Jerusalem holds a special place in the Bible and in history. This ancient city is connected to many biblical events and promises. Today, we’ll see how Jerusalem is portrayed in Scripture and what it symbolizes in God’s plan.
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What Does The Bible Say About Jerusalem
Psalm 122:6
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.’”
This verse encourages believers to pray for the peace and security of Jerusalem. It highlights the importance of seeking God’s blessings and protection for this holy city.
Zechariah 8:3
“This is what the Lord says: ‘I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.’”
Here, the Lord promises to return to Jerusalem and establish His presence there. It signifies the restoration and significance of Jerusalem as a faithful city and a holy dwelling place of God.
Isaiah 52:9
“Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.”
This verse speaks of the restoration and redemption of Jerusalem. It encourages the people to rejoice and celebrate, for the Lord has brought comfort and deliverance to His people in this city.
Psalm 137:5
“If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.”
In this verse, the psalmist expresses the deep love and loyalty towards Jerusalem. It emphasizes the spiritual connection between believers and the significance of Jerusalem in their faith.
Jeremiah 3:17
“At that time they will call Jerusalem the Throne of the Lord, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the Lord. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.”
This verse prophesies that Jerusalem will become the spiritual center where all nations will gather to honor the Lord. It speaks of a future time when people will turn away from their wicked ways and worship God in Jerusalem.
Joel 3:16
“The Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the heavens will tremble. But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.”
Here, the power and authority of the Lord are depicted as coming from Zion, which is another name for Jerusalem. It assures believers that even in times of turmoil, God will be their refuge and protection in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 51:18
“Among all the children she bore there was none to guide her; among all the children she reared there was none to take her by the hand.”
This verse expresses the sorrow and vulnerability of Jerusalem, highlighting the need for guidance and support. It reflects the longing for God’s intervention and care for the city.
Psalm 122:3
“Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.”
Describing the physical nature of Jerusalem, this verse portrays it as a city with tightly knit structures. It reflects the unity and strength that can be found within the community of believers in Jerusalem.
Zechariah 12:6
“On that day I will make the leaders of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among sheaves. They will consume right and left all the surrounding peoples, but Jerusalem will remain intact in her place.”
Here, God declares His protection over Jerusalem amidst conflict. It symbolizes the divine preservation of Jerusalem and the defeat of its enemies, emphasizing its enduring significance.
2 Chronicles 6:6
“But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name may be there, and I have chosen David to rule my people Israel.”
In this verse, God affirms His choice of Jerusalem as the place where His name will dwell. It also signifies God’s appointment of King David to rule over His chosen people, Israel.
Jeremiah 33:9
“Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.”
Jeremiah prophesied that Jerusalem would bring God honor and be a source of joy, praise, and honor among all nations. It speaks of God’s promises to bless Jerusalem abundantly with prosperity and peace.
Isaiah 62:6
“I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest.”
This verse portrays Jerusalem as a city with watchmen who are vigilant in their duty to protect and pray for the city. It urges believers to intercede and pray persistently for the welfare of Jerusalem.
Psalm 147:2
“The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel.”
Here, it is acknowledged that the Lord is the one who restores and rebuilds Jerusalem. It reveals God’s faithfulness in gathering and regathering His people to their homeland.
Lamentations 1:7
“In the days of her affliction and wandering Jerusalem remembers all the treasures that were hers in days of old. When her people fell into enemy hands, there was no one to help her. Her enemies looked at her and laughed at her destruction.”
This verse laments the affliction and desolation of Jerusalem. It portrays the city’s longing for its former glory and the need for rescue and restoration from its enemies.
Ezra 9:9
“Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.”
In this verse, Ezra acknowledges God’s faithfulness in allowing the rebuilding of the house of God and the protection of Jerusalem. It emphasizes God’s providence and favor even in times of captivity and restoration.
Zechariah 14:10
“The whole land, from Geba to Rimmon, south of Jerusalem, will become like the Arabah. But Jerusalem will be raised up high from the Benjamin Gate to the site of the First Gate, to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the royal winepresses.”
This verse describes the elevation and exaltation of Jerusalem. It portrays the city as a symbol of divine presence and power, demonstrating God’s restoration and sovereignty over it.
Isaiah 65:19
“I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.”
Here, God promises to bring joy and delight to Jerusalem. It foreshadows a time of transformation when sorrow and mourning will be replaced with gladness and rejoicing.
Ezekiel 16:2
“Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her detestable practices.”
In this verse, Jerusalem is confronted with its sinful and detestable practices. It serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and turning back to God for forgiveness and restoration.
Joel 2:32
“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls.”
Here, it is proclaimed that salvation and deliverance will come to those who call upon the Lord’s name. It highlights the prophetic fulfillment of God’s promises in Jerusalem.
Zechariah 8:8
“I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.”
This verse speaks of God’s unwavering faithfulness to His people. It assures believers of His promise to gather and establish them as His people in Jerusalem.
John 4:21
“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.”
Jesus, in conversation with a Samaritan woman, emphasizes that true worship is not limited to a physical location but is based on a personal relationship with the Father. He foretells a time when the focus of worship will transcend geographical boundaries.
Matthew 23:37
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”
Here, Jesus expresses His deep compassion and desire to gather the people of Jerusalem under His loving care. It reveals the longing of Christ’s heart for repentance and reconciliation.
Revelation 3:12
“The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.”
In this verse, the concept of the new Jerusalem is introduced. It symbolizes the eternal dwelling place of believers, where they will be forever identified with God and share in His glorious presence.
Isaiah 60:14
“The children of your oppressors will come bowing before you; all who despise you will bow down at your feet and will call you the City of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.”
This verse speaks of the exaltation of Jerusalem and the recognition of its significance as the city of the Lord. It emphasizes that those who once despised Jerusalem will acknowledge its holiness and authority.
Zechariah 14:21
“Every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the Lord Almighty, and all who come to sacrifice will take some of the pots and cook in them. And on that day there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the Lord Almighty.”
In this verse, the Lord declares that everything in Jerusalem will be holy to Him. It foretells a time when all nations will come to worship the Lord in Jerusalem, symbolizing the universal sanctity of the city.
Isaiah 62:1
“For Zion’s sake, I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake, I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.”
This verse expresses the prophet’s determination to speak out and intercede for the sake of Zion and Jerusalem. It signifies the fervent prayers and declarations made on behalf of Jerusalem for its glorification and salvation.