Jeremiah 49:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:27 delivers a potent prophetic declaration of divine judgment against Damascus, the ancient capital of Aram (Syria). Through the prophet Jeremiah, God announces His direct intent to initiate a destructive fire within the city's fortifications, specifically targeting the opulent palaces associated with the ruling dynasty of Benhadad. This pronouncement underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to execute justice upon those who oppose His will and oppress His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49:27 is situated within a larger collection of oracles against foreign nations, spanning chapters 46-51 of the book of Jeremiah. These prophecies serve as a powerful testament to Yahweh's universal dominion, demonstrating that His authority extends far beyond the borders of Judah to encompass all the kingdoms of the earth. Specifically, this verse is part of the oracle against Elam (Jeremiah 49:34-39), which follows earlier pronouncements against Egypt (Jeremiah 46), Philistia (Jeremiah 47), Moab (Jeremiah 48), and Ammon (Jeremiah 49:1-6), Edom (Jeremiah 49:7-22), and Damascus (Jeremiah 49:23-27). The placement of these oracles emphasizes that God's covenant relationship with Israel does not diminish His role as the sovereign Lord of history, holding all nations accountable for their actions. The immediate verses preceding Jeremiah 49:27 describe the terror and despair that will grip Damascus, setting the stage for the specific act of divine destruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Damascus was one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and a formidable power in the ancient Near East, often serving as a rival or oppressor of Israel. Its strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes contributed to its wealth and military strength. The name "Benhadad" was a dynastic title, similar to "Pharaoh" for Egyptian kings, referring to several Aramaic kings who ruled Damascus and frequently engaged in conflict with Israel and Judah (e.g., [1 Kings 15:18](/1_kings/15-18 "1 Kings 15:18 - Ben-Hadad I attacks Israel")). The "wall of Damascus" symbolized the city's formidable defenses and perceived invulnerability, while the "palaces of Benhadad" represented the pinnacle of their royal power, wealth, and national pride. This prophecy was delivered during a period of significant geopolitical upheaval, as the Neo-Babylonian Empire was rising to prominence, destined to become God's instrument of judgment against many of these nations, including Judah.
* **Key Themes:** The prophecy against Damascus in Jeremiah 49:27 contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, where God actively intervenes in human history to punish wickedness and injustice, demonstrating that no nation, however powerful, is beyond His reach. The "fire" is a recurring biblical symbol of God's consuming wrath and purification (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God as a Consuming Fire")). This judgment also powerfully asserts the **Sovereignty of God** over all nations and their rulers, a truth eloquently expressed in passages like [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Furthermore, the targeting of the "wall" and "palaces" highlights the **Futility of Human Power and Pride**, showing that even the most impressive human achievements and defenses are fragile before the divine decree. The prophecy serves as a testament to the **Reliability of God's Word**, as His declarations concerning nations, whether of blessing or judgment, are ultimately fulfilled (cf. [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **kindle (Hebrew, _yâtsath'_):** This primitive root means "to burn or set on fire," and figuratively, "to desolate." It conveys the active and intentional initiation of a destructive blaze. The use of "I will kindle" emphasizes God's direct agency in bringing about this devastation, indicating that the destruction is not accidental or merely a consequence of human conflict, but a deliberate act of divine judgment.
* **consume (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to eat" literally or figuratively, but in this context, it signifies "to burn up" or "devour." It implies a thorough and complete destruction, where the fire will not merely damage but utterly obliterate the targeted structures. This word emphasizes the totality and finality of the judgment.
* **palaces (Hebrew, _ʼarmôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be elevated," this term refers to a "citadel" or "palace." It denotes the fortified, elevated residences of royalty and nobility, symbolizing the seat of power, wealth, luxury, and the very heart of the ruling elite's authority. The destruction of the palaces signifies the comprehensive downfall of the ruling class and the collapse of the nation's perceived strength and grandeur.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus,"**: This clause declares God's direct and active role in initiating the judgment. The "fire" symbolizes destructive judgment, often executed through warfare or divine intervention. The "wall of Damascus" represents the city's primary defense, its fortifications, and by extension, the entire city itself. God's act of kindling a fire within these defenses signifies a breach of their security and an internal devastation, implying that their strength will be rendered useless.
* **"and it shall consume the palaces of Benhadad."**: This second clause specifies the target and outcome of the judgment. The "palaces of Benhadad" are the opulent, fortified residences of the ruling dynasty, symbolizing the wealth, power, and pride of the Aramaic kingdom. The verb "consume" indicates a complete and devastating destruction, signifying the utter collapse of the royal authority and the end of the dynasty's reign. This highlights the futility of human power and security when confronted with divine wrath.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:27 is rich with literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where "fire" represents divine judgment and destructive power, while the "wall of Damascus" and "palaces of Benhadad" symbolize the city's defenses, its wealth, and the very seat of its royal authority. The phrase "I will kindle" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action (kindling a fire) to God, emphasizing His direct and intentional agency in the coming destruction. Furthermore, the mention of "wall" and "palaces" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the city's defenses and royal residences) stands for the whole (the entire city and its ruling power). The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a divine declaration of future events, designed to assert God's sovereignty and warn of impending judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:27 powerfully articulates God's universal sovereignty and His righteous judgment over all nations. It demonstrates that no kingdom, however mighty or secure, is beyond the reach of His divine decree. The destruction of Damascus, a long-standing rival of Israel, serves as a stark reminder that God holds all peoples accountable for their actions, particularly their oppression and idolatry. This prophecy highlights the transience of earthly power and the ultimate triumph of God's will, reinforcing the truth that human pride and perceived invincibility are futile before the Lord of Hosts. It underscores the consistent biblical theme that God is the ultimate ruler of history, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes and establish His justice.

* [Amos 1:3-5](/amos/1-3 "Amos 1:3-5 - Prophecy Against Damascus")
* [Isaiah 17:1](/isaiah/17-1 "Isaiah 17:1 - Prophecy Against Damascus")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:27, while a prophecy of ancient judgment, carries profound and timeless implications for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's justice is universal and impartial; He is not merely the God of one nation but the sovereign Lord over all creation. This truth should instill both awe and comfort: awe at His immense power and authority, and comfort in knowing that ultimately, all injustice will be addressed and all opposition to His righteous rule will be brought to nothing. For those in positions of power, it is a sober warning against pride, self-reliance, and the abuse of authority, emphasizing that all earthly dominion is temporary and subject to divine oversight. For the oppressed, it offers hope that God sees their suffering and will ultimately bring about justice. It also calls us to examine our own lives, ensuring that our trust is placed not in fleeting earthly securities or achievements, but in the enduring and unfailing power of God's Word and His eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universality of God's judgment on nations like Damascus challenge our perceptions of national sovereignty or human power today?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, rely on "walls" or "palaces" (symbols of security, wealth, or status) rather than on God?**
* **What comfort or challenge does this prophecy offer regarding God's active involvement in the unfolding of history and the eventual triumph of His justice?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Benhadad in this prophecy?**

Answer: "Benhadad" was a dynastic name, much like "Pharaoh" or "Caesar," referring to several kings who ruled Aram (Syria) from Damascus. By specifically mentioning the "palaces of Benhadad," the prophecy targets not just the city of Damascus, but the very seat of its royal power, its ruling elite, and the symbol of its national pride and continuity. It signifies a comprehensive judgment against the entire political and military establishment of Aram, ensuring that the destruction would reach the very heart of their perceived strength and authority. Historically, various Benhadads had been adversaries of Israel, making the judgment particularly poignant.

**Did this prophecy against Damascus come to pass?**

Answer: Yes, in various historical waves. While specific details of a single, immediate fulfillment after Jeremiah's prophecy are debated, Damascus faced repeated conquests and periods of decline that align with the spirit of this judgment. The city was indeed besieged and conquered by the Assyrians (under Tiglath-Pileser III in [2 Kings 16:9](/2_kings/16-9 "2 Kings 16:9 - Damascus Captured by Assyria")), and later by the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. Each conquest represented a "consuming" of its power and a humbling of its "palaces," demonstrating God's sovereignty over its destiny. The repeated historical subjugation of Damascus serves as a testament to the enduring truth of prophetic declarations like Jeremiah 49:27.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 49:27, a prophecy of divine judgment on an earthly kingdom, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal fire consuming physical palaces, but in the complete and decisive victory of Jesus Christ over all spiritual and earthly powers that oppose God. While the "fire" on Damascus signified the dismantling of a human kingdom, the cross of Christ represents the ultimate judgment on sin and the powers of darkness (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Jesus, the true King, establishes a kingdom that is not of this world and cannot be consumed by earthly fires or human might (cf. [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). The "palaces of Benhadad" represent the fleeting nature of human dominion and pride, which will ultimately give way to the eternal and unshakeable reign of Christ (cf. [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakeable Kingdom")). Furthermore, the "fire" of God's judgment, which once fell upon nations, was ultimately borne by Christ on the cross, allowing those who believe in Him to escape condemnation (cf. [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Thus, Jeremiah 49:27 points forward to the comprehensive and final triumph of God's justice and sovereignty, fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who will ultimately "consume" all opposition and establish His everlasting kingdom (cf. [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.