Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Prayers of the Israelites Made Toward

◄ Jerusalem: Prayers of the Israelites Made Toward ►

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Jerusalem holds a central place in the spiritual life and history of the Israelites, serving as the focal point for their prayers and worship. The city is not only the political and cultural capital of ancient Israel but also the spiritual heart, where the Temple of Solomon was built as a dwelling place for the Name of the LORD. This sacred site became the epicenter of Jewish worship and the direction toward which prayers were offered.

The practice of praying toward Jerusalem is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. In 1 Kings 8:29-30, during the dedication of the Temple, King Solomon implores God to hear the prayers of His people directed toward this holy place: "May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that You will hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place. Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive."

This passage underscores the belief that the Temple in Jerusalem is the earthly representation of God's heavenly dwelling, making it a significant point of contact between God and His people. The Israelites, whether near or far, would direct their prayers toward Jerusalem, acknowledging it as the chosen city where God's presence was manifest.

The prophet Daniel exemplifies this practice during the Babylonian exile. Despite being far from his homeland, Daniel remains faithful in his devotion, praying three times a day with his windows open toward Jerusalem (Daniel 6:10). This act of faithfulness highlights the enduring significance of Jerusalem as the spiritual center for the Israelites, even in times of displacement and adversity.

Psalm 122:6-9 further reflects the importance of Jerusalem in the prayers of the Israelites: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you prosper. May there be peace within your walls, and prosperity inside your fortresses.' For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you.' For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity." This psalm not only calls for prayers for the city's peace and prosperity but also ties the well-being of Jerusalem to the spiritual and communal life of the people.

The direction of prayer toward Jerusalem is a testament to the city's enduring role as a symbol of God's covenant with Israel. It serves as a reminder of the divine promises and the hope for restoration and peace. Throughout the Scriptures, Jerusalem remains a beacon of faith, a place where heaven and earth meet, and a focal point for the prayers and aspirations of the Israelites.

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1 Kings 8:38
What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all your people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house:
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Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
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Library

Last Journey of Jesus to Jerusalem.
... Jesus the spectacle that filled all other Israelites with joy ... His voice made little
noise in Jerusalem. ... and, for a pretense, make long prayers: therefore ye ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxi last journey of.htm

A Short Essay Toward the Improvement of Psalmody:
... of Bacha, till they come up to Jerusalem; they wait ... and I grant that no Number of
Prayers of humane ... How peculiarly do these Commands refer to the Israelites? ...
/.../a short essay toward the improvement of psalmody/a short essay toward the.htm

The Second vision "In Heaven"
... in their hands;] The definite number of Israelites (vii.1 ... throne, and scattered over
the city of Jerusalem in token ... This is the answer to the prayers which had ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision in heaven.htm

Prayer and Missions
... till he establish and till he make Jerusalem a praise ... the first of the nation of
the Israelites, the friend ... His harvest field in answer to the prayers of His ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/xiii prayer and missions.htm

The Foundations of Good Citizenship.
... So many prayers, so many creeds, So many paths ... of Northern Israel, and even in the
temple at Jerusalem. ... memory of the days when the Israelites themselves were ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study x the foundations of.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east ... as that, above all the precious
stones, is made use of ... of the Lord Jesus in this New Jerusalem; and yet ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Salvation to the Jews
... revealed among the Gentiles as well as among the Israelites. ... At the time when Jerusalem
was destroyed and the ... He has heard the agonizing prayers of those who ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 35 salvation to the.htm

A Little Sanctuary
... The captive Israelites found Babylonia and Chaldea to be a ... people, a place of acceptance
where prayers, and praises ... away from the temple and Jerusalem, "I will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a little sanctuary.htm

Things that Cannot be Shaken
... that can hold no water." Like the Israelites, we too ... Often the answer to our most
fervent prayers for deliverance ... When he was on his way to Jerusalem, where he ...
/.../smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 11 things that cannot.htm

Life and Writings of Sulpitius Severus.
... been barren, at length, through the unceasing prayers of her ... The Israelites yet again
turned to idols; and, being ... his son held the kingdom at Jerusalem for six ...
//christianbookshelf.org/severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /