Finally you preterists are stuck with the problem that the prophecy in Zechariah has never been fulfilled. So it is either a false prophecy or it is yet to come. Take your pick.
157 posted on 08/08/2006 8:17:38 AM MDT by P-Marlowe
How about the one in Isaiah :
b'shem Y'shua Isaiah 17:1 An oracle concerning Damascus:
“See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins.
If I were a "literalist", and took "ruinous heap" in terms of poor urban planning, then there might be a concern.
However, andexamintion of the context and history of the relationship between Samaria (Ephraim) and "Syria/Damascus" during the time of Hezekiah and following will see the fulfillment in it proper context.
(BTW, the Hebrew word translated "heap of ruin" or "fallen ruin" simply comes from a root word which means "to bend or twist". Don't overwork the English translation with 21st century imaginations.)
The parallel to this prophecy is found in:
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." (Jeremiah 49:23-27)
Not quite as dramatic in terms of urban planning.
Remember, these passages do not exist in vacuum, waiting for folks to come along and apply whatever fanciful interpretation they wish. If that is your approach, you can play "here's another one" all day.
Of course in failing to appreciate the spiritual nature of these prophecies, you may conclude that Damasscus is not a "ruinous heap" spiritually speaking. That was the real focus of the prophecy.
I would think that a person signing their posts with "b'shem Y'shua" would understand the true Hebrew nature of these prophecies.