Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Called: Holy City

◄ Jerusalem: Called: Holy City ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem, often referred to as the "Holy City," holds a central place in biblical history and theology. Its significance is deeply rooted in its role as the spiritual and political heart of ancient Israel and its enduring legacy in Judeo-Christian tradition.

Biblical References:

Jerusalem is first mentioned in the context of Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who blessed Abram (Genesis 14:18). The city's holiness is emphasized throughout the Scriptures, particularly in its association with the presence of God and the Temple.

In the Psalms, Jerusalem is celebrated as the city of God: "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain" (Psalm 48:1). This verse highlights the city's divine selection and its status as a place of worship and reverence.

The prophet Isaiah frequently refers to Jerusalem as the "Holy City." In Isaiah 52:1, the call to awaken and clothe oneself in strength is directed to Jerusalem: "Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, O Zion; put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, the holy city." This passage underscores the city's sanctity and its future redemption.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Jerusalem's designation as the "Holy City" is intrinsically linked to its role as the site of the First and Second Temples. King Solomon constructed the First Temple, which became the central place of worship for the Israelites and the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant (1 Kings 6). The Temple's presence solidified Jerusalem's status as the spiritual center of Israel.

The destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians and the subsequent rebuilding of the Second Temple under Zerubbabel marked significant events in the city's history. Despite the Second Temple's destruction by the Romans in 70 AD, Jerusalem's spiritual significance endures.

In the New Testament, Jerusalem is pivotal in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It is the city where He was presented at the Temple as a child (Luke 2:22-38), where He taught and performed miracles, and where He was crucified and resurrected. Jesus' lament over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37 reflects 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."

Eschatological Role:

Jerusalem's role as the "Holy City" extends into eschatological visions. The Book of Revelation envisions a new Jerusalem descending from heaven, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of His eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:2). This new Jerusalem is described as a place of divine presence, where God will dwell with His people.

Conclusion:

Jerusalem's designation as the "Holy City" is a testament to its profound spiritual heritage and its central role in God's redemptive plan. Its historical and theological significance continues to inspire and shape the faith of believers worldwide.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nehemiah 11:1
And the rulers of the people dwelled at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 48:2
For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves on the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 4:5
Then the devil takes him up into the holy city, and sets him on a pinnacle of the temple,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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

Of the Times of Christ's Birth and Passion, and of Jerusalem's ...
... of a word for restoring and rebuilding Jerusalem unto the ... he says thus: "And the
city and the holy place to ... Then King Ochus (who is also called Cyrus) reigned ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter viii of the times of.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... A PALM-TREE STANDS FOR THE CITY OF JERUSALEM]. These explanations, all collected
together, are called 'The Talmud ... for copying any portion of the holy Books were ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter ix the destruction of.htm

That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken ...
... in the New Testament is always so called, and was ... some others about such a distance
from Jerusalem; which observation ... stood on the top of the holy house] with ...
/.../chapter 10 that whereas the.htm

How Pompey had the City of Jerusalem Delivered up to Him but Took ...
... were then under, as that their holy place, which ... a tribute upon the country, and
upon Jerusalem itself. ... Dora, and that which was anciently called Strato's Tower ...
/.../chapter 7 how pompey had.htm

The New Jerusalem.
... high mountain, and shewed me the holy city Jerusalem, descending out ... millennium,
when those who are called to the ... 2:9), so that as the Holy Shekineh illumined ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.htm

His Journey to Rome, Venice, Jerusalem, and the Holy Land
... Cyprus they went to another port called Salinae, ten ... the custom of that region, they
journeyed to Jerusalem. ... same devotion whenever he visited the holy places. ...
/.../loyola/the autobiography of st ignatius/chapter iv his journey to.htm

Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella.
... of Jerusalem as the holy city. But if so, how can he spiritually call it Sodom and
Egypt? It is no answer to say that the Jerusalem which is called holy is the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xlvi paula and eustochium.htm

Jerusalem
... Abraham called the place Jireh; Shem called it Shalem. ... Israelites to keep cocks in
Jerusalem" (the priests ... of creeping things; whence those holy things, which ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 21 jerusalem.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