Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Full of Business and Tumult

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Jerusalem, a city of profound historical and spiritual significance, is often depicted in the Bible as a center of religious, political, and economic activity. Its bustling nature and frequent upheavals are captured in various scriptural references, highlighting its role as a focal point of both divine purpose and human conflict.

Historical and Religious Significance

Jerusalem is first mentioned in the context of Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who blessed Abram (Genesis 14:18). It later became the political and spiritual capital of Israel under King David, who captured the city from the Jebusites and established it as the center of his kingdom (2 Samuel 5:6-9). David's son, Solomon, further elevated Jerusalem's status by building the First Temple, a magnificent edifice that became the heart of Jewish worship (1 Kings 6:1-38).

A City of Business

Jerusalem's strategic location made it a hub of commerce and trade. The city's economy thrived on the influx of pilgrims and traders, especially during religious festivals. The prophet Ezekiel highlights Jerusalem's commercial prosperity, describing it as a city that "multiplied your merchants more than the stars of heaven" (Ezekiel 27:23-24). The city's markets were bustling with activity, as people from various regions came to buy and sell goods.

Tumult and Conflict

Despite its religious significance, Jerusalem has been a city marked by conflict and turmoil. The prophet Isaiah lamented the city's moral and social decay, stating, "Your city is full of rebellion, a house of murderers" (Isaiah 1:21). The city's history is replete with sieges and conquests, from the Babylonian destruction of the First Temple in 586 BC to the Roman siege in AD 70, which led to the destruction of the Second Temple.

Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," witnessed the city's downfall and expressed his sorrow: "How lonely lies the city, once so full of people! She who was great among the nations has become like a widow" (Lamentations 1:1). This lament captures the desolation and chaos that often befell Jerusalem due to its inhabitants' disobedience to God.

Prophetic Visions and Future Hope

Despite its tumultuous past, Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical prophecy and eschatology. The prophets foresaw a time when the city would be restored and exalted. Zechariah prophesied, "Jerusalem will be inhabited without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock within it" (Zechariah 2:4). This vision points to a future era of peace and prosperity, where Jerusalem will be a beacon of divine presence and blessing.

The New Testament also speaks of a new Jerusalem, a heavenly city that represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. The Apostle John, in the book of Revelation, describes this vision: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth... I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God" (Revelation 21:1-2). This new Jerusalem symbolizes the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where His people will dwell with Him in eternal peace and glory.

Conclusion

Jerusalem, with its rich tapestry of history, commerce, and conflict, remains a city of profound significance in the biblical narrative. Its account is one of both divine judgment and hope, reflecting the broader themes of redemption and restoration that permeate the Scriptures.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 22:3
All your rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in you are bound together, which have fled from far.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Doing Glory to God in Pursuits of the World.
... to the desert, than to serve Baal and Ashtoreth in Jerusalem. ... to all lands," full
of business, and yet full too of ... be as holy in heart in active business as in ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xi doing glory to.htm

The Apostle of the Gentiles.
... At Jerusalem, a terrible tumult arose against him for ... much more disposed to amusement
than business, that St ... and writing three beautiful epistles, full of hope ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxii the apostle of.htm

Days of Toil and Trial
... had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After ... "They
were full of wrath ... the teaching and spread of the gospel the business of image ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 28 days of toil.htm

The Betrayal.
... Lord, since Titus, during the siege of Jerusalem, had all ... is in some respects fuller,
and is full of instruction ... he took upon him much of the business of that ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the betrayal.htm

The Tangled Web
... orderly ranks of soldiers, the simple business, the tranquil ... The whole hilly foreground
of Jerusalem was lifted like ... The air was full of footsteps; behind her ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xvii the tangled web.htm

The Young Titus
... Then she surveyed the girl and as a full conception of ... "Until he arrives in Jerusalem,"
Laodice assented ... her to wish to inquire for the girl's business with the ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter ix the young titus.htm

The Incredulous Disciples
... It is not my business here to discuss questions of ... The appearances in Jerusalem were
all within a week (if ... Matthew says that they were full of 'fear and great ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the incredulous disciples.htm

The End
... Jerusalem was now within a few years of her destruction ... to make him put off the most
important call of business. ... of their occupation; indeed, he was full of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stalker/the life of st paul/chapter x the end.htm

Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers.
... [Illustration: The entry into Jerusalem.]. ... and selling, haggling and bargaining were
in full swing in ... There is room enough outside the temple for your business. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter i jesus drives out.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
... Lake of Galilee, with snow-capped Hermon full in view ... of Christ's first public act
in Jerusalem: the purgation ... He was now about His Father's business, and, as ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the cleansing of.htm