Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Called: The Perfection of Beauty, the Joy of the Whole Earth

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Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical history and theology, often depicted as a city of profound spiritual significance and divine favor. It is frequently referred to as "The Perfection of Beauty" and "The Joy of the Whole Earth," highlighting its esteemed status in the biblical narrative.

The Perfection of Beauty

The phrase "The Perfection of Beauty" is found in Lamentations 2:15, where the city is described in terms of its splendor and divine favor: "All who pass by clap their hands at you; they scoff and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: 'Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth?'" . This description underscores Jerusalem's role as a city set apart, a place where God's presence was uniquely manifested, particularly in the Temple, which was the center of Jewish worship and the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant.

The Joy of the Whole Earth

Jerusalem is also called "The Joy of the Whole Earth" in Psalm 48:2: "Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King" . This title reflects the city's significance not only to the Israelites but also to the entire world. As the location of Mount Zion, Jerusalem is seen as the spiritual epicenter, a place where heaven and earth meet, and where God's covenant with His people is most vividly expressed.

Historical and Theological Significance

Throughout the Old Testament, Jerusalem is depicted as the political and spiritual capital of Israel. King David established it as the capital, and his son Solomon built the First Temple there, solidifying its status as the heart of Jewish worship. The city's beauty and holiness are celebrated in the Psalms and the prophetic writings, where it is often portrayed as a symbol of God's enduring covenant with His people.

Jerusalem's significance extends into the New Testament, where it is the site of pivotal events in the life of Jesus Christ, including His crucifixion and resurrection. The city is also central to eschatological visions, as seen in Revelation 21:2, where the New Jerusalem is described as "coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" .

Prophetic and Eschatological Dimensions

The prophetic literature often speaks of Jerusalem's future glory and restoration. 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. Nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory" . These prophecies point to a time when Jerusalem will be fully restored and recognized as the center of God's kingdom on earth.

In Christian eschatology, Jerusalem is seen as the focal point of God's redemptive plan, where the ultimate fulfillment of His promises will be realized. The vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation signifies the culmination of God's work in history, where His presence will dwell with His people eternally.

Conclusion

Jerusalem, as "The Perfection of Beauty" and "The Joy of the Whole Earth," embodies the profound spiritual truths and promises found throughout the Bible. Its historical, theological, and eschatological significance continues to inspire and shape the faith of believers around the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Lamentations 2:15
All that pass by clap their hands at you; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that men call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Song of Deliverance
... that is found in it may be called forth from ... dwelling; and that great city, the New
Jerusalem, 'having the ... form is itself a prophecy of the perfection of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a song of deliverance.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... From the crest of Olivet, Jesus looked upon Jerusalem. ... The perfection of beauty ... Promised
One of Israel, whose power had conquered death, and called its captives ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... From the crest of Olivet, Jesus looked upon Jerusalem. ... "The perfection of beauty ... Promised
One of Israel, whose power had conquered death and called its captives ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So ...
... sons who speaks who is king, and in Jerusalem, the city ... Head and perfect Exponent
of the creation called the new ... Mark the perfection stamped upon it both by its ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter i perhaps there is.htm

God Rejoicing in the New Creation
... I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy ... There is one reason why you
are called upon to ... have need of these variable lights in the perfection of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/god rejoicing in the new.htm

Mysterious Prophecies Revealed.
... so the literal city of Jerusalem typifies the spiritual Jerusalem or Zion ... Out of
Zion the perfection of beauty ... is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /mysterious prophecies revealed.htm

The Desire of all Nations
... flesh, not many mighty are chosen and called; but still ... Jerusalem below, as well
as in the Jerusalem above. ... midst of her." Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/the desire of all nations.htm

Heavenly Contemplation Exemplified, and the Whole Work Concluded.
... or to thy sin and pollution, than honor and perfection? ... will give thee a sight of
the New Jerusalem, and a ... for harvest,' and then thou shalt be called to reap ...
/.../the saints everlasting rest/chapter xvi heavenly contemplation exemplified.htm

We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ...
... Israel would be gathered, and Jerusalem be a praise in ... Chaldeans: for thou shalt
no more be called tender and ... shall come upon thee in thy perfection for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/we arrive now at a.htm

What Use Heavenly Contemplation Makes of Consideration, the ...
... survey, and determine uprightly concerning the perfection of our ... in the world, if
they may be called friends who ... rejoice; let the daughters of Jerusalem be glad ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xiv what use heavenly.htm