Jerusalem: God’s City

“Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘This is Jerusalem; I have set her in the midst of the nations and the countries all around her’” (Ezekiel 5:5)

“And it shall happen in that day that I (God) will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all people; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. …It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem” (Zechariah 12:3, 9)

“The people shall dwell in it; and no longer shall there be utter destruction, but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited” (Zechariah 14:11)

For the past 3000 years no city has experienced more animosity and conflict against it than Jerusalem. From the biblical perspective (the only one that counts), this is God’s “home town!” As a matter of fact, it is mentioned no less than 811 times in the Bible. Just one of the Books alone, Zechariah, names it 41 times! It is called by other names, such as “the city of David,” “the Holy City,” and/or “Zion.” These are synonymous terms for the same place.

Volumes have been written (and are still being written) on this most important city in the world. Due to our limited amount of space, I would like to just mention a few select highlights pertaining to Jerusalem:

• The God of Heaven gave this city as a permanent possession to His chosen people, the Jews. Their believing remnant will inhabit it! Non-Jews will also go up to worship the God of the Bible there!
• One proof of this is the fact that none has ever been able to totally destroy it, nor will it ever come to that. Conflicts, yes; obliteration, no!
• The final and eternal city is not called “London,” “Paris,” or “Rome.” It is called “the New Jerusalem” He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. (Revelation 3:12) Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:2)!

History proves (and the future will prove) the Bible to be correct! When peoples and nations mess with God’s city, they’re messing with God Himself! “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you” (Psalm 122:6). May “the LORD bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life” (Psalm 128:5).