Is Damascus, Syria Destined to be Destroyed Soon?

Since the early 1990s, I have been honored to participate in the God’s News Behind the News Prophetic Conference, joining with some of the most informed prophetic writers, speakers and television hosts in the world. For many years now, the speakers at the conference have participated in a two to four hour open panel discussion, answering questions and making comments revolving around the times and seasons and what they see in the distant future for the church, for America and the world.

                Especially since 9-11, there has been a renewed interest in an ancient prediction recorded by Isaiah the prophet concerning Damascus. The prophecy reads, “The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap” (Isa. 17:1). As often pointed out, there is no time in previous history when Damascus was completely destroyed and became a pile and a heap. The area was always an oasis and was a noted spot for nomadic tribes traveling with roving bands with their flocks. During one invasion, the trees were cut down in the region, however the city of Damascus is noted as one of the oldest continually inhabited cities on earth.

Especially since 9-11, there has been a renewed interest in an ancient prediction recorded by Isaiah the prophet concerning Damascus.

                Why would this city be destroyed in the near future? First, there is a major uprising occurring within Syria as the common people in several cities are demanding the removal of their dictator-type leader, Assad. The removal of the Egyptian and Libyan leaders was swift; however Assad refuses to budge and not only has a loyal army but has recently enjoyed the support of 15,000 high level Iranian soldiers. The defiant leader has also killed over 8,000 of his people and has an arsenal of biological and chemical weapons at his disposal. It is believed that the components and various types of chemical agents that belonged to Saddam Hussein, the former President of Iraq, are stored in two underground military facilities in Syria and Israel is certain that Assad has chemical tipped warheads on certain missiles.

                It was recently reported that Assad had over 21 missiles pointed toward Turkey and several towards Israel, and that six of these missiles were tipped with deadly chemical agents. Turkey has already warned Syria that if these missiles are sent into Turkey or near the border areas, that Turkey will initiate an all out war with Assad and his regime. Israel has also warned Assad that any missile of any type sent into Israel will be met with swift retaliation. Assad’s military commanders have also been informed that if any missile enters Israel tipped with deadly nerve agents or biological and chemical agents of death, Damascus will be destroyed!

                It has been noted that in the prophecy of the war of Gog of Magog in Ezekiel 38 and 38, Syria is missing from the list of nations that form an (Islamic) coalition and move like a violent storm cloud over the mountains of Israel. It just may be that the destruction of Damascus – a city that houses an estimated 10,000 terrorists and is friends with the radical government in Iran – will serve as the trigger for the predicted Islamic coalition to make its move upon Israel in the future, as retaliation for a war that occurred prior to the war of Ezekiel 38.  Stay tuned. Things are really about to get interesting!