Topical Bible: Jerusalem: The Jews: Prayed Towards

◄ Jerusalem: The Jews: Prayed Towards ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem holds a central place in the religious life and history of the Jewish people, serving as the focal point of prayer and worship. The city is not only the political and spiritual capital of ancient Israel but also the site of the Holy Temple, which was the epicenter of Jewish worship and sacrifice.

Biblical Foundation

The practice of praying towards Jerusalem is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. King Solomon, during the dedication of the First Temple, implored God to hear the prayers of His people when they prayed towards this sacred site. In 1 Kings 8:29-30 , Solomon prays, "May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that You will hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place. Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place."

This passage underscores the significance of the Temple as the dwelling place of God's Name and the focal point for the prayers of the Israelites. The Temple in Jerusalem was seen as the earthly representation of God's presence, and thus, directing prayers towards it was an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and holiness.

Exilic and Post-Exilic Practice

The importance of praying towards Jerusalem continued even during the Babylonian exile. The prophet Daniel exemplifies this practice. Despite the decree against praying to any god or man except King Darius, Daniel maintained his devotion by praying three times a day with his windows open towards Jerusalem. Daniel 6:10 states, "Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before."

Daniel's commitment to praying towards Jerusalem, even in a foreign land, highlights the enduring connection between the Jewish people and their holy city. It reflects a deep-seated hope and longing for the restoration of Jerusalem and the Temple, which was eventually realized with the return from exile and the rebuilding of the Second Temple.

Liturgical Significance

In Jewish liturgical tradition, the practice of facing Jerusalem during prayer has been preserved and continues to be a vital aspect of Jewish worship. The Amidah, a central prayer in Jewish liturgy, is recited while facing Jerusalem, symbolizing the unity of the Jewish people and their shared spiritual heritage.

The direction of prayer towards Jerusalem serves as a constant reminder of the city's significance and the hope for the ultimate redemption and restoration of Israel. It is a testament to the enduring bond between the Jewish people and their historical and spiritual homeland, as well as their unwavering faith in God's promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 8:41
Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of your people Israel, but comes out of a far country for your name's sake;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem.
... Josephus supposes, in this his admirable speech to the Jews, that not Abraham only,
but Pharaoh king of Egypt, prayed towards a temple at Jerusalem, or towards ...
/.../chapter 13 the great slaughters.htm

How Aretas and Hyrcanus Made an Expedition against Aristobulus and ...
... was left desolate, and fled to Jerusalem; upon which ... pray against those." Whereupon
such wicked Jews as stood ... they had made were violated, they prayed to God ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how aretas and.htm

How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ...
... Whereupon he prayed to God to give him favor, and ... He also called together all the
people to Jerusalem, and stood in ... speech to them: "You know, O Jews, that God ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how xerxes the.htm

The Fear Felt by the Inhabitants of Jerusalem.
... o'clock when I was taken into Jerusalem to see ... The Temple was thronged with Jews,
who were intent on ... nevertheless, to his Heavenly Father, he prayed for his ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xliv the fear felt.htm

Concerning Jehoshaphat Again; How He Constituted Judges And,
The Antiquities of the Jews. ... When he had prayed thus, he fell into tears; and the
whole multitude ... when the king had brought his army back to Jerusalem, he betook ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 concerning jehoshaphat again.htm

How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ...
... Babylon, should be restored to the people of Jerusalem; and that ... and that they should
pay to the Jews, out of ... He also prayed to God against them, that if any ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how the temple.htm

How Manasseh Reigned after Hezekiah; and How when He was in ...
The Antiquities of the Jews. ... Accordingly, God heard his prayer, and granted him what
he prayed for ... ought to be, he took care of the security of Jerusalem: he did ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how manasseh reigned.htm

The Wall Rebuilt.
... hearing of the miserable state of Jerusalem, prayed with all ... many years; and most
of the Jews who were ... the three yearly pilgrimages to Jerusalem, singing, as ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiv the wall rebuilt.htm

Identity of Christ's Character.
... and who, whilst he was suspended upon the cross, prayed for his ... for he relates, that
on our Lord's first journey to Jerusalem, when the Jews asked him ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter iv identity of christs.htm

How Antipater was Hated by all the Nation [Of the Jews] For
... Antipater Was Hated By All The Nation [Of The Jews] For. ... hard fortune of his own
sons, he prayed that no ... Herod had also to wife Cleopatra of Jerusalem, and by ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how antipater was.htm