Topical Bible: Jerusalem: The City Built Around the Citadel

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Jerusalem, a city of profound historical and theological significance, is often referred to as the city built around the citadel. This ancient city, central to biblical narratives, has been a focal point for religious, political, and cultural developments throughout history.

Biblical Significance

Jerusalem is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who blessed Abram (Genesis 14:18). The city's importance is further highlighted when King David captures it from the Jebusites and establishes it as the capital of Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-9). David's conquest of Jerusalem marks the beginning of its status as the political and spiritual center of the Israelite kingdom. The citadel, often referred to as the "stronghold of Zion," becomes a symbol of divine protection and royal authority.

The construction of the First Temple by Solomon further elevates Jerusalem's status. As described in 1 Kings 6, Solomon builds the Temple on Mount Moriah, the site where Abraham was to offer Isaac (Genesis 22:2). This sacred space becomes the focal point of Jewish worship and the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant.

Prophetic and Messianic Themes

Jerusalem is frequently mentioned in the prophetic books as a city of both judgment and hope. The prophets often speak of Jerusalem's sins and the resulting divine judgment, yet they also foretell a future restoration. Isaiah 2:2-3 envisions a time when "the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains," and all nations will stream to it, seeking divine instruction.

The messianic expectation is closely tied to Jerusalem. Zechariah 9:9 prophesies the coming of a king to Jerusalem, "righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey." This prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament when Jesus enters Jerusalem, as recorded in Matthew 21:5.

The Citadel and Its Symbolism

The citadel of Jerusalem, often identified with the City of David, serves as a powerful symbol of God's enduring covenant with His people. Psalm 48:12-13 invites the faithful to "walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider her ramparts, view her citadels," underscoring the city's divine protection and strength.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the citadel represents not only a physical stronghold but also a spiritual bastion. It is a place where God's presence is manifest, and His promises are fulfilled. The imagery of the citadel is used to convey themes of security, divine favor, and the unshakeable nature of God's kingdom.

Jerusalem in the New Testament

In the New Testament, Jerusalem remains central to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It is the site of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, events that are pivotal to Christian faith. The early church is born in Jerusalem, as described in Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles during Pentecost.

The Book of Revelation envisions a new Jerusalem, descending from heaven as a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:2). This eschatological vision portrays Jerusalem as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, a city where God dwells with His people in eternal peace and glory.

Historical and Archaeological Insights

Archaeological discoveries have provided valuable insights into the ancient city of Jerusalem. Excavations have uncovered remnants of the original Jebusite city, the City of David, and the fortifications that once surrounded it. These findings corroborate biblical accounts and offer a glimpse into the city's storied past.

Jerusalem's history is marked by periods of conquest, destruction, and rebuilding. Despite these challenges, the city has remained a symbol of faith and resilience. Its enduring legacy continues to inspire and captivate believers around the world.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 11:8
And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... the Babylonian monarch, besieged and took Jerusalem, the "City ... They were built of
brick, cemented together with bitumen ... The city had six hundred and seventy-six ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Greek and Jew
... Against an opposite wall built at full length of the ... of this wonderful drama to be
enacted in Jerusalem presently ... Substitute, however, your city for your surname ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter viii greek and jew.htm

And ii.
... Concerning the situation of Jerusalem, Josephus, de BJ i.6, c.13, remarks as follows:
"It was built on two ... hills, on which the upper part of the city lay, was ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

How Trypho after He had Beaten Demetrius Delivered the Kingdom to ...
... houses, and because they were generally built of wood. ... disposed to deliver up the
city to Demetrius's ... these affairs, they returned to Jerusalem, where Jonathan ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how trypho after.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... of Babylon reached the countries lying around the Mediterranean ... proportionate to
the growing importance of the city. ... granary for wheat which he built at Babylon ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ...
... of Per??a must be distinguished from another city of that ... but from the leaders of
the party in Jerusalem. ... piled up the stones of which the citadel was built. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxviii the story of.htm

Appendices
... cannot forsake the territory of the city of Jerusalem."To the ... the city of Gezer and
ordered the city to assemble ... of the citadel: I built its gates and I built ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... 2830] I will return to Jerusalem and, passing ... roll over the earth; [2886] of which
in the apocalypse of John the city of the great king is built; [2887] of ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Joshua took up his residence there, and built on the ... meaning citadel or stronghold
of the city: there was a Millo in every important town, Jerusalem included. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... walked stripped and barefoot through the streets of Jerusalem"a strange ... He then built
on the land which he had purchased from them a city of unrivalled ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm