Topical Encyclopedia
Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical history and theology, often referred to as the "City of the Lord." This designation underscores its spiritual significance and its role as a focal point of God's interaction with His people.
Biblical SignificanceJerusalem is first mentioned in the context of Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who blessed Abram (
Genesis 14:18). The city later becomes the political and spiritual center of Israel under King David, who captures it from the Jebusites and establishes it as the capital (
2 Samuel 5:6-7). David's son, Solomon, builds the First Temple there, solidifying its status as the religious heart of the nation (1 Kings 6).
City of the LordThe title "City of the Lord" is explicitly mentioned in
Isaiah 60:14 : "The sons of your oppressors will come and bow down to you; all who reviled you will fall facedown at your feet and call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel." This passage highlights Jerusalem's future glory and restoration, emphasizing its divine election and sanctity.
Prophetic and Eschatological RoleJerusalem is central to biblical prophecy and eschatology. The prophets frequently speak of its future restoration and glory.
Zechariah 8:3 states, "This is what the LORD says: 'I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.'" This reflects the belief that Jerusalem will be the epicenter of God's kingdom on earth.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, Jerusalem remains significant as the site of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. It is also where the early church is established, marking the beginning of the Christian mission (Acts 1-2). Jesus' lament over Jerusalem in
Matthew 23:37 reveals His deep connection to the city: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!"
Symbolic and Theological ThemesJerusalem symbolizes God's presence and His covenant with His people. It is often depicted as a bride or a mother, representing the intimate relationship between God and His chosen city. In
Revelation 21:2 , the New Jerusalem is described as "coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband," signifying the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.
ConclusionJerusalem, as the "City of the Lord," is a profound symbol of divine promise, judgment, and redemption. Its historical and theological significance continues to resonate throughout Scripture, embodying the hope of God's eternal kingdom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 60:14The sons also of them that afflicted you shall come bending to you; and all they that despised you shall bow themselves down at the soles of your feet; and they shall call you; The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
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 millennium, when
those who are called to the ... which is the light of the city, is explained ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.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
Psalm CXXXVII.
... to God in prayer against the enemies of that city. ... Edom is the same who is also called
Esau: for ... these the Psalmist, looking back to Jerusalem, and beseeching ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxvii.htm
The Parts of the City. Sion. The Upper City: which was on the ...
... of the mountains': whence we learn that Jerusalem was seated ... hills, that, which
contained the Upper City was by ... was very well fortified, it was called by king ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 22 the parts of.htm
Of the Man Sick of the Palsy to whom the Lord Said, "Thy Sins are ...
... town of Galilee, and Jud??a, and Jerusalem: and the ... incident as taking place in the
Lord's city; [914] while ... Galilee itself might have been called Christ's city ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxv of the man sick.htm
Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella.
... Lord was crucified?" [977] If the great city where the Lord was crucified is Jerusalem,
and if the place of His crucifixion is spiritually called Sodom and ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xlvi paula and eustochium.htm
How Titus Marched to Jerusalem, and How He was in Danger as He was ...
... orders to encamp at the distance of six furlongs from Jerusalem, at the mount called
the Mount ... that they could not fly directly to the city, but declined ...
/.../chapter 2 how titus marched.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. ... Except the Lord keep the city, the watchers watch ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the city without walls.htm
The Redeemed on Mount Zion.
... The Lamb is shown by the connection to be Christ,"here called by one ... The names of
Mount Zion, and Jerusalem, were both used to denote the city which the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the redeemed on mount zion.htm
Resources
What is the significance of the city of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgShould Jerusalem be the capital of modern-day Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the daughters of Jerusalem in Song of Solomon? | GotQuestions.orgJerusalem: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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