Jeremiah 49:27

And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Benhadad.

And I will kindle {H3341} a fire {H784} in the wall {H2346} of Damascus {H1834}, and it shall consume {H398} the palaces {H759} of Benhadad {H1130}.

"I will light a fire inside Dammesek's walls which will consume the palaces of Ben-Hadad."

“I will set fire to the walls of Damascus; it will consume the fortresses of Ben-hadad.”

And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall devour the palaces of Ben-hadad.

Jeremiah 49:27 delivers a potent prophetic declaration concerning the city of Damascus, the capital of Aram (Syria), and its powerful rulers. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God announces His direct judgment, promising fiery destruction upon the symbols of their strength and authority.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of a series of oracles (prophecies) delivered by Jeremiah against various foreign nations, found in chapters 46-51 of his book. These prophecies demonstrate God's sovereignty not only over Israel but over all the world's kingdoms. Damascus was an ancient and historically significant city, a rival and often an oppressor of Israel. The name "Benhadad" was a common regnal name for kings of Aram, much like "Pharaoh" in Egypt. Mentioning the "palaces of Benhadad" signifies the targeting of the very seat of their royal power, wealth, and security, implying a comprehensive downfall of their ruling elite. Historically, Damascus faced numerous sieges and conquests from various empires, including the Assyrians and Babylonians, aligning with the pattern of divine judgment foretold by prophets.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse powerfully asserts God's intention to bring judgment upon Damascus. The "fire" symbolizes destructive judgment, often executed through warfare or natural disaster, and it is God Himself who "kindles" it, emphasizing His active role in history.
  • Sovereignty of God: This prophecy, like others against foreign nations, underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and their rulers. No kingdom, however mighty or secure, can stand against His will.
  • Futility of Human Power and Pride: The "palaces of Benhadad" represent human strength, pride, and perceived invincibility. Yet, they are shown to be vulnerable to God's decree, highlighting the temporary and fragile nature of earthly dominion.
  • Prophecy and Fulfillment: As part of Jeremiah's prophecies against foreign nations, this declaration serves as a reminder that God's word is sure and His purposes will be accomplished, regardless of human resistance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kindle a fire" (Hebrew: *ba'ar*) implies a consuming, thorough burning, not just a small flame. It speaks to a devastating and complete destruction. The target, the "wall of Damascus" and "palaces of Benhadad," precisely indicates the fortified defenses and the opulent centers of royal authority, making the judgment specific and comprehensive. The use of "I will kindle" emphasizes the direct, personal agency of God in bringing about this devastation.

Practical Application

For believers today, Jeremiah 49:27 offers several timeless insights:

  1. God's Justice is Universal: This verse reminds us that God's justice extends to all nations and peoples, not just Israel. He holds all accountable for their actions.
  2. No Power is Absolute Apart from God: Earthly kingdoms and their leaders, no matter how powerful or secure they seem, are ultimately subject to God's will. This should foster humility in leaders and trust in God among the people.
  3. Trust in God's Word: The fulfillment of ancient prophecies, like those concerning Damascus, reinforces the reliability and truthfulness of God's Word. We can have confidence that His promises and warnings will come to pass.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Amos 1:3

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron:

  • Amos 1:5

    I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD.

  • 1 Kings 15:18

    Then Asa took all the silver and the gold [that were] left in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them to Benhadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,

  • 1 Kings 15:20

    So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.

  • 1 Kings 20:1

    ¶ And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and [there were] thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.

  • 1 Kings 20:22

    ¶ And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee.

  • 2 Kings 13:3

    And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all [their] days.

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