Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Great

◄ Jerusalem: Great ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Jerusalem, often referred to as the "City of David" and the "Holy City," holds a central place in biblical history and theology. It is a city of profound spiritual significance, serving as the political and religious heart of ancient Israel and a focal point for God's covenantal promises. Its mention spans from the time of Abraham to the prophetic visions of the New Jerusalem in Revelation.

Historical Background

Jerusalem's earliest biblical mention is in Genesis 14:18, where Melchizedek, king of Salem, blesses Abram. The city's significance grows as it becomes the capital of King David's united kingdom. David captures the city from the Jebusites and establishes it as the political and spiritual center of Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Solomon, David's son, builds the First Temple, solidifying Jerusalem's role as the religious heart of the nation (1 Kings 6).

Religious Significance

Jerusalem is the site of the Temple, the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The Temple serves as the center of Jewish worship, where sacrifices and festivals are conducted according to the Law of Moses. The city's religious importance is underscored by its role in the major Jewish feasts, such as Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles.

The prophets frequently speak of Jerusalem, both as a place of divine judgment and as a symbol of hope and restoration. Isaiah envisions a future where "the mountain of the LORD’s house will be established as the chief of the mountains" (Isaiah 2:2). Jeremiah laments the city's destruction but also prophesies its restoration (Jeremiah 31:38-40).

Jerusalem in the New Testament

In the New Testament, Jerusalem is the setting for many pivotal events in the life of Jesus Christ. It is where He is presented at the Temple as a child (Luke 2:22-38), where He teaches and performs miracles, and where He enters triumphantly before His crucifixion (Matthew 21:1-11). The Last Supper, His trial, crucifixion, and resurrection all occur in or near Jerusalem.

The early church is born in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2. The apostles preach the gospel from this city, and it becomes the center of the early Christian movement. Jerusalem's significance continues in the eschatological visions of Revelation, where it is depicted as the New Jerusalem, descending from heaven as the eternal dwelling place of God with His people (Revelation 21:2).

Prophetic and Eschatological Role

Jerusalem holds a prominent place in biblical prophecy. The prophets speak of a time when nations will gather against the city, but God will intervene to establish His kingdom (Zechariah 14:2-4). The city is central to eschatological expectations, symbolizing God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

The New Jerusalem, as described in Revelation, represents the culmination of God's redemptive work. It is a city of peace and righteousness, where "the dwelling place of God is with man" (Revelation 21:3). This vision underscores Jerusalem's enduring significance as a symbol of God's covenantal faithfulness and the hope of eternal communion with Him.

Conclusion

Jerusalem's rich biblical history and theological importance make it a focal point of God's redemptive narrative. From its ancient roots to its eschatological promise, Jerusalem embodies the intersection of divine promise, human history, and future hope.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 22:8
And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbor, Why has the LORD done thus to this great city?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

5376. Philippos -- "horse-loving," Philip, two sons of Herod the ...
... original deacons at Jerusalem and a missionary. Word Origin from philos and hippos
Definition "horse-loving," Philip, two sons of Herod the Great, also two ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5376.htm - 7k

1067. geenna -- Gehenna, a valley W. and South of Jer., also a ...
... Gehenna, and originally the name of a valley or cavity near Jerusalem, a place ... Each
of the unredeemed receives one at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:11 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1067.htm - 7k

Library

The Jews Fight a Great Battle with Sabinus's Soldiers, and a Great ...
... CHAPTER 3. The Jews Fight A Great Battle With Sabinus's Soldiers, And A Great
Destruction Is Made At Jerusalem. 1. Now before Caesar ...
/.../chapter 3 the jews fight.htm

The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem.
... CHAPTER 13. The Great Slaughters And Sacrilege That Were In Jerusalem.
1. Accordingly Simon would not suffer Matthias, by whose ...
/.../chapter 13 the great slaughters.htm

How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ...
... Accordingly she came to Jerusalem with great splendor and rich furniture; for she
brought with her camels laden with gold, with several sorts of sweet spices ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how solomon fortified.htm

Erection of a Temple by Constantine the Great at Golgotha, in ...
... Book II. Chapter XXVI."Erection of a Temple by Constantine the Great at
Golgotha, in Jerusalem; its Dedication. The temple, [1192 ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xxvi erection of a temple.htm

Answer to Another Objection, Showing that the Destruction of ...
... Heresies: Book IV Chapter IV."Answer to another objection, showing that the destruction
of Jerusalem, which was the city of the great King, diminished ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter iv answer to another objection.htm

Overcoming Great Difficulties
... that day and rejoiced, for God had given them great cause for joy. The women and
children rejoiced, too, so that the cries of joy at Jerusalem were heard far ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/overcoming great difficulties.htm

A Prophet who Saved a Great City
... THE OLD TESTAMENT A PROPHET WHO SAVED A GREAT CITY. Once the king of Assyria
sent a high official with a great army to Jerusalem. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a prophet who saved a.htm

Jerusalem to Rome
... high honor and peace as the Great Apostle and Head of the Gentile churches. But
he seems to have felt it incumbent upon him to return to Jerusalem and testify ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study vi jerusalem to rome.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... The Roman Emperor could not overlook such rebellion and treachery, and
he sent a great army against Jerusalem. The Jews shut the ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter ix the destruction of.htm

Lectures of S. Cyril of Jerusalem
... Chapter X.--The Creed of Jerusalem: Doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Chapter XI.--S.
Cyril's Writings. ... Oration XXI. On The Great Athanasius, Bishop Of Alexandria. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/