Jerusalem - The Holy City

The Word of God is like a two-edged sword. In this study we explore Jerusalem — the oldest city in the world and the holiest city in Judaism and Christianity, the spiritual centre of the Jewish people since 1000 BC and the capital of Israel.

The Names of Jerusalem

1. Salem – means whole, complete, peace; at the time of Abraham, ruled by Melchizedek (Gen 14:18)
2. Jerusalem – the name commonly used in the Bible
3. Moriah – means ‘chosen by the Lord’; where Abraham attempted the sacrifice of Isaac
4. Zion – the city of David
5. Ariel – Hebrew for ‘Lion of God’, a poetic name
6. City of David – named after King David, the founder of the city

Introduction

King David made Jerusalem the capital of Israel over 3000 years ago. On its east it borders the deep Kidron Valley, where the Gihon spring — the city’s water source — is located. Solomon built the Temple of God in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 28:3; 1 Kings 5:20-25). The city is built on a hill of hard limestone.