Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Beautiful for Situation

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Jerusalem, often referred to as "Beautiful for Situation," holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. This phrase is derived from Psalm 48:2, which in the Berean Standard Bible reads, "Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King." This description highlights both the physical and spiritual prominence of Jerusalem.

Geographical and Historical Context

Jerusalem is situated in the Judean hills, approximately 2,500 feet above sea level. Its strategic location has made it a focal point for trade, military, and religious activities throughout history. The city's elevation and natural fortifications contributed to its defense and its designation as a city of great importance.

Historically, Jerusalem has been the center of Jewish worship and identity. King David established it as the capital of Israel, and his son Solomon built the First Temple there, making it the spiritual heart of the Jewish people. The city's significance continued through the periods of the Second Temple, the Babylonian exile, and the subsequent return and rebuilding under leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah.

Spiritual Significance

Jerusalem is not only a geographical location but also a symbol of God's presence and covenant with His people. It is often referred to as Zion, a term that encompasses both the physical city and the spiritual ideal of God's kingdom on earth. The prophets frequently spoke of Jerusalem as the place where God would dwell with His people and where His glory would be revealed.

In the New Testament, Jerusalem remains central to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It is the city where Jesus was crucified and resurrected, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. The early church was born in Jerusalem, and it served as the starting point for the spread of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Prophetic and Eschatological Role

Jerusalem's role extends into eschatological themes, where it is seen as the focal point of God's ultimate plan for humanity. The prophets Isaiah and Zechariah speak of a future time when Jerusalem will be exalted and all nations will come to worship the Lord there. Isaiah 2:2-3 states, "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. And many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob.'"

The Book of Revelation also envisions a new Jerusalem, descending from heaven, where God will dwell with His people eternally. Revelation 21:2 describes this vision: "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

Cultural and Religious Influence

Throughout history, Jerusalem has been a city of pilgrimage and devotion for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Its sacred sites, such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock, draw millions of visitors each year, each seeking to connect with the divine narrative that Jerusalem embodies.

In summary, Jerusalem's designation as "Beautiful for Situation" captures its unique blend of physical beauty, historical depth, and spiritual significance. It stands as a testament to God's enduring promises and the hope of redemption for all who look to it as a symbol of divine presence and future glory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 48:2
Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... From the crest of Olivet, Jesus looked upon Jerusalem. ... in Heaven's favor, as when,
ages before, the royal minstrel sung, "Beautiful for situation, the joy ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... From the crest of Olivet, Jesus looked upon Jerusalem. ... in Heaven's favor, as when,
ages before, the royal minstrel sang: "Beautiful for situation, the joy ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

If, Then, the Whole Earth Has Been Cursed in the Deeds of Adam and ...
... what they say of those who, after having left Jerusalem, and wandered ... city of our
God, in the mountain of His holiness, beautiful for situation, the joy of ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxix if then the.htm

The Sixth
... and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God,
which is new Jerusalem, which cometh ... Beautiful for situation, The joy of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth.htm

A Song of Deliverance
... Beautiful for situation (or rather elevation), the joy of the ... The Jew's glory in
Jerusalem was a different thing altogether from the Roman's pride in Rome. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a song of deliverance.htm

Storming the Battlements
... "Beautiful for situation"the joy ... As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, even
so is God round about his people, from henceforth, for evermore." But ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/storming the battlements.htm

Prayer and the House of God
... building may be costly, perfect in all its appointments, beautiful for situation
and attractive ... we find him gathering all the elders of Jerusalem and Judah ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xiv prayer and the house.htm

"Thy King Cometh"
... sight of Jerusalem that pierced the heart of Jesus"Jerusalem that had ... God had made
their temple His habitation; it was "beautiful for situation, the joy ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 63 thy king cometh.htm

The Great Suit: Jehovah Versus Judah
... of pity sounds very clearly in the pathetic description of the deserted 'daughter
of Zion.' Jerusalem stands forlorn ... Once 'beautiful for situation, the joy ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the great suit jehovah versus.htm

Heavenly Worship
... Sion upon earth, but Mount Sion which is above, "Jerusalem, the mother ... triumph of
faith, Solomon built a majestic temple, "beautiful for situation and the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/heavenly worship.htm