One way to determine the importance of a subject in the Bible is to see how often it is mentioned. By this measure, Jerusalem appears to be quite significant, as it is directly mentioned 660 times in the Hebrew Scriptures and 146 times in the New Testament. If we add synonyms and endearing terms, such as “Zion,” we get another 165 times—almost 1,000 verses that mention Jerusalem, the only physical place declared “holy” in the Bible.
You may have seen this medieval painting in which Jerusalem is depicted as the centre of the world. It is based on a Scripture from Ezekiel where God declares that He has set Jerusalem in the midst of the nations (Ezekiel 5:5). So, again, what makes the city so special?
First, Jerusalem is close to God’s heart. The prophet Zechariah declares that the Lord has chosen Jerusalem (Zechariah 3:2) and that He is zealous for Zion with great zeal (Zechariah 1:14).
Want to find out more reasons why Jerusalem is so important in the Bible, and to us today? Click the link below to read more!
Shabbat Shalom,
Sarah Way
ICEJ Australia National Director
