1-11); for the prophecy relates, not only to Damascus, the capital of the kingdom of southeastern Aram (or Syria), but to Hamath, the capital of the northern kingdom. (The third of the Aramaean kingdoms, that of Zobah, had ceased to exist.) Damascus had already been threatened by Amos (
Amos 1:3-5), and by Isaiah (
Isaiah 17:1-11). We may infer from the prophecy that Damascus had provoked the hostility of Nebuchadnezzar, but we have as yet no monumental evidence as to the facts.
Verse 23. -
Hamath. Still an important city under the name of Hamah, situated to the north of Hums (Emesa), on the Orontes. It formed nominally the boundary of the kingdom of Israel (
Numbers 34:8;
Joshua 13:5), was actually a part of the empire of Solomon (
2 Chronicles 8:4), and was conquered for a short time by Jeroboam II. (
2 Kings 14:25). Under Sargon it was fully incorporated into the Assyrian empire (comp.
Isaiah 10:9); rebellious populations were repeatedly transplanted into the territory of Hamath.
Arpad. Always mentioned together with Hamath, whose fate it appears to have shared (
Isaiah 10:9). A tell, or hill, with ruins, about three (German) miles from Aleppo, still bears the name Erfad (
Zeitschrift of the German Oriental Society, 25:655). There is
sorrow on the sea, etc.;
i.e. even the sea participates in the agitation of that troublous time: somewhat as in
Habakkuk 3:10 the sea is represented as sympathizing in the terror produced by a Divine manifestation. But by the slightest possible emendation (viz. of
caph into
beth) we obtain a more natural sense - "with an unrest
as of the sea, which cannot be quiet." In
Isaiah 57:20 we read, "For the ungodly are like the troubled sea, for it cannot be quiet;" and it can hardly be doubted that Jeremiah is alluding to this passage. If he altered it at all, it would be in the direction of greater smoothness rather than the reverse. Not a few manuscripts of Jeremiah actually have this corrected reading, which should probably be adopted.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Concerning Damascus:לְדַמֶּ֗שֶׂק(lə·ḏam·me·śeq)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1834:Damascus -- a city in Aram (Syria)“Hamathחֲמָת֙(ḥă·māṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2574:Hamath -- a place North of Damascusand Arpadוְאַרְפָּ֔ד(wə·’ar·pāḏ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 774:Arpad -- a city in Aram (Syria)are put to shame,בּ֤וֹשָֽׁה(bō·wō·šāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 954:To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayedforכִּי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthey have heardשָׁמְע֖וּ(šā·mə·‘ū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlya badרָעָ֛ה(rā·‘āh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451:Bad, evilreport;שְׁמֻעָ֥ה(šə·mu·‘āh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8052:Something heard, an announcementthey are agitatedנָמֹ֑גוּ(nā·mō·ḡū)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 4127:To meltlike the sea;בַּיָּ֣ם(bay·yām)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3220:A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basintheir anxietyדְּאָגָ֔ה(də·’ā·ḡāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1674:Anxiety, anxious carecannotלֹ֥א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nobe calmed.הַשְׁקֵ֖ט(haš·qêṭ)Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 8252:To be quiet or undisturbed
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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 49:23 Of Damascus (Jer.) 
