Topical Bible: Jerusalem: The Capital of David's Kingdom by Divine Appointment

◄ Jerusalem: The Capital of David's Kingdom by Divine Appointment ►

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Introduction

Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical history and theology, serving as the capital of King David's kingdom by divine appointment. This city, often referred to as the "City of David," is not only a geographical location but also a symbol of God's covenantal promises and His enduring presence with His people.

Historical Background

Jerusalem's significance predates David, with its earliest mention in the Bible as Salem, where Melchizedek reigned as king and priest (Genesis 14:18). The city, strategically located in the hill country of Judah, was initially inhabited by the Jebusites. Despite its formidable defenses, Jerusalem was captured by David, who established it as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

David's Conquest and Divine Appointment

David's conquest of Jerusalem is recorded in 2 Samuel 5:6-9. The Jebusites taunted David, believing their city impregnable, but David captured the stronghold of Zion, which became known as the City of David. This victory was not merely a military achievement but a fulfillment of divine purpose. The Lord had chosen David to shepherd His people, and Jerusalem was to be the heart of his kingdom.

The Ark of the Covenant and the Temple

David's desire to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem further underscores the city's spiritual significance. In 2 Samuel 6, David transports the Ark to Jerusalem with great celebration, signifying God's presence among His people. Although David was not permitted to build the temple, God promised that his son Solomon would construct it (2 Samuel 7:12-13). The temple, built on Mount Moriah, became the focal point of Israelite worship and a symbol of God's dwelling with His people.

Prophetic and Messianic Significance

Jerusalem's role extends beyond the historical reign of David. The city is central to prophetic literature, symbolizing God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. The prophets often spoke of Jerusalem as the place where God would establish His kingdom and bring peace to the nations (Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-3).

Moreover, Jerusalem is intricately linked to the Messianic hope. The promise of a Davidic king who would reign forever is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who entered Jerusalem as the promised Messiah (Matthew 21:1-11). The city witnessed His crucifixion and resurrection, pivotal events in God's redemptive plan.

Jerusalem in the New Testament and Eschatology

In the New Testament, Jerusalem remains a focal point. The early church was established there, and it was the starting point for the spread of the Gospel (Acts 1:8). The Book of Revelation envisions a new Jerusalem, descending from heaven, where God will dwell with His people eternally (Revelation 21:2-3).

Conclusion

Jerusalem, as the capital of David's kingdom, is a testament to God's sovereign choice and His unfolding plan of salvation. Its historical, theological, and eschatological significance continues to resonate throughout Scripture, affirming its role as a city chosen by God for His divine purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 15:4
Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:
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2 Kings 19:34
For I will defend this city, to save it, for my own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
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2 Chronicles 6:6
But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.
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2 Chronicles 12:13
So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess.
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Library

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
... Hebron was a good capital for the new king, for it ... we can be patient till He please
to give us Jerusalem. ... But David did not hide his claim to the allegiance of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the bright dawn of a.htm

Putting God to Work
... till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise ... everyday life, these words
show how the capital stock by ... David in an evil hour, instead of listening to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

The First Kings.
... then absent with the army besieging Rabbah, the capital of Ammon. ... He sent for Uriah
to Jerusalem. ... were no more such monarchs in Israel, after David and Solomon ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

Questions.
... How had David declared the wisdom He showed in the Temple?"Ps. ... 7. What did Jerusalem
thenceforth become ... 9. How did Constantine change the capital of his empire ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament...
... with the Messiah alone of Abraham's and David's line, but ... the Syrian kings, and
afterwards the capital of the ... As Jerusalem was the centre for the apostles of ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxix the historical books.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... former battle-fields, and had captured their capital, Sela.** Elated ... master in his
own city of Jerusalem or Samaria ... place, as in the time of David, and thereby ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Philistines"Jerusalem becomes the capital; the removal ... Deir el-Bahari"Sheshonq's
expedition against Jerusalem. ... Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon, the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

St. Gregory the Great.
... and Antioch, with the later patriarch of Jerusalem; it might ... capital, and Constantine's
city became the capital, the Primacy ... brought to my mind king David's act ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter v st gregory the.htm

A Discourse
... to save a long journey to the capital, for the ... it is said of our New Testament New
Jerusalem (Revelation 21 ... shield) and made them 'heirs of the kingdom which he ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... them they might learn the mysteries of the kingdom. ... simply, as considered of the
same divine and eternal ... he shewed forth expressly, in capital characters, by ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm