Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Called: Faithful City

◄ Jerusalem: Called: Faithful City ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem holds a significant place in biblical history and theology, often referred to by various names and titles that reflect its spiritual and historical importance. One such title is the "Faithful City," which underscores its intended role as a center of faithfulness to God and His covenant.

Biblical References:

The title "Faithful City" is notably found in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 1:26, the prophet speaks of a future restoration for Jerusalem, saying, "I will restore your judges as at first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City." . This passage highlights a prophetic vision where Jerusalem, despite its periods of unfaithfulness, will be restored to its intended state of righteousness and faithfulness.

Historical Context:

Throughout the Old Testament, Jerusalem is depicted as the spiritual and political heart of Israel. It is the city where King David established his throne and where Solomon built the Temple, the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. However, the city's history is also marked by periods of rebellion and idolatry, leading to divine judgment and exile.

Theological Significance:

The designation of Jerusalem as the "Faithful City" carries deep theological implications. It reflects God's enduring commitment to His covenant with Israel and His desire for Jerusalem to be a beacon of faithfulness and justice. The prophetic promise of restoration in Isaiah points to a future hope where Jerusalem will embody the ideals of righteousness and faithfulness, serving as a model for the nations.

Prophetic Fulfillment:

The concept of Jerusalem as the "Faithful City" is not only a historical aspiration but also a prophetic vision that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the eschatological hope of the New Jerusalem. In Revelation 21:2, John describes the New Jerusalem as "coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." This imagery signifies the complete and eternal faithfulness of God's people, united with Him in perfect harmony.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:

For believers, the title "Faithful City" serves as a reminder of the call to faithfulness in their own lives. Just as Jerusalem is called to return to its foundational principles of justice and righteousness, Christians are encouraged to live in a manner that reflects their commitment to God's covenant. The transformation of Jerusalem into the "Faithful City" is a powerful metaphor for personal and communal renewal through God's grace.

In summary, Jerusalem's designation as the "Faithful City" encapsulates a profound biblical theme of restoration, covenant faithfulness, and eschatological hope, serving as an enduring symbol of God's redemptive plan for His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 1:21,26
How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Matt. I. 22, 23
... of righteousness, the faithful city Sion." [233] And yet we nowhere find that the
city was called "righteousness," but it continued to be called Jerusalem. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily v matt i 22.htm

Ciii. Zacch??us. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem.
... that there must be patient waiting and faithful work before ... for the crowning of Jesus
at Jerusalem, but he ... to ascend into that far country called heaven and ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/ciii zacchaeus parable of the.htm

The Coming of the King to his Palace
... be expected; and that the crowds going to Jerusalem were met ... that once He should
enter the city as its ... horse, and He that sat thereon, called Faithful and True ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the coming of the king.htm

Abraham --The Father of the Faithful.
... to the high place, where the city of Jerusalem was afterward ... He was called a Prince
of God by the Canaanites because he lived a true, faithful life. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter iii abrahamthe father of.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... of Jerusalem (Zechariah 8:3), he saith, moreover, that Jerusalem shall be called
a city of truth, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the holy mountain. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Coming of Christ. Ch. 21:5-38
... who in all ages have been faithful in their ... be "accomplished" refers to the destruction
of Jerusalem regarded as ... lodged in the mount that was called Olivet.38 ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/i the destruction of jerusalem.htm

England's Strength
... mercy of the same God who delivered Jerusalem from the ... at the beginning, that we
may be called, 'The city of righteousness, the faithful city.' True, we ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xiv englands strength.htm

The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem.
... have we of deliverance by thus continuing faithful to such ... 6. sect.3. Thus also the
Jews called the Roman ... Mount of Olives, on the east of Jerusalem, at about ...
/.../chapter 13 the great slaughters.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, (which cometh ...
Having remained true to Him who "was called Faithful and True" (19:11 ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

Of Jesus, God and Man; and the Testimonies of the Prophets ...
... the city which he called from his own name, Jerusalem. ... of the men who believe on
Him, and are called faithful. ... it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xiii of jesus god and.htm