Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Populous

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem, often referred to as the "City of David" and the "Holy City," holds a significant place in biblical history and prophecy. Its population has been a focal point in various biblical narratives, reflecting both its physical and spiritual importance.

Historical Context

Jerusalem's population has fluctuated throughout its history, influenced by periods of prosperity, conquest, and exile. In the time of King David, Jerusalem became the political and spiritual center of Israel. David captured the city from the Jebusites and established it as the capital (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Under King Solomon, Jerusalem's population likely increased as the city expanded and the First Temple was constructed, becoming a central place of worship (1 Kings 6).

Prophetic Significance

The prophets often spoke of Jerusalem's population in terms of both judgment and restoration. Isaiah prophesied about the city's future glory and its populous nature: "Your builders hasten back; those who laid you waste will depart from you. Lift up your eyes and look around; all your children gather and come to you" (Isaiah 49:17-18). This vision of a populous Jerusalem is echoed in the promises of restoration and divine favor.

Jeremiah also addressed the city's population, warning of the consequences of disobedience but also promising a future return: "I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. They will be My people, and I will be their God" (Jeremiah 32:37-38). This promise underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, with Jerusalem as the focal point.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, Jerusalem remains central to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. During the time of Jesus, Jerusalem was a bustling city, especially during the Jewish festivals when pilgrims from various regions would swell its population. The Gospels recount Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection. The city's populous nature is evident during events such as the Triumphal Entry, where crowds gathered to welcome Jesus (Matthew 21:8-9).

The Book of Acts highlights Jerusalem as the birthplace of the early Church. On the day of Pentecost, the city was filled with devout Jews from every nation, and about three thousand were added to the believers' number in a single day (Acts 2:41). This rapid growth reflects the city's role as a center for the spread of the Gospel.

Eschatological Vision

Revelation presents a vision of a new, heavenly Jerusalem, emphasizing its populous and glorious nature. John describes it as a city with no need for a temple, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple (Revelation 21:22). The imagery of a populous city is captured in the description of nations walking by its light and kings bringing their splendor into it (Revelation 21:24).

Throughout Scripture, Jerusalem's population serves as a symbol of God's presence, judgment, and ultimate restoration. Its history and prophetic future underscore its significance as a city chosen by God, central to His divine plan for humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Lamentations 1:1
How does the city sit solitary, that was full of people! how is she become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Conversion of Paul.
... his life. Jerusalem, populous as it was, furnished too narrow a range for
his impatient and indefatigable zeal. The havock which ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xii the conversion of.htm

The Description of Jerusalem.
... 1. The city of Jerusalem was fortified with three walls, on such parts as were not ...
had been all naked before; for as the city grew more populous, it gradually ...
/.../chapter 4 the description of.htm

Jericho Itself.
... hear of a priest and a Levite passing along in the parable of him, that travelled
between Jerusalem and Jericho, Luke 10:31,32. In so famous and populous a town ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 47 jericho itself.htm

Zechariah
... The third vision (ii.)"that of a young man with a measuring-rod"announces that
Jerusalem will be wide and populous, the exiles will return to it, and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/zechariah.htm

The Gospel Message in Antioch
... he went to Tarsus to seek for Paul, who, after his departure from Jerusalem some
time ... In the populous city of Antioch, Paul found an excellent field of labor. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 16 the gospel message.htm

Letter Lviii. To Paulinus.
... nothing is lacking to your faith although you have not seen Jerusalem and that ... the
Passion and of the Resurrection been elsewhere than in a populous city with ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lviii to paulinus.htm

Greek and Jew
... Westward the Tyropean Bridge spanned a deep, populous ravine. ... Rich, bold, strong,
beautiful, Jerusalem was at that hour, as viewed from the hill to the north ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter viii greek and jew.htm

The Fight with Wild Beasts at Ephesus
... The most populous cities were his favourite fields, and already his thoughts were
travelling ... He did go to Jerusalem, and he did see Rome, but the chain of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the fight with wild beasts.htm

A Meeting in the Desert
... who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to ... well wonder
why he should be taken away from successful work in a populous city, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a meeting in the desert.htm

The Woman of Samaria.
... A line drawn from Jerusalem to Nazareth would pass through the entire breadth of ...
Partly in locality I say, for "Palestine was ten times as populous in the days ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/ix the woman of samaria.htm