Topical Encyclopedia
Jerusalem, one of the most significant cities in biblical history, was originally known as Jebusi or Jebus. This ancient city was inhabited by the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe, before its conquest by the Israelites. The Jebusites are first mentioned in the Table of Nations in
Genesis 10:16, where they are listed among the descendants of Canaan.
Jebusite Inhabitance and CharacteristicsThe Jebusites were known for their fortified city, which was strategically located in the hill country of Judah. The city of Jebus is described as a stronghold, making it a formidable challenge for any invading force. In
Joshua 15:63, the text notes, "But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem. So to this day, the Jebusites live there among the descendants of Judah."
Conquest by King DavidThe city remained under Jebusite control until the time of King David. In
2 Samuel 5:6-7, the narrative recounts David's conquest of the city: "Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. And the Jebusites said to David, 'You will never get in here; even the blind and lame can repel you,' thinking, 'David cannot get in here.' Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)." This pivotal event marked the beginning of Jerusalem's central role in the history of Israel.
Significance in Israelite WorshipFollowing its capture, Jerusalem became the political and spiritual center of Israel. David established his capital there, and it was in Jerusalem that Solomon, David's son, built the First Temple, as described in
1 Kings 6. The city's elevation to a religious epicenter fulfilled the divine promise of a chosen place for God's name to dwell, as anticipated in
Deuteronomy 12:5.
Symbolism and Prophetic ImportanceJerusalem holds profound symbolic and prophetic significance throughout the Scriptures. It is often depicted as the city of God, a place of divine presence and future hope. In
Psalm 48:1-2, 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 all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King."
Eschatological VisionThe prophetic literature of the Old Testament frequently envisions a future restoration and glorification of Jerusalem.
Isaiah 2:2-3 prophesies, "In the last days, the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. And many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.' For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem."
ConclusionJerusalem's transformation from the ancient Jebusite stronghold to the heart of Israelite worship and prophecy underscores its enduring significance in biblical history. As the city of David and the site of the Temple, Jerusalem remains a focal point of faith, hope, and divine promise throughout the biblical narrative.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Joshua 15:8And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom to the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:
Torrey's Topical TextbookJoshua 18:28
And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Judges 19:10
But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and departed, and came over against Jebus, which is Jerusalem; and there were with him two asses saddled, his concubine also was with him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Resources
What is the significance of the city of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgShould Jerusalem be the capital of modern-day Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the daughters of Jerusalem in Song of Solomon? | GotQuestions.orgJerusalem: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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