Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Called: A City not Forsaken

◄ Jerusalem: Called: A City not Forsaken ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical history and theology, often depicted as a city of profound spiritual significance. It is frequently referred to as "A City Not Forsaken," a title that underscores its enduring importance in God's redemptive plan and His unwavering commitment to His people.

Biblical References:

The phrase "A City Not Forsaken" is derived from the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 62:12 , the prophet declares, "And they will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken." This passage highlights God's promise of restoration and His eternal covenant with Jerusalem, portraying the city as a symbol of hope and divine favor.

Historical and Theological Context:

Jerusalem's significance is rooted in its role as the political and spiritual center of ancient Israel. It was established as the capital by King David and became the site of Solomon's Temple, the central place of worship for the Israelites. Throughout the biblical narrative, Jerusalem is depicted as the dwelling place of God, where His presence is uniquely manifest.

Despite periods of conquest and destruction, such as the Babylonian exile, the prophetic literature consistently affirms that Jerusalem will not be abandoned by God. The promise of restoration and renewal is a recurring theme, emphasizing that Jerusalem will ultimately be a place of peace and divine blessing.

Symbolism and Prophetic Vision:

Jerusalem's designation as "A City Not Forsaken" carries profound symbolic meaning. It represents God's faithfulness and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. The city is often portrayed as a bride adorned for her husband, reflecting the intimate relationship between God and His people. In Isaiah 62:4 , it is written, "No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land named Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be His bride."

This imagery is further expanded in the New Testament, where Jerusalem is seen as a foreshadowing of the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, described in Revelation 21. This eschatological vision underscores the ultimate redemption and restoration of God's creation, with Jerusalem as a central motif.

Contemporary Relevance:

For believers today, Jerusalem remains a powerful symbol of God's enduring promises and His plan for salvation. It serves as a reminder of the hope and assurance found in God's unchanging nature. The city's historical and spiritual legacy continues to inspire faith and devotion, as it embodies the reality of God's presence and His commitment to His people throughout history.

In summary, Jerusalem, as "A City Not Forsaken," encapsulates the themes of divine faithfulness, restoration, and hope. It stands as a testament to God's unwavering love and His ultimate purpose for humanity, as revealed through the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 62:12
And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and you shall be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... so show itself at this day in this city, and shall ... sake will I not hold my peace,
and for Jerusalem's sake I ... all kings thy glory; and thou shalt be called by a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

The New Jerusalem.
... high mountain, and shewed me the holy city Jerusalem, descending out ... the millennium,
when those who are called to the ... and they shall call thee, The city of the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... say of Mount Sion, as alone properly called the city ... David, Josephus applies to the
whole city Jerusalem, though including ... by what authority we do not now know ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Holy Spirit is that Large River by which the Mystical ...
... is that large river by which the mystical Jerusalem is watered ... that not only is the
Holy Spirit called Water, but ... stream of the river makes glad the city of God ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xvi the holy spirit.htm

Psalm LIX.
... Hen, saying in the Holy Scripture, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often ... Jews are not
admitted into their city, and yet ... have become Romans and all are called Romans ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lix.htm

Of the Nature of the First Days, which are Said to have had ...
... we read, separated it from the darkness, and called the light ... of holy angels and
blessed spirits, the city of which the apostle says, "Jerusalem which is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 7 of the nature of.htm

The Council of Jerusalem.
... "For Moses of old hath in every city them that ... Jews; and, after the destruction of
Jerusalem, the observance ... is fulfilled, "Mine house shall be called an house ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xvi the council of.htm

Letter cxi. (November, AD 409. )
... for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Thy ... not, for Thine
own sake, O my God; for Thy city and Thy people are called by Thy name ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxi november a d 409.htm

Jesus' Last Journey to Jerusalem.
... again and hear the voice that called me from ... hands in grief and cried, "O Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, O that ... his disciples, excepting Judas, passed on to the city. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter ii jesus last journey.htm

Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella.
... John long after the Lord's passion, yet in it he speaks of Jerusalem as the holy
city. ... It is no answer to say that the Jerusalem which is called holy is ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xlvi paula and eustochium.htm