Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Joy of the Whole Earth

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem, often referred to as the "Joy of the Whole Earth," holds a central place in biblical history and theology. This ancient city, located in the heart of the land of Israel, is revered as a sacred site by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Its significance is deeply rooted in its biblical heritage, serving as a focal point for God's covenantal promises and redemptive plan.

Biblical Significance

Jerusalem is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who blessed Abram (Genesis 14:18). The city's prominence grows as it becomes the political and spiritual center of Israel under King David, who captures it from the Jebusites and establishes it as the capital (2 Samuel 5:6-9). David's son, Solomon, builds the First Temple there, making Jerusalem the religious heart of the nation (1 Kings 6).

The psalmist exclaims, "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain. Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the peaks of Zaphon, is Mount Zion, the city of the great King" (Psalm 48:1-2). This passage highlights Jerusalem's beauty and its role as a source of joy and divine presence.

Prophetic and Messianic Themes

Jerusalem is central to the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The prophets often speak of its future glory and restoration. Isaiah envisions a time when "the LORD of Hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before His elders with great glory" (Isaiah 24:23). Similarly, Zechariah prophesies that Jerusalem will be a city of truth and holiness (Zechariah 8:3).

The city is also intricately linked to messianic expectations. The prophet Zechariah foretells the coming of a humble king riding on a donkey, a prophecy fulfilled by Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5). Jerusalem is the setting for Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, pivotal events in Christian theology that underscore the city's redemptive significance.

Eschatological Role

In eschatological visions, Jerusalem is depicted as the center of God's final plan for humanity. The Book of Revelation describes a new Jerusalem descending from heaven, a place where God will dwell with His people, wiping away every tear and abolishing death (Revelation 21:2-4). This vision encapsulates the ultimate fulfillment of Jerusalem as the "Joy of the Whole Earth," a place of eternal peace and divine presence.

Cultural and Religious Impact

Throughout history, Jerusalem has been a symbol of hope, faith, and divine promise. It has been the destination of pilgrimages, the subject of countless hymns and prayers, and a focal point of religious devotion. The city's enduring legacy is reflected in its continued significance in contemporary religious and geopolitical contexts.

In summary, Jerusalem's designation as the "Joy of the Whole Earth" is deeply embedded in its biblical narrative, prophetic promises, and eschatological hope. It stands as a testament to God's enduring covenant with His people and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 48:2
Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Lamentations 2:15
All that pass by clap their hands at you; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that men call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... From the crest of Olivet, Jesus looked upon Jerusalem. ... ages before, the royal minstrel
sung, "Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... From the crest of Olivet, Jesus looked upon Jerusalem. ... ages before, the royal minstrel
sang: "Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

He Contends that These Testimonies Already Alleged Cannot be ...
... it is said, "will show to the whole earth that is ... them, but they shall find in it
joy and exultation ... Lord's disciple, says that the new Jerusalem above shall ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxv he contends that these.htm

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
... and the whole city is stirred, the whole uproar begins ... bedridden woman in the back
streets of Jerusalem, that sat ... from that hour to rejoice with joy unspeakable ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the triumphal entry into jerusalem.htm

A Song of Deliverance
... Beautiful for situation (or rather elevation), the joy of the whole earth, is mount ...
The Jew's glory in Jerusalem was a different thing altogether from the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a song of deliverance.htm

Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So ...
... For it is that one of his sons who speaks who is king, and in Jerusalem, the city
of God's choice, the beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth. ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter i perhaps there is.htm

The Parts of the City. Sion. The Upper City: which was on the ...
... 48:2: "The joy of the whole earth is mount Sion, on the north side." Where Aben
Ezra hath this note; "Mount Sion is on the north side of Jerusalem": and Lyranus ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 22 the parts of.htm

"Thy King Cometh"
... sight of Jerusalem that pierced the heart of Jesus"Jerusalem that had ... His habitation;
it was "beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth." Ps.48:2 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 63 thy king cometh.htm

He Fortifies his Opinions with Regard to the Temporal and Earthly ...
... He will cause thee to pass over the whole earth, and feed ... he say the same thing:
"Behold, I make Jerusalem a rejoicing, and my people [a joy]; for the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiv he fortifies his opinions.htm

The Controversy Ended.
... and honor into it."(1187) Saith the Lord, "I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy
in My ... of the Lamb, the sacred ties that bind together "the whole family in ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /42 the controversy ended.htm