Topical Bible: Jerusalem: The Ancient Salem

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Jerusalem, one of the most significant cities in biblical history, is often identified with the ancient city of Salem. The name "Jerusalem" is believed to mean "City of Peace," though its history has been marked by conflict and conquest. The earliest biblical reference to Salem is found in Genesis 14:18, where Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, meets Abram. This encounter is significant as Melchizedek blesses Abram and offers him bread and wine, prefiguring the priestly and kingly roles that would later be associated with Jerusalem.

The identification of Salem with Jerusalem is further supported by Psalm 76:2, which states, "His tent is in Salem, His dwelling place in Zion." This verse links Salem with Zion, a term often used synonymously with Jerusalem, particularly in the context of God's holy mountain and the spiritual center of Israel.

Jerusalem's significance is further highlighted in the narrative of King David, who captured the city from the Jebusites and established it as the capital of Israel. In 2 Samuel 5:6-7, the text recounts, "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.' Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)." This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Jerusalem's central role in the history of Israel.

David's son, Solomon, further elevated Jerusalem's status by building the First Temple, a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant. In 1 Kings 6:1, the construction of the temple is described: "In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD." The temple became the focal point of Jewish worship and the symbol of God's presence among His people.

Throughout the Old Testament, Jerusalem is depicted as the heart of the Jewish nation, both politically and spiritually. The prophets frequently spoke of Jerusalem, often lamenting its sins and foretelling its destruction, yet also promising its future restoration. For instance, Isaiah 2:3 proclaims, "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."

In the New Testament, Jerusalem remains central to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It is the city where Jesus was presented at the temple as a child (Luke 2:22-38), where He taught and performed miracles, and where He was crucified and resurrected. The early church was born in Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles during Pentecost.

Jerusalem's enduring significance is also eschatological, as it is envisioned in Revelation as the New Jerusalem, descending from heaven as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with His people. Revelation 21:2 describes, "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

Thus, Jerusalem, the ancient Salem, stands as a testament to God's covenantal faithfulness and His unfolding plan of salvation throughout history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 14:18
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 76:2
In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Journey to Jerusalem
... Jesus! what was that which drew Thee. To Jerusalem's ancient gate? Ah! ... Lord, as to
Jerusalem! Let each moment prove Thee dearer; ... Surely I have Salem's blessing! ...
/.../borthwick/hymns from the land of luther/the journey to jerusalem.htm

The New Jerusalem.
... and shewed me the holy city Jerusalem, descending out of ... Holy Shekineh illumined
the pathway of ancient Israel, the ... of the promise fill'd! See Salem built, the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.htm

That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken ...
... called the city Jerusalem, which was formerly called Salem. ... tribute, and send it
to Jerusalem; of which ... an eminent completion of God's ancient threatening by ...
/.../chapter 10 that whereas the.htm

Moses and his Writings
... 'Jeru-salem' means city of peace. So, as we see from these ancient letters, Jerusalem
was called the city of peace even in the days of Abraham. ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter iii moses and his.htm

Processionals
... the voice eternal [1979]519 Ancient of Days, who sittest ... I heard a sound of voices
[2003]543 Jerusalem! ... people [2043]508 Blessed city, heavenly Salem [2044]509 ...
/.../the hymnal of the protestant episcopal church in the usa/processionals.htm

Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella.
... For it is called first Jebus, then Salem, then Jerusalem: names of which the first
means "down-trodden ... Hymns Ancient and Modern, No. ... "Truly Jerusalem name we ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xlvi paula and eustochium.htm

The Congregationalists.
... Salem, 1861. ... of Congregational Usages and Principles according to Ancient and Modern ...
1588] sometimes a particular congregation at Jerusalem, Antioch, Corinth ...
/.../ 101 the congregationalists.htm

Of Jesus, God and Man; and the Testimonies of the Prophets ...
... David built a temple for God, and the city which he called from his own name, Jerusalem. ...
Some derive it from Jebus (the ancient name of the city) and Salem. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xiii of jesus god and.htm

Deliverance from Assyria
... not heard long ago how I have done it, and of ancient times that ... In Jerusalem the
hearts of the people were filled with holy joy ... In Salem also is His tabernacle ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 30 deliverance from assyria.htm

Index to First Lines
... of the cross (471) (508) [2212]488 Ancient of Days ... Jesus [2237]150 Blessed city,
heavenly Salem (400) [2238 ... 1874 The Hymnal, 1892 The Hymnal, 1916 J Jerusalem! ...
/.../index to first lines.htm