Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Called: City of God

◄ Jerusalem: Called: City of God ►

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Introduction

Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical history and theology, often referred to as the "City of God." This designation underscores its spiritual significance and its role as a focal point of God's interaction with His people. Throughout the Scriptures, Jerusalem is depicted as a city chosen by God, a place of divine presence, and a symbol of God's covenantal promises.

Biblical References

1. Chosen by God: Jerusalem is frequently highlighted as the city chosen by God for His dwelling. In 1 Kings 11:36, God declares, "I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David may always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to put My Name." This choice signifies God's special relationship with Jerusalem, setting it apart as a sacred space.

2. The City of David: Jerusalem is also known as the City of David, reflecting its establishment as the political and spiritual center of Israel under King David. In 2 Samuel 5:7, it is recorded, "Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)." This conquest marked the beginning of Jerusalem's prominence in Israel's history.

3. The Temple and God's Presence: The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem by Solomon further solidified its status as the City of God. In 2 Chronicles 6:6, God states, "But I have chosen Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel." The Temple became the dwelling place of God's presence, where sacrifices and worship were central to Israel's religious life.

4. Prophetic Significance: Jerusalem is frequently mentioned in the prophetic literature as a city of future hope and restoration. In Isaiah 2:3, the prophet envisions a time when "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. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.' For the law will go out from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem."

5. Symbol of God's Kingdom: In the New Testament, Jerusalem continues to hold symbolic significance as the center of God's kingdom. In Revelation 21:2, John describes his vision: "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." This imagery portrays Jerusalem as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Theological Themes

1. Covenant and Promise: Jerusalem is a testament to God's covenantal faithfulness. It serves as a reminder of His promises to Abraham, David, and the nation of Israel. The city's history is intertwined with God's unfolding plan of salvation, culminating in the coming of the Messiah.

2. Worship and Sacrifice: As the location of the Temple, Jerusalem was the heart of Israel's worship and sacrificial system. It was here that the people of God gathered for feasts and festivals, offering sacrifices and seeking atonement for sin. This centrality of worship underscores Jerusalem's role as a spiritual hub.

3. Judgment and Restoration: The prophets often spoke of Jerusalem in terms of judgment and restoration. The city's destruction and subsequent rebuilding serve as a metaphor for God's discipline and mercy. Jerusalem's account is one of both warning and hope, reflecting the broader narrative of redemption.

4. Eschatological Hope: Jerusalem is a symbol of eschatological hope, representing the ultimate realization of God's kingdom. The vision of a new Jerusalem in Revelation points to a future where God's presence is fully realized, and His people dwell in eternal peace and righteousness.

Conclusion

Jerusalem, as the City of God, occupies a unique place in biblical theology. Its historical, spiritual, and prophetic significance makes it a focal point of God's redemptive work throughout Scripture. As believers reflect on Jerusalem's role, they are reminded of God's faithfulness, the centrality of worship, and the hope of a future where God's kingdom is fully established.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 46:4
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 48:1
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken ...
... for such he really was; on which account he was [there] the first priest of God,
and first built a temple [there], and called the city Jerusalem, which was ...
/.../chapter 10 that whereas the.htm

Jerusalem Made the Capital City
... David and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the people of the land
who had ... He also built a wall around it, and called it the City of David. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jerusalem made the capital city.htm

The Sixth
... God," what will be the glories of that city which "cometh ... will be the blessing of
Zion and Jerusalem when, as ... the promise is given, "Thou shalt be called by a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth.htm

He Contends that These Testimonies Already Alleged Cannot be ...
... were sent into the lake of fire, the second death." [4775] Now this is what is called
Gehenna, which ... And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxv he contends that these.htm

The History after the Flood.
... This was the first priest of all priests [614] of the Most High God; and from
him the above-named city Hierosolyma was called Jerusalem. ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xxxi the history after the.htm

The City Without Walls
... vision of the manner of city that Jerusalem was to be ... or impolicy of Established
Churches, as they are called. ... building of the actual walls of the actual city. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the city without walls.htm

On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ...
... And Jud??a is called Lebanon, because of its situation near that mountain ... and its
roots were under him." [1773] Here he calls the city of Jerusalem [1774] a ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xix on the sunday.htm

Psalm LXXXVII.
... are upon the holy hills, a city called Sion, whose ... which he presently speaketh, that
Heavenly Jerusalem, of which ... the structure of so great a city: yet whereon ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxvii.htm

The Promises Addressed to Jerusalem in the Prophets Refer to the ...
... shalt thou be built." And a little further on, to the same Jerusalem: [5132] "And ...
thee shall come to thee in fear; and thou shalt be called the city of the ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/26 the promises addressed to.htm

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