Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Comely

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Jerusalem, often referred to as the "City of David" and the "Holy City," holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. The term "comely" is used in Scripture to describe the beauty and splendor of Jerusalem, both in its physical appearance and its spiritual significance.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 48:2 : "Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King." This verse highlights the majestic beauty of Jerusalem, portraying it as a source of joy and a place of divine kingship.

2. Lamentations 2:15 : "All who pass by clap their hands at you; they scoff and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: 'Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth?'" Here, the lament over Jerusalem's destruction underscores its former beauty and the high regard in which it was held.

3. Isaiah 52:1 : "Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, O Zion; put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, holy city. For the uncircumcised and defiled will no longer enter you." This prophetic call to Jerusalem to adorn itself in splendor speaks to its intended glory and purity.

Theological Significance:

Jerusalem's comeliness is not merely an aesthetic attribute but is deeply tied to its role as the center of worship and the dwelling place of God among His people. The city's beauty is often symbolic of its spiritual significance and the divine presence that it represents.

Historical Context:

Throughout its history, Jerusalem has been a focal point for the Jewish people, serving as the location of the Temple, the center of religious life, and the seat of the Davidic monarchy. Its beauty and significance are celebrated in the Psalms and the prophetic literature, which often speak of its restoration and future glory.

Prophetic Vision:

The prophets frequently speak of a future Jerusalem that will surpass its former glory. In Isaiah 60:13 , it is written, "The glory of Lebanon will come to you—the cypress, the plane, and the pine together—to adorn the place of My sanctuary, and I will glorify the place of My feet." This vision of a restored and beautified Jerusalem points to the eschatological hope of a renewed creation where God dwells with His people.

Spiritual Application:

For believers, Jerusalem's comeliness serves as a reminder of the beauty of holiness and the call to live in a manner that reflects the glory of God. The city is a symbol of the heavenly Jerusalem, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with His people in a place of eternal beauty and peace.

In summary, Jerusalem's designation as "comely" in the Bible encompasses both its physical beauty and its profound spiritual significance as the city chosen by God, a place of divine encounter, and a symbol of hope for future restoration and glory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 6:4
You are beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

I am Black, but Comely, O Ye Daughters of Jerusalem, as the Tents ...
... COMMENTARY. CHAPTER I. 4. I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem,
as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/4 i am black but.htm

Thou Art Beautiful, O My Love, Sweet and Comely as Jerusalem ...
... CHAPTER VI. 3. Thou art beautiful, O my love, sweet and comely as Jerusalem,
terrible as an army set in array. The Bridegroom finding ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/3 thou art beautiful o.htm

Chapter i
... are better than wine, the upright love thee.5. I am black, but comely, O ye daughters
of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.4. I am ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter i.htm

The Washing Away of Sins is Indicated by the White Robes of the ...
... The Church, having put on these garments through the laver of regeneration, says
in the Song of Songs: "I am black and comely, O daughters of Jerusalem." [2872 ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vii the washing away.htm

His Throat is Most Sweet, Yea, He is Altogether Lovely. This is My ...
... the praise of some of the excellencies which seem to her most comely in the ... This
is He, O daughters of Jerusalem, who is possessed of all these rare beauties ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/16 his throat is most.htm

Song of Songs of Solomon
... among the lilies. 3. Thou art beautiful, O my love, sweet and comely as
Jerusalem, terrible as an army set in array. 4. Turn away ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/

That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the ...
... he compelled a great number of them to retire to Jerusalem; he followed ... were besmeared
over with ointments; and that they might appear very comely, they had ...
/.../chapter 9 that vespasian after.htm

Chapter vi.
... beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.2. 4. Thou art beautiful, O my love,
as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.3. Thou art ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter vi.htm

The Joy of Unbroken Communion
... These are the things that attract the attention of the daughters of Jerusalem, but
the bride is occupied with the King Himself ... And thy speech is comely, etc. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/union and communion/section iii the joy of.htm

Communion Again Broken --Restoration
... (the beautiful city of Samaria,). Comely as Jerusalem,. (the glorious city of the
great King,). Terrible (or rather brilliant) as an army with banners. ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section iv communion again brokenrestoration.htm