Topical Encyclopedia
Jerusalem, a city of profound historical and theological significance, is often referred to as the "City of Truth" in the biblical narrative. This designation underscores its role as a center of divine revelation and spiritual integrity. The title "City of Truth" is explicitly mentioned in the book of Zechariah, which prophesies a future restoration and renewal of Jerusalem.
Biblical Reference:The prophet Zechariah speaks of a time when Jerusalem will be known as the "City of Truth." In
Zechariah 8:3 , the Lord declares, "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain." This prophecy highlights a future era when Jerusalem will embody truth and holiness, reflecting God's presence and righteousness.
Historical and Theological Context:Jerusalem's designation as the "City of Truth" is deeply rooted in its historical and theological context. Throughout the Old Testament, Jerusalem is portrayed as the epicenter of God's covenantal relationship with His people. It is the location of the Temple, the dwelling place of God's name, and the focal point of worship and pilgrimage for the Israelites.
The prophetic vision of Jerusalem as the "City of Truth" is set against a backdrop of previous periods of unfaithfulness and idolatry. The prophets often rebuked Jerusalem for its departure from God's commandments and its embrace of falsehood and injustice. However, the promise of restoration in Zechariah signifies a divine commitment to transform Jerusalem into a city characterized by truth and righteousness.
Symbolic Significance:The title "City of Truth" carries profound symbolic significance. It represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of His kingdom on earth. In this renewed Jerusalem, truth will prevail, and the city will serve as a beacon of divine light and justice to the nations.
The concept of truth in the biblical sense encompasses faithfulness, reliability, and alignment with God's will. As the "City of Truth," Jerusalem is envisioned as a place where God's truth is lived out in the lives of its inhabitants, where justice and peace flourish, and where the nations are drawn to the light of God's presence.
Eschatological Hope:The prophetic vision of Jerusalem as the "City of Truth" also carries eschatological implications. It points to a future hope when God's redemptive plan will be fully realized. In the New Testament, this hope is further expanded with the vision of the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation, where God's dwelling is with humanity, and truth and righteousness are eternally established.
In summary, Jerusalem's designation as the "City of Truth" in the biblical narrative is a powerful testament to its role as a center of divine revelation and a symbol of God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. Through the lens of prophecy, it stands as a promise of a future where truth and holiness are fully realized in the presence of God.
Nave's Topical Index
Zechariah 8:3Thus said the LORD; I am returned to Zion, and will dwell in the middle of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
How Titus Marched to Jerusalem, and How He was in Danger as He was ...
... orders to encamp at the distance of six furlongs from Jerusalem, at the mount called
the Mount ... still more and more Jews sallied out of the city, the Romans ...
/.../chapter 2 how titus marched.htm
The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... of Jerusalem (Zechariah 8:3), he saith, moreover, that Jerusalem shall be called
a city of truth, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the holy mountain. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm
That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken ...
... The same that in the New Testament is always so called, and was ... together, and perish
in the siege of any one city whatsoever, as now happened in Jerusalem. ...
/.../chapter 10 that whereas the.htm
Of the Times of Christ's Birth and Passion, and of Jerusalem's ...
... from the going forth of a word for restoring and rebuilding Jerusalem unto the ... his
kingdom firmly in Alexandria, when withal he called that (city) by his ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter viii of the times of.htm
Concerning the Seditions at Jerusalem and what Terrible Miseries ...
... it so happened that the sedition at Jerusalem was revived ... which I esteem the beginning
of the city's destruction, it ... one should not mistake if he called it a ...
/.../chapter 1 concerning the seditions.htm
The King of Heaven at the Bar of Pilate.
... and just outside this Hall was a place called "The Pavement ... was being led through
the streets of Jerusalem by Roman ... who believed in Him were in the city and saw ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xlii the king of.htm
Psalm CXXII.
... not, a city, instead of, "as a city;" save because those walls, so built in Jerusalem,
were a visible city, as it is by all called a city, literally; but ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxii.htm
Our Strong City
... Babylon that could fall, and that Jerusalem was the ... evangelical prophet,' as he has
been called, is distinguished ... not"'Open ye the gates'"the city thus far ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/our strong city.htm
The Idumeans Being Sent for by the Zealots, came Immediately to ...
... put into battle-array, and came to Jerusalem, under four ... aside your arms, and come
into the city under the ... these men will gain by being called into judgment ...
/.../chapter 4 the idumeans being.htm
That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian ...
... high priests, or priests, here called Eniachim, seems ... [10] This prediction, that
the city [Jerusalem] should then ... slay his countrymen in the city;" is wanting ...
/.../chapter 11 that upon the.htm
Resources
How many times has Jerusalem been destroyed? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Kingdom of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgJerusalem: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus