Where Is Damascus Today?

Damascus is the city where the Apostle Paul encountered the Lord Jesus while on his way to persecute Christians living there (Acts 9:2–7).

That city of Damascus still exists today! It is one of the few ancient cities whose name has never changed just like Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

In modern times, Damascus is located in the country of Syria. However, the culture of its present-day inhabitants is very different from that of the ancient people who once lived there. The city remains, along with its people, but its customs are no longer the same as in biblical times.

The prophet Isaiah received a revelation about the future destruction of Damascus in the last days:

Isaiah 17:1–3

A prophecy against Damascus:

“See, Damascus will no longer be a city

but will become a heap of ruins.

The cities of Aroer will be deserted

and left to flocks, which will lie down,

with no one to make them afraid.

The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim,

and royal power from Damascus;

the remnant of Aram will be

like the glory of the Israelites,”

declares the Lord Almighty.

In addition, the great war described in Ezekiel 38, which will take place between Israel and the surrounding nations led by Gog, will bring about the complete destruction of Damascus.

Today, Damascus stands in opposition to Jerusalem, the holy city of the Almighty God, and to the inheritance of Israel. Because of this rebellion and hostility toward God’s people, the city will be wiped out along with certain other cities—according to biblical prophecy.

Jeremiah 49:23–27

Concerning Damascus:

“Hamath and Arpad are dismayed,

for they have heard bad news.

They are disheartened,

troubled like the restless sea.

Damascus has become feeble,

she has turned to flee

and panic has gripped her;

anguish and pain have seized her,

pain like that of a woman in labor.

Why has the city of renown not been abandoned,

the town in which I delight?

Surely, her young men will fall in the streets;

all her soldiers will be silenced in that day,”

declares the Lord Almighty.

“I will set fire to the walls of Damascus;

it will consume the fortresses of Ben-Hadad.”