Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Called: City of Judah

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Jerusalem, often referred to as the "City of Judah," holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. This ancient city is central to the narrative of the Israelites and serves as a focal point for many pivotal events in the Bible.

Biblical References and Significance

Jerusalem is first mentioned in the context of the conquest of Canaan. It was originally inhabited by the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe, and was known as Jebus (Judges 19:10-11). The city was strategically located on the border between the tribes of Benjamin and Judah, making it a key location for the Israelites.

The city gained prominence when King David captured it from the Jebusites and established it as the capital of the united kingdom of Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-9). David's conquest of Jerusalem marked the beginning of its association with the tribe of Judah, as David himself was from the tribe of Judah. The city became known as the "City of David" (2 Samuel 5:7).

Jerusalem's significance was further solidified when Solomon, David's son, built the First Temple there, making it the religious center for the Israelites (1 Kings 6:1-38). The Temple became the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant and the focal point of Jewish worship.

Prophetic and Messianic Importance

Throughout the prophetic books, Jerusalem is often depicted as both a place of divine judgment and redemption. The prophets frequently called the people of Judah to repentance, warning of the consequences of their disobedience. For instance, the prophet Isaiah speaks of Jerusalem's future glory and restoration, despite its current state of sinfulness (Isaiah 1:26-27).

Jerusalem is also central to messianic prophecies. The prophet Zechariah foretells a time when the Lord will return to Jerusalem, and it will be a place of peace and prosperity (Zechariah 8:3-8). The city is seen as the stage for the coming of the Messiah, who will reign as King and bring salvation to His people.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jerusalem continues to play a crucial role. It is the site of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, events that are foundational to Christian faith. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, often referred to as the Triumphal Entry, fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, where the King comes to Jerusalem riding on a donkey (Matthew 21:1-11).

The early Christian church also began in Jerusalem, as recorded in the Book of Acts. The apostles preached the gospel from this city, and it became the center of the early Christian movement (Acts 2:1-47).

Symbolic and Eschatological Role

Jerusalem holds a symbolic and eschatological role in biblical theology. It represents the dwelling place of God among His people and is often seen as a symbol of the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, described in Revelation 21:2. This New Jerusalem is depicted as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with His people, a place where there will be no more sorrow or pain.

Conclusion

Jerusalem, as the "City of Judah," is a city of profound historical, religious, and prophetic significance. Its role in the biblical narrative underscores its importance as a center of worship, a symbol of God's covenant with His people, and a focal point for the fulfillment of divine promises.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 25:28
And they brought him on horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How David Laid Siege to Jerusalem; and when He had Taken the City ...
... Now David made buildings round about the lower city: he also joined the ... David, therefore,
who first cast the Jebusites out of Jerusalem, and called it by ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how david laid.htm

Of the Kings after Solomon, Both in Judah and Israel.
... which for David's sake, lest the kingdom should be wholly wrenched from his race,
remained subject to the city of Jerusalem, were called Judah, because that ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 21 of the kings after.htm

Jerusalem
... Abraham called the place Jireh; Shem called it Shalem ... The Gloss: "The inhabitants
of Jerusalem did not let ... Nevertheless, the city was divided between the tribe ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 21 jerusalem.htm

Jerusalem Made the Capital City
... David and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the people of the land
who had ... He also built a wall around it, and called it the City of David. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jerusalem made the capital city.htm

Some History of Tiberias. The Jerusalem Talmud was Written There ...
... in splendour, and became at last the chief city not only ... here by R. Judah; and for
the Jerusalem Talmud, written ... in Nazir, and he is there called Doclinus, by ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 81 some history of.htm

A Prophet who Saved a Great City
... When they arrived at Jerusalem, they called for Hezekiah the ... make you trust in Jehovah
by saying, Jehovah will surely save us, and this city shall not be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a prophet who saved a.htm

The Magi came from the East to Jerusalem,...
... and that he should abide in a city called Nazareth: that ... might be fulfilled, that
he should be called a Nazarene ... 263] used to go every year to Jerusalem at the ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section iii the magi came.htm

Of the Varying Condition of Both the Hebrew Kingdoms, Until the ...
City of God. ... to the lands of the Assyrians,"first, that part of the thirteen tribes
called Israel, but afterwards Judah also, when Jerusalem and that most ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 23 of the varying condition.htm

Of the Three-Fold Meaning of the Prophecies, which are to be ...
... that I will make for the house of Israel, and for the house of Judah, a new ... But this
pertains to both, that the city of God is called Jerusalem, and that ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 3 of the three-fold meaning.htm

Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ...
... I now return to Jehoshaphat, the king of Jerusalem, who, when ... the third year of this
reign, he called together the ... that were under him, city by city, the laws ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 concerning jehoshaphat the.htm