Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Princess Among the Provinces

◄ Jerusalem: Princess Among the Provinces ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem, often referred to as the "Princess Among the Provinces," holds a central place in biblical history and theology. This title, derived from Lamentations 1:1, reflects both the city's former glory and its subsequent desolation. The verse poignantly states, "How lonely lies the city, once so full of people! She who was great among the nations has become like a widow. The princess among the provinces has become a slave."

Historical Significance

Jerusalem's significance is deeply rooted in its role as the political and spiritual heart of ancient Israel. King David established it as the capital around 1000 BC, and his son Solomon built the First Temple there, making it the center of Jewish worship. The city's strategic location and its status as a religious hub made it a focal point for various empires throughout history, including the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans.

Spiritual and Theological Importance

Jerusalem is not only a historical city but also a symbol of God's covenant with His people. It is frequently mentioned in the Bible as the place where God chose to establish His name. In 2 Chronicles 6:6, God declares, "But I have chosen Jerusalem that My name might be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel." This divine selection underscores the city's spiritual significance.

The prophets often spoke of Jerusalem's future restoration and glory. Isaiah 62:1-2 proclaims, "For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory." These prophecies highlight the hope of redemption and restoration for Jerusalem.

Jerusalem in Lamentations

The Book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, mourns the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The city's fall is depicted as a profound tragedy, with its former splendor contrasted against its current desolation. Lamentations 1:1 captures this sorrowful transformation, emphasizing the city's loss of status and autonomy.

Symbolism and Prophecy

Jerusalem is often used symbolically in Scripture to represent the people of God and their relationship with Him. In the New Testament, Jerusalem is both a literal city and a metaphor for the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, described in Revelation 21. This eschatological vision portrays a restored and glorified city, where God dwells with His people, fulfilling His promises of eternal peace and righteousness.

Modern Relevance

Today, Jerusalem remains a city of profound religious significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Its complex history and spiritual legacy continue to influence theological discussions and geopolitical dynamics. For Christians, Jerusalem is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the hope of ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, who, according to the Gospels, was crucified and resurrected in this sacred city.

In summary, Jerusalem as the "Princess Among the Provinces" encapsulates the city's historical grandeur, spiritual significance, and prophetic destiny. Its account is one of glory, judgment, and hope, reflecting the broader narrative of God's redemptive 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

Carried Captive into Babylon
... At the time of the final overthrow of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, many had ... she that
was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 37 carried captive into.htm

the life of constantine
... 2. Constantine the Son of a British Princess. ... the Church of our Saviour, the New
Jerusalem prophesied of ... on the Discovery of Prohibited Books among the Heretics ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/the life of constantine/

Saint Helena and the Time of Constantine
... the imperial throne, and to attain preeminence among such competitors ... went to
Jerusalem... ... reembarked for Rome, taking with them the princess as Constantine's ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iv saint helena and the.htm

Cyrus.
... of a Persian king and Median princess, and had ... earnestly did he pray, looking towards
Jerusalem, as Solomon ... again God's power might be known among the heathen ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xii cyrus.htm

The Later Hebrew Histories.
... man who was high priest when Nehemiah came to Jerusalem. ... hundred in the palace of
Shushan,"among whom are ... be supposed that this fair Jewish princess would be ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vi the later hebrew.htm

Eusebius: Constantine. General Index.
... Chastity, esteem among Christians, [3227]492. ... by Constantius, [3796]412; visit to
Jerusalem, [3797]419 ... and, [3801]441; (mythical) a British princess, [3802]441 ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/eusebius constantine general index.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... nor whether the god granted the hand of the princess to her ... back to their homes,
and those who had been dispersed among distant provinces were supplied ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Holy See and the Wandering of the Nations.
... the triumph of the heavenly Jerusalem is clearly ... violent repulsion and perpetual
warfare among themselves, in ... had married the Frankish princess Jugundis, for ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter i the holy see.htm

Farewell
... sweetheart, who afterwards became his wife and princess of Greece ... he was going as
a brother among members of ... my mind, I made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, in order ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter i farewell.htm

The French Reformation.
... finding shelter in the forests and among the rocky ... forbidden by the papal dignitaries,
the princess threw open ... her false teachers, Paris, like Jerusalem of old ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /12 the french reformation.htm