Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Called: Salem

◄ Jerusalem: Called: Salem ►

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Introduction

Jerusalem, one of the most significant cities in biblical history, is referred to as "Salem" in the Scriptures. This ancient name highlights its early existence and importance long before it became the central city of Israelite worship and governance. The name "Salem" is derived from the Hebrew word "shalom," meaning peace, which reflects the city's intended role as a place of peace and divine presence.

Biblical References

The earliest mention of Salem is found in the book of Genesis, where it is associated with Melchizedek, a mysterious and significant figure in biblical theology. Genesis 14:18 states, "Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High." This passage introduces Melchizedek as both a king and a priest, a dual role that prefigures the messianic kingship and priesthood of Jesus Christ, as elaborated in the New Testament book of Hebrews.

Psalm 76:2 also references Salem, saying, "His tent is in Salem, His dwelling place in Zion." Here, Salem is poetically linked with Zion, another name for Jerusalem, emphasizing its sacred status as the dwelling place of God.

Historical and Theological Significance

The identification of Salem with Jerusalem is significant in understanding the city's ancient roots and its enduring role in God's redemptive plan. As the city of Melchizedek, Salem is seen as a precursor to the later establishment of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel under King David. David's conquest of Jerusalem and his establishment of it as the political and spiritual center of Israel is a pivotal moment in biblical history.

Theologically, the connection between Melchizedek and Salem is further explored in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 7:1-2 states, "This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means 'king of righteousness'; then also, 'king of Salem' means 'king of peace.'" This passage underscores the typological significance of Melchizedek as a foreshadowing of Christ, who is both the King of Righteousness and the Prince of Peace.

Cultural and Religious Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, cities often had dual roles as both political and religious centers. Salem, as the city of Melchizedek, would have been a place where the worship of the true God was maintained amidst a polytheistic culture. This sets the stage for Jerusalem's later role as the site of Solomon's Temple, the central place of worship for the Israelites.

The name "Salem" itself, meaning peace, is prophetic of Jerusalem's ultimate destiny in biblical eschatology. The prophets speak of a future time when Jerusalem will be the center of God's kingdom on earth, a place of peace and justice for all nations. Isaiah 2:2-4 envisions this future, stating, "In the last days, the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it."

Conclusion

While the name "Salem" is not frequently used in the Bible, its association with Melchizedek and its meaning as "peace" provide deep insights into the character and destiny of Jerusalem. As the city of peace, Jerusalem holds a central place in God's plan for humanity, both historically and prophetically.

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Genesis 14:18
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
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Psalm 76:2
In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.
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Library

How David Laid Siege to Jerusalem; and when He had Taken the City ...
... first cast the Jebusites out of Jerusalem, and called it by his own name, The City
of David: for under our forefather Abraham it was called [Salem, or] Solyma ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how david laid.htm

That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken ...
... was; on which account he was [there] the first priest of God, and first built a
temple [there], and called the city Jerusalem, which was formerly called Salem. ...
/.../chapter 10 that whereas the.htm

How Abram Fought with the Assyrians, and Overcame Them, and Saved ...
... king: and such he was, without dispute, insomuch that, on this account, he was made
the priest of God: however, they afterward called Salem Jerusalem. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how abram fought.htm

The History after the Flood.
... wilderness. And at that time there was a righteous king called Melchisedek,
in the city of Salem, which now is Jerusalem. This was ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xxxi the history after the.htm

Concerning Jonathan, one of the Sicarii, that Stirred up a ...
... first built, or rather rebuilt and adorned, this city, and that it was then called
Salem, as Psalm 76:2; afterwards came to be called Jerusalem; and that ...
/.../chapter 11 concerning jonathan one.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... It had once been called Salem, or peace, when the mysterious ... 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

The New Jerusalem.
... mountain, and shewed me the holy city Jerusalem, descending out ... of the millennium,
when those who are called to the ... of the promise fill'd! See Salem built, the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.htm

Moses and his Writings
... 'Jeru-salem' means city of peace. So, as we see from these ancient letters, Jerusalem
was called the city of peace even in the days of Abraham. ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter iii moses and his.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 Destruction of Jerusalem.
... her holy house His dwelling-place: "In Salem also is ... like Noah in his day, have been
called a crazed ... sins, wrath had been denounced against Jerusalem, and her ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm