Jerusalem: The Holy City of God

Jerusalem, the eternal capital of Israel, stands as one of the most significant and contested cities in human history. Sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, this ancient city has been the centre of faith, conflict, and divine prophecy for over three millennia.

Historical Significance

This very old city, considered sacred by Jews, Christians and Muslims is currently the centre of much dispute. David captured the fortress of Zion, the City of David and established it as the capital of the United Kingdom of Israel about 1000 BC (2 Sam 5:6-9). It was here Solomon, his son, built the first temple. God declared, "It is the city I have chosen for my name to be exalted" (1 Kgs 11:36).

A hotly contested piece of real estate

The city has been besieged numerous times and destroyed twice: by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC (2 Kgs 25:8-10), then again in 70 AD. Although they claim it, Muslims have no legitimate claim to Jerusalem (Neh 2:19-20).

Geography and Key Locations

The city which is around 760 m above sea level has several hills and is protected on three sides by natural valleys. Significant places of interest include: the Temple Mount, the Western (Wailing) Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Dome of the Rock, al-Aqsa Mosque.

In the Old Testament Zion is used as a name for Jerusalem, the land of Judah, and the nation of Israel as a whole (Isa 40:9; Jer 31:12; Zech 9:13). In the New Testament Zion refers to God's spiritual Kingdom (Heb 12:22; 1 Pet 2:6).

As a geographical area, the day is coming when Zion will be solely the Lord's and the city and nation will be restored (Isa 52:1, 60:14). Mount Zion is the highest hill in the ancient city, located on the SW side of the city. It rises some 150 m above its surroundings. (Previously Mount Zion referred to what is now called the Temple Mount). The Mount of Olives (to the E), was where Jesus often prayed, and it was here He was betrayed in the garden of Gethsemane on the night before His crucifixion.

Biblical Prophecy and Future Hope

The Bible says, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Ps 122:6-9). This will result in our being blessed too, as God promises He will "bless those who bless you [the descendants of Abraham] and curse those who curse you" (Gen 12:3).

Israel and Jerusalem are places of significance in the closing stages of the 'last days' in which we are currently living. The Lord will return to earth on the Mount of Olives situated just east of Jerusalem (Zech 14:2-5).

Jerusalem (New)

The future dwelling place of all God's children. Also called the City of God, the Holy City, the Tabernacle of God, the Celestial City and the Heavenly Jerusalem, it is literally 'heaven on earth' as it comes down out of heaven to a renewed earth (Rev 3:12, 21:1-2). The word 'new' refers to new in quality, renovated from the decay, disease and sin of the past and not new in existence. This is similar to our bodies, they are not discarded but transformed by God's power. This majestic Holy City where God resides is a 1400 mile (2,200 km) cube, into which only those who repent and are truly born-again, with their names recorded in the book of life, will enter (Heb 11:10, 12:22-24; Rev 21:1-22:5).

Reflection and Application:

Pray regularly for the peace of Jerusalem and its people.
Understand God's enduring covenant with Israel and His chosen people.
Recognise Jerusalem's central role in biblical prophecy and end-times events.
Stand with Israel and bless the Jewish people as commanded in Scripture.

See also: end times , Israel, mountain, New Jerusalem.