1. Bible Places A to Z Lesson 4

2. Damascus - Abraham Situated 133 miles NE of Jerusalem Traditionally founded by Uz before 2000 BC First mentioned in Gen. 14:15 – Abraham Native city of Abraham’s servant Eliezer The Barada river supplied an oasis there One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world

3. Damascus - Syrians Well-populated by the time of King David David defeated 22,000 Syrians in battle at the Euphrates River [2 Samuel 8:1-5) David fortified the city; put it under tribute Naaman mentioned 2 rivers of Damascus King Ahaz (Judah) was impressed w/altar in Damascus; had it copied [2 Kings 16:10ff]

4. Damascus – NT times Acts 9 – Saul desired “letters to Damascus” Saul had a spiritual experience on the road to Damascus Blinded Saul was led into Damascus; stayed at Judas’ house on Straight Street Ananias was sent to Saul; sight was restored; Saul was baptized There were disciples in Damascus (19) There were Jews living in Damascus (22)

5. Damascus – Today Capital of Syria, but 2 nd largest city Estimated pop – 1.7 million Major cultural and religious center Most citizens are Muslim Over 2000 mosques in the city Christians represent 10% of pop Also a Jewish presence there

6. Umayyad Mosque – 4 th holiest spot of Islam