King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 49:27 Mean?

Jeremiah 49:27 in the King James Version says “And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Benhadad.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 49:27 · KJV

Context

25

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

26

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.

27

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

28

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.

29

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.

Read Jeremiah 49 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus (וְהִצַּתִּי אֵשׁ בְּחוֹמַת דַּמֶּשֶׂק, v'hitsatti esh b'chomat Dammeseq)—God personally ignites (yatsath, kindle/set ablaze) Damascus's fortifications. Fire is God's signature judgment weapon, purifying and consuming (Deuteronomy 4:24, Hebrews 12:29). The walls, representing military security and civic pride, will burn.

And it shall consume the palaces of Ben-hadad (וְאָכְלָה אַרְמְנוֹת בֶּן־הֲדָד, v'akhlah armonot Ben-Hadad)—The verb akal (consume/devour) suggests total destruction. Ben-hadad was the dynastic name/title of Damascus's kings (1 Kings 15:18, 20:1). Their citadels and royal estates will be fuel for God's fire. This formula parallels Amos 1:4, confirming the prophetic tradition of Syria's judgment. What human hands built, divine fire unmakes—a sobering reminder that all cultural achievements are subject to their Maker's appraisal.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Ben-hadad dynasty ruled Damascus during the 9th-8th centuries BC. By Jeremiah's time, Syria was a Babylonian vassal. The 'palaces of Ben-hadad' became a stock phrase for Damascus's royal establishment, even after that dynasty ended—emphasizing the continuity of pride and consequent judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is fire the characteristic metaphor for divine judgment throughout Scripture?
  2. What does God's personal agency ('I will kindle') teach about His active involvement in historical judgments?
  3. How should the burning of 'palaces' inform Christian perspectives on wealth, power, and architectural monuments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְהִצַּ֥תִּי1 of 8

“And I will kindle”

H3341

to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate

אֵ֖שׁ2 of 8

“a fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

בְּחוֹמַ֣ת3 of 8

“in the wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

דַּמָּ֑שֶׂק4 of 8

“of Damascus”

H1834

damascus, a city of syria

וְאָכְלָ֖ה5 of 8

“and it shall consume”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אַרְמְנ֥וֹת6 of 8

“the palaces”

H759

a citadel (from its height)

בֶּן7 of 8
H0
הֲדָֽד׃8 of 8

“of Benhadad”

H1130

ben-hadad, the name of several syrian kings, possibly a royal title

Study Guide

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.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 49:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 15:18-20Amos 1:3-52 Kings 13:51 Kings 20:1-222 Kings 13:3Jeremiah 43:12

Places in This Verse

DamascusSettlement · Modern: Damascus · 33.51°N, 36.31°E58 verses across 15 books
View all places in Jeremiah 49 →

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