In Genesis 14:15, Damascus, being the chief city of Syria, signifies knowledge of good and truth. (Arcana Coelestia 1715)

In Ezekiel 27:18, this signifies external knowledge. (Apocalypse Explained 376[18])

In Isaiah 17:3, this signifies people who value religion for knowing only external things. (The Inner Meaning of the Prophets and Psalms 17)

Damascus and Aroer (Isaiah 17:1, 2) signify knowledge of truth and good. See Eliezer of Damascus.

(Mga Sanggunian: Apocalypse Explained 911)

17. Internal Meaning of Isaiah, Chapter 17 (8)

Those who place religion in nothing but knowing knowledges [scientia cognitionum], which is Damascus. (2)

1-2 They are to be destroyed. (2)

3 This [knowledge] will be serviceable to the new church. (11, 2)

4-6 The knowledge of knowledges will then be rare, (11, 2, 3)

7-8 but they are to be instructed by the Lord. (11, 2)

9-14 Those who do not suffer themselves to be instructed by the Lord will lack all things, and will seize upon falsities for truths. (11, 2)