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Jerusalem stands at the center of the land of Israel. Why was this important in biblical times?
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26 Replies
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As we see in modern times as well, Jerusalem always seems to be a centre of faith and importance for many people. Its physical location must have seemed like the centre of the world for the ancients, positioned between Asia, Africa and Europe.
Jerusalem has a mystical aura for me. I have never been there, probably never will, but it has such an important role in the Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths that I find it impossible to ignore and look forward to learning more about such a Holy city.
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Considering that Jerusalem, as captured from the Jebusites, didn’t have a river flowing through it nor was it on a major trade-route, it was indeed strange for David to build the capital of the kingdom here, except for the fact that God selected it as John Beck suggested. However, I can see physical and political factors. Being surrounded by mountains, it was a defensible capital. It reminds the Jews how the Lord likewise surrounds and protects His people (Psalm 125:2). Politically, it was a more neutral place than Hebron where David was initially crowned king of the tribe of Judah only (2 Samuel 2:1-4). Hebron was too far from the other tribes of Israel. After David was crowned as king over the whole Israel also at Hebron (2 Samuel 5:1-3), he needed to establish a capital closer to the rest of the tribes, and he chose Jerusalem (2 Sam 5:4-5).
#holyland
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Ancient Jerusalem was very important in Biblical times. It served as the capital of Israel and was a central unifying location for God’s chosen people. It was also an important strategic and secure location. Jerusalem served as a connecting hub for the Israelites, both geographically and spiritually. It also gave the people of God a place to call home and stood as a symbol of national pride.
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Jerusalem is the location that God chose for Himself. It is believed to be the location of the Garden of Eden and the location of the Heavenly city, New Jerusalem that will be the dwelling place of God and all the saints in the book of Revelation.
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Jerusalem was chosen by God as we read in the Psalms. It is strategically situated, and steeped in rich holy history of the people of God, all through history. In biblical times it was the gathering place for festivities, Passover, Feast of Tabernacles, and the palace of David and the future site of the Temple.