Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical history and theology, serving as a focal point for God's interaction with His people. It is a city of profound spiritual significance, often referred to as the "City of David" and the "Holy City." Its history is deeply intertwined with the narrative of the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the prophetic visions of the New Jerusalem.
Biblical Significance:Jerusalem is first mentioned in the context of Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who blessed Abram (
Genesis 14:18). This early reference sets the stage for Jerusalem's future role as a city of peace and divine blessing. The city becomes the political and spiritual center of Israel under King David, who captures it from the Jebusites and establishes it as the capital (
2 Samuel 5:6-9). David's son, Solomon, builds the First Temple there, making Jerusalem the heart of Israelite worship (
1 Kings 6:1-38).
Prophetic Importance:Jerusalem is frequently mentioned in the prophetic books as a symbol of God's covenant with Israel and His future plans for redemption. The prophets often speak of Jerusalem's destruction due to the people's unfaithfulness, yet they also foretell its restoration and ultimate glorification. Isaiah envisions a time when "the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains" (
Isaiah 2:2). Zechariah prophesies that Jerusalem will be a city of truth and holiness (
Zechariah 8:3).
New Testament Context:In the New Testament, Jerusalem is the setting for many pivotal events in the life of Jesus Christ. It is where He is presented at the Temple as a child (
Luke 2:22-38), where He teaches and performs miracles, and where He ultimately faces crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus' lament over Jerusalem reflects His deep love and sorrow for the city: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!" (
Matthew 23:37).
Eschatological Vision:The Book of Revelation presents a vision of a New Jerusalem, descending from heaven as a bride adorned for her husband (
Revelation 21:2). This New Jerusalem symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promises and the eternal dwelling place of His people. It is described as a place of perfect peace, where "the dwelling place of God is with man" (
Revelation 21:3).
Cultural and Theological Impact:Throughout history, Jerusalem has been a source of inspiration and longing for believers. It represents the hope of God's kingdom and the ultimate reconciliation of heaven and earth. The city's rich biblical heritage continues to influence Christian thought, worship, and eschatology.
Conclusion:Jerusalem's enduring significance in the Bible underscores its role as a symbol of God's presence, judgment, and redemption. Its history and prophetic future serve as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His divine plan.
Strong's Hebrew
3389. Yerushalaim -- probably "foundation of peace," capital city...... Transliteration: Yerushalaim or Yerushalayim Phonetic Spelling: (yer-oo-shaw-
lah'-im) Short Definition:
Jerusalem. Word
... 1).
Jerusalem.
...Library
Of the Times of Christ's Birth and Passion, and ofJerusalem's...
... Chapter VIII."Of the Times of Christ's Birth and Passion, and ofJerusalem's
Destruction. Accordingly the times must be inquired...
The Kingdom in Captivity
... Chapter 1. 2. The Picture ofJerusalem's Calamity. Chapters 2 to 4.... Questions: 1.
Give two figures of speech in Chapter 1 that describeJerusalem's distress....
The End
... of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar
king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, againstJerusalem, and pitched...
Prophets and Prophets. (xxiii. 9-32, xxvii-xxix, Etc. )
... Lord. And, second, another of the "prophets" among the exiles sent to
Jerusalem a protest against Jeremiah's Letter, XXIX.24-29....
The Heavenly Workers and the Earthly Watchers
... THE HEAVENLY WORKERS AND THE EARTHLY WATCHERS. 'For Zion's sake will I not
hold my peace, and forJerusalem's sake I will not rest ......
On the Mount of Olives
... shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?" Jesus did not answer
His disciples by taking up separately the destruction ofJerusalem and the...
Preface
... The book opens with the sad closing scenes ofJerusalem's history, the city of God's
chosen, after her rejection of the Man of Calvary, who came to save....
Preface
... The book opens with the sad closing scenes ofJerusalem's history, the city of God's
chosen, after her rejection of the Man of Calvary, who came to save....
In the Sunless Crypt
... The uproar onJerusalem after the muffled silence of the underground cavern filled
her with terror, and she pressed close to the shelter of the entrance until...
A Call to Prayer and Testimony
... CH SPURGEON,. At [7]the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I have set watchmen
upon thy walls, OJerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night...
Thesaurus
Jerusalem's (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Jerusalem's (7 Occurrences). 1 Kings 11:13 However
I will not tear away all the kingdom; but I will give
...Zion's (6 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 62:1 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and forJerusalem's sake I
will not rest, until her righteousness go forth as brightness, and her...
Jerusha (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 15:33 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned
sixteen years inJerusalem: and his mother's name was Jerusha the daughter of...
Jehoshaphat (79 Occurrences)
... (1.) One of David's body-guard (1 Chronicles 11:43). (2.) One of the priests who
accompanied the removal of the ark toJerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:24)....
Jerusalemites (1 Occurrence)
Torch (6 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Isaiah 62:1 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and forJerusalem's
sake I will not rest, until her righteousness go forth as brightness, and her...
Rend (35 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 11:13 Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe
to thy son for David my servant's sake, and forJerusalem's sake which I...
Brightness (36 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 62:1 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and forJerusalem's sake I
will not rest, until her righteousness go forth as brightness, and her...
Servant's (29 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 11:13 However I will not tear away all the kingdom; but I will give one
tribe to your son, for David my servant's sake, and forJerusalem's sake which...
Prosperous (26 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 7:7 Are not 'these' the words that Jehovah proclaimed by the hand of the
former prophets, inJerusalem's being inhabited, and 'in' safety, and its...
Resources
Why was it important to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Nehemiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God judge Edom so harshly in the book of Obadiah? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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