King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 49:27 Mean?

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

Context

How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!

Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD of hosts.

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

Concerning Kedar, and concerning the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon shall smite, thus saith the LORD; Arise ye, go up to Kedar, and spoil the men of the east.

Their tents and their flocks shall they take away: they shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry unto them, Fear is on every side.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **It shall consume the palaces of Ben-ha-dad.**—Three kings of the name appear in Old Testament history; one as warring against Omri (1Kings 20:34), another as a contemporary of Elisha (2Kings 8:7), a third as the son of Hazael, and therefore belonging to a different dynasty (2Kings 13:3). It is possible, as the name was thus associated with the greatness of the kingdom, that it may have been borne also by later kings. It appears in the form Ben-hidri in Assyrian inscriptions. The prophet’s words are, at any rate, a proof that the palaces of Damascus were either built by one of them, probably the first, or at any rate bore their name.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 49:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.