What Is Damascus — Meaning Explained

Damascus, the capital of modern Syria, is one of the oldest cities in the world, first mentioned in Genesis as the home of Abraham's servant Eliezer. It was a major trade center on the route between Mesopotamia and Egypt. In Scripture, Damascus is most associated with three events. First, Naaman the Syrian commander was healed of leprosy by Elisha's instruction to dip seven times in the Jordan River — a story that displays God's grace extending to Gentiles. Second, King David conquered Damascus and made it a tributary city. Third and most significantly, Saul of Tarsus was traveling to Damascus to persecute Christians when a blinding light from heaven knocked him to the ground and the risen Christ spoke to him: 'Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?' Saul was converted, baptized, and began preaching Christ in the synagogues of Damascus. He later escaped the city by being lowered in a basket through a window in the wall. Damascus is a symbol of God's power to transform the worst enemy of the church into its greatest apostle.