Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Called: Jebus

◄ Jerusalem: Called: Jebus ►

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Introduction:
Jerusalem, one of the most significant cities in biblical history, is often referred to by its ancient name, Jebus. This name is derived from the Jebusites, the original inhabitants of the city before its conquest by the Israelites. The city holds a central place in biblical narratives and is pivotal in the religious, cultural, and political history of Israel.

Biblical References:
The name Jebus is mentioned in several passages of the Old Testament, highlighting its early history and significance before becoming the renowned city of Jerusalem.

1. Judges 19:10-11 : "But the man was unwilling to spend the night, so he got up and departed. He arrived opposite Jebus (that is, Jerusalem) with his two saddled donkeys and his concubine. When they were near Jebus and the day was almost gone, the servant said to his master, 'Please, let us stop at this Jebusite city and spend the night here.'"

This passage indicates that Jebus was a well-known city during the time of the Judges, inhabited by the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe.

2. 1 Chronicles 11:4-5 : "Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land. The people of Jebus said to David, 'You will never get in here.' Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)."

Here, the transition from Jebus to Jerusalem is marked by King David's conquest. The capture of Jebus was a significant event, as it established Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

Historical Context:
The Jebusites were a Canaanite tribe mentioned in the Bible as the original inhabitants of the city. Their stronghold, Jebus, was strategically located on the hill of Zion, making it a desirable location for control and defense. Despite its fortified position, King David successfully captured the city, which then became known as the City of David.

Significance in Israelite History:
The transformation of Jebus into Jerusalem marked a new era for the Israelites. Under David's rule, Jerusalem became the capital of the united kingdom of Israel. It was here that David brought the Ark of the Covenant, establishing the city as the religious heart of the nation. This act signified the unification of the tribes of Israel under a central place of worship and governance.

Theological Implications:
Jerusalem, once Jebus, is not only a historical city but also a symbol of God's covenant with His people. The city's capture and establishment as the capital reflect God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to the Israelites. Jerusalem's role as the site of the future Temple further underscores its spiritual significance, serving as the focal point for worship and the presence of God among His people.

Conclusion:
The biblical narrative of Jebus, later known as Jerusalem, illustrates the city's transformation from a Canaanite stronghold to the epicenter of Israelite worship and governance. Its capture by King David and subsequent development into the City of David highlight its enduring importance in biblical history and theology.

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Joshua 18:28
And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.
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Judges 19:10
But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and departed, and came over against Jebus, which is Jerusalem; and there were with him two asses saddled, his concubine also was with him.
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Library

Psalm LXII.
... But when Jerusalem was being builded, it was not builded in a place where there
was not a city, but there was a city at first which was called Jebus, whence ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxii.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... Melchizedek, reigned there in Abraham's time, but since it had been held by the
Jebusites, and called Jebus. When David took it, he named it Jerusalem, or the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

Psalm LXV.
... That Jerusalem in the land of the Jebusites was builded: for at first it used to
be called Jebus, [2541] from thence the nation of the Jebusites was expelled ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxv.htm

Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella.
... For it is called first Jebus, then Salem, then Jerusalem: names of which the first
means "down-trodden," the second "peace," and the third "vision of peace." ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xlvi paula and eustochium.htm

The Reign of David.
... up somewhat as follows: (1) His capture of Jerusalem (formerly called Jesub,) a ... the
subduing of the Philistines and capture of Jebus, already mentioned ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

Of Jesus, God and Man; and the Testimonies of the Prophets ...
... and the city which he called from his own name, Jerusalem. ... men who believe on Him,
and are called faithful. ... Some derive it from Jebus (the ancient name of the ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xiii of jesus god and.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Israel, "seeing God," [589]356; Christians called by this name, [590 ... Jebus and Jebusites,
[596]268 ... Jerusalem, [599]36, [600]268; Jerusalem and Babylon, the world ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... Jews, questioned me, saying:"Jesus, Who is called your Teacher ... And Jerusalem and
her daughters shall be as of old ... his son is the mountain of Jebus, which is ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

Letter cxxvii. To Principia.
... I had the joy of seeing Rome transformed into another Jerusalem. ... 3568] She it was
lastly who called on the ... Whilst these things were happening in Jebus [3576] a ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxvii to principia.htm

The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ...
... with hands, [4358] but soon after, to Jerusalem above, [4359 ... after being saved by
Christ, I am called by the ... to the Word, which once wast a Jebus, [4388] and ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlii the last farewell.htm