The importance of Jerusalem is way beyond just a city. It is of cultural, historical, and religious significance. Jerusalem has long captivated the imagination and hearts of people around the world. ‘Next year in Jerusalem’.
Neil Armstrong said when he visited Jerusalem, “I am more excited stepping on these stones than I was stepping on the moon.”
The Importance of Jerusalem Historically
Israel is the only nation to be ‘reborn’ as it was in 1948. Jerusalem has been the site of many major historical events and a centre of power and conflict across the centuries. The streets have run many times with blood. It has been conquered over 40 times with over 100 battles fought for control of the city, and ruled by numerous civilisations. These include the Canaanites, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Ottoman Turks and the British. The city has been divided and reunified multiple times.
Both Jews and Palestinians consider Jerusalem their capital. China recognizes East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine, while the United States of America recognizes West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Jerusalem has long been a melting pot and will feature large in End Time events as prophesied in the Bible.
First Mention
Jerusalem was first mentioned in the Execration Texts, written in Egypt approximately 3,800 years ago. Jerusalem is first mentioned in the bible in Joshua 10:1. However, in Gen 14 Melchizedek, King of Salem, brought bread and wine for Abraham’s troops. Melchizedek was the king of Jerusalem and priest of the most High God, Genesis 14:18. He blessed Abraham, who gave Melchizedek a tithe of all the plunder.
The city of David, Jerusalem, has been the ancestral and spiritual home of the Jewish people since the 10th century BC. They have lived in Jerusalem continuously for more than 3,000 years and are still the largest ethnic group in the city.
Importance of Jerusalem as a Religious Centre
Jerusalem is of importance to Jews, Moslems, and Christians, three monotheistic religions. All believe in one God and are classed as Abrahamic faiths. There are over 50 Christian churches, 33 Muslim Mosques and 300 Jewish synagogues in Jerusalem. There are also over 26 wineries in and around Jerusalem, showing the importance of the grape.
Jerusalem is the third holiest city, after Mecca and Medina for Islamists. Prophets were associated with the city and Mohammed is said to have ascended from the Dome of the Rock to the ‘Divine Presence’ on the back of a winged horse. Islamic control over Jerusalem lasted for 12 centuries, longer than any other rule. The ‘liberation of Jerusalem’ is one of their major goals, plus Israel must be wiped off the map before their Messiah can return.
The Temple Mount is also the holiest site for all Judaism. The Jews will not let Old Jerusalem, the Temple of the Mount and the Wailing Wall go, after having been in exile for 2000 years. End Time events will not be just about Jerusalem, but the land God covenanted to Abraham, Genesis 17:8.
The Temple Mount
The Temple Mount is where Abraham made the sacrifice of Isaac. It was the site of Solomon’s Temple for 400 years, but the Wailing Wall is the only remnant left of Solomon’s Temple. Herod’s temple was built, sacked, and burned in AD 70, only six years after its completion.
The Antichrist will give the Jews permission to build a third temple during the Tribulation, that is about to come upon the earth. Preparations for this temple are already well underway, with a special group of Jews formed for the task.
Importance of Jerusalem likened to a Bride
The importance of Jerusalem is seen when the holy Jerusalem will descend out of heaven as a bride, the Lamb’s wife, Revelation 21:9. This is the home the Bridegroom is preparing for His bride, the church, John 14:3. Only those whose name is written in the Lamb’s book of life shall enter the Holy City, Revelation 21:27.
Israel and the Church will dwell in harmony in the city, along with Old Testament saints and those who will give their life in the Great Tribulation, Revelation 7:9. In the New Jerusalem the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb will be the temple of the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21:22.
Importance of Jerusalem for Us
Jerusalem is the place where Jesus walked on earth. The victorious Christ will rule from the New Jerusalem, setting up His thousand-year, world government.
For many, Jerusalem is, and always will be, the centre of the world. The city that holds God’s name. We are instructed to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, Psalm 122:6, particularly in these tumultuous times.
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