### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Dammeseq**, represented by `{{H1834}}`, is a name of foreign origin referring to **Damascus**, a city of Syria. It appears 45 times across 40 unique verses, highlighting its prominence as a major political, commercial, and military center in the biblical world. It is frequently portrayed as the capital of Syria and a significant power in the region, often in opposition to Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1834}}` is first mentioned in the time of Abram, whose steward was Eliezer of Damascus [[Genesis 15:2]], and who pursued enemies as far as Hobah, near the city [[Genesis 14:15]]. It is consistently identified as the capital of Syria, with the prophet Isaiah stating, "the head of Syria is Damascus" [[Isaiah 7:8]]. Damascus was the residence of Syrian kings like Ben-hadad [[1 Kings 15:18]] and a frequent military adversary. David established garrisons there after defeating the Syrians [[2 Samuel 8:6]]. Later, King Ahaz of Judah foolishly adopted the worship practices he saw there, commissioning a copy of an altar from Damascus for the temple in Jerusalem [[2 Kings 16:10-11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and names provide context for the role of Damascus:
* `{{H758}}` **ʼĂrâm** (Aram or Syria): This is the nation for which Damascus serves as the capital city [[Isaiah 7:8]]. The people of Syria are often mentioned in connection with Damascus's military campaigns and its prophesied captivity [[Amos 1:5]].
* `{{H1130}}` **Ben-Hădad** (son of Hadad): The name of several Syrian kings who reigned from Damascus [[2 Kings 8:7]] and whose palaces were a target of divine judgment in prophecy [[Jeremiah 49:27]].
* `{{H7526}}` **Rᵉtsîyn** (Rezin): Identified as the "head of Damascus" [[Isaiah 7:8]], he was a king of Syria who warred against Judah and was ultimately slain by the king of Assyria [[2 Kings 16:9]].
* `{{H4853}}` **massâʼ** (a burden; ... an utterance, chiefly a doom): This term introduces prophetic declarations against Damascus, signaling its significant role in divine judgment and its status as a subject of the LORD's word ([[Isaiah 17:1]], [[Zechariah 9:1]]).
### Theological Significance
The prophetic weight of `{{H1834}}` is significant, often appearing in contexts of judgment and sovereignty.
* **Subject of Divine Judgment:** Damascus is a recurring subject of prophetic "burdens" [[Isaiah 17:1]]. Prophets declared that the LORD would "break the bar of Damascus" [[Amos 1:5]], "kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus" [[Jeremiah 49:27]], and cause it to become a "ruinous heap" [[Isaiah 17:1]].
* **A Corrupting Foreign Influence:** The city represented a powerful and often idolatrous neighbor. King Ahaz's decision to copy an altar from Damascus illustrates how foreign alliances could lead to spiritual compromise and the ruin of God's people ([[2 Kings 16:10]], [[2 Chronicles 28:23]]).
* **Instrument of Divine Sovereignty:** God used foreign powers like the king of Assyria to execute judgment upon Damascus, capturing its people and slaying its king [[2 Kings 16:9]]. This demonstrates the LORD's control over all nations. Conversely, God also used the Syrians of Damascus to carry away captives from a disobedient Judah [[2 Chronicles 28:5]].
* **Geographic and Eschatological Marker:** In visions of Israel's future restoration, Damascus serves as a key landmark defining the nation's northern and eastern borders, highlighting its place in God's ultimate plan for the land ([[Ezekiel 47:16-18]], [[Ezekiel 48:1]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1834}}` represents far more than just a city. It is a symbol of regional power, a center for trade and military might, and a persistent antagonist in Israel's history. From its early mention in Genesis to its role as a subject of divine judgment in the prophets, Damascus serves as a case study in God's sovereignty over nations, demonstrating how worldly power and pride ultimately submit to His divine plan and prophetic word.
TRV