-
Jerusalem stands at the center of the land of Israel. Why was this important in biblical times?
-
It is a city chosen by God to make it His home. As I type, a movie came to my mind “His land”, the song sang by Cliff Richard –
Yes it is his land, all of it his
He stepped it off and marked it there, …stepped it off and marked it there
To be his ugly thoroughfare, …to be his ugly thoroughfare
And he blessed it with his hand, …yes it’s a great land, all of it is
And as it blooms before our eyes, …as it blooms before our eyes
Just like an eden paradise, …like an eden paradise
The world will understand, …world will understand…this is his land
Slowly from hiding but surely they come
Back to the homeland their fathers will front
Israel their citadel, israel their home
Now they are here at last never to roam
Here they will stay and bring life to the land
It’s a new day and with boldness they walk, tall and so straight
See them stand
Yes it is his land, all of it his
He stepped it off and marked it there…stepped it off and marked it there
To be his ugly thoroughfare, …to be his ugly thoroughfare
And then he blessed it with his land, …yes it’s a great land, all of it is
And as blooms before our eyes, …as it blooms before our eyes
Like an eden paradise, …like an eden paradise
The world will understand, …world will understand…this is his land
Rich fertile valleys of russet and gold, carpets of green over mountains
Unfold
Harvest of plenty so joyous and bright, her fields her treasures
Magnificent sight
This is the israel promised of old, this is the miracle happening now
As ages in prophets fortold
Yes it is his land…… -
Because it was chosen by God for His people.
-
Jerusalem was 32 miles from the Mediterranean and around 14 miles from the Dead Sea, this enabled quicker access from all parts of Israel to Jerusalem. This was particularly important because as Israel had one God it had one temple, where God dwelt and to which all people were to called to come and worship the one true God.
-
David has ruled from Hebron (South of Jebus) for seven years, and Saul before him from Gibeah (North of Jebus). Any nation looks to it’s leadership and capitol for it’s defense, direction, inspiration, etc. So David needed a place to rule from. David said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief. The new Hebrew city becomes Jerusalem, the city of David. It sits at the center of israel, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea, nestled in the mountains. This city was in a location that was very defendable. A place that could be fortified, which in ancient times was critical. Also, the Lord chose it (Ps 132:13-14)
1. There was water from springs which is a precious resource in the desert.
2. The deep valleys made the city a natural fortress.
3. Centrally located, accessible to all. -
For defensive purposes