Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Beloved

◄ Jerusalem: Beloved ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem, often referred to as the "Beloved," holds a central place in biblical history and theology. It is a city of profound spiritual significance, serving as the focal point of God's covenantal relationship with His people. The name "Jerusalem" itself is thought to mean "foundation of peace," yet its history is marked by both divine favor and human conflict.

Biblical Significance

Jerusalem is first mentioned in the context of Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who blessed Abram (later Abraham) in Genesis 14:18-20. This early reference sets the stage for Jerusalem's enduring role as a city of blessing and divine encounter. The city is later chosen by God as the site for His temple, a place where His presence would dwell among His people. In 2 Chronicles 6:6, God declares, "But I have chosen Jerusalem that My name might be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel."

The City of David

Jerusalem became the political and spiritual center of Israel under King David, who captured the city from the Jebusites and established it as his capital (2 Samuel 5:6-10). David's son, Solomon, built the First Temple there, solidifying Jerusalem's status as the heart of Jewish worship. The temple became the focal point of Israel's religious life, where sacrifices were offered, and festivals were celebrated.

Prophetic and Messianic Themes

Throughout the prophetic literature, Jerusalem is depicted as both a city of judgment and redemption. The prophets often lamented the city's unfaithfulness, yet they also spoke of its future glory. Isaiah 62:1-2 proclaims, "For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, until her righteousness shines like a bright light, her salvation like a blazing torch."

Jerusalem is also central to messianic expectations. The prophets foretold a time when the Messiah would reign from Jerusalem, bringing peace and justice. Zechariah 9:9 speaks of the coming King: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jerusalem is the setting for many pivotal events in the life of Jesus Christ. It is where He was presented at the temple as a child (Luke 2:22-38), where He taught and performed miracles, and where He was crucified and resurrected. Jesus' lament over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37 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."

Eschatological Hope

Jerusalem's significance extends into eschatological hope, as depicted in the book of Revelation. The vision of the New Jerusalem, descending from heaven, symbolizes the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the restoration of His creation. Revelation 21:2 describes this vision: "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

Conclusion

Jerusalem, the "Beloved," remains a symbol of God's enduring covenant with His people, a city of profound historical and theological importance. Its account is one of divine election, human failure, and ultimate redemption, reflecting the broader narrative of Scripture and God's redemptive plan for humanity.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love you.
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Psalm 137:1-7
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
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Isaiah 62:1-7
For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burns.
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Library

Charge You, O Daughters of Jerusalem, if Ye Find My Beloved, that ...
... CHAPTER V. 8. I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that
ye tell him that I am sick of love. True love has no eyes for self. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/8 i charge you o.htm

His Throat is Most Sweet, Yea, He is Altogether Lovely. This is My ...
... CHAPTER V. 16. His throat is most sweet, yea, he is altogether lovely. This is
my beloved, and this is my Friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/16 his throat is most.htm

Of the New Jerusalem, the Spouse of the Lamb, with the Seventh ...
... 2. New Jerusalem is the beloved city; but that beloved city, as soon as the thousand
years are finished, is said to be compassed out by the. ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/synchronism vi of the new.htm

Last Journey of Jesus to Jerusalem.
... hill, upon the incline which commands the Dead Sea and the Jordan, at a journey
of an hour and a half from Jerusalem, was the place especially beloved by Jesus ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxi last journey of.htm

Phasaelus is Too Hard for Felix; Herod Also Overcomes Antigonus in ...
... Herod had fought against these in the avenues of Judea, he was conqueror in the
battle, and drove away Antigonus, and returned to Jerusalem, beloved by every ...
/.../chapter 12 phasaelus is too.htm

Chapter v.
... the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.8. I charge you, O daughters
of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him that I am sick of love. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter v.htm

Jesus' Last Journey to Jerusalem.
... Let us now, beloved disciples, enjoy with thanks the gifts which our Father in heaven
bestows upon us through Simon, his servant. O Jerusalem, would that my ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter ii jesus last journey.htm

Communion Again Broken --Restoration
... unfaithful or unmindful of Him. I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye
find my Beloved,. That ye tell Him, that I am sick of love. ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section iv communion again brokenrestoration.htm

I Charge You, O Ye Daughters of Jerusalem, by the Roes and the ...
... 5. I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes and the hinds of ... this that,
though the soul suffers greatly in the search after her Beloved, its pain ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/5 i charge you o.htm

Song of Songs of Solomon
... veil from me. 8. I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved,
that ye tell him that I am sick of love. 9. What is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/