Jerusalem is a Hebrew word meaning “City of Peace” or “Foundation of Peace.”
Before this city earned the honor and reputation we recognize today, it was originally a city inhabited by the Canaanites, known as the Jebusites, during a time when the Israelites had not yet claimed their land.
When the children of Israel conquered the land of Canaan, the region where Jerusalem was located was assigned to the tribe of Judah. However, the Jebusites were not immediately expelled from the city, and Jerusalem remained under their control for a time.
It was only later, when King David captured the city and drove out the Jebusites, that Jerusalem became known as “The City of David” (2 Samuel 5:6-10). David then brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, making the city the religious and spiritual center of Israel (2 Samuel 6:1-19). He also intended to build a temple for God there, but because of the bloodshed during his reign, God did not permit him to build it. Instead, his son Solomon built the temple (1 Kings 5-8), and from that point on, all the tribes of Israel recognized Jerusalem as the focal point of worship.
God blessed Jerusalem, setting it apart as His holy city above all others, where His name would be glorified and known among all nations.
Jerusalem in Future Prophecy
Though Jerusalem has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history, it is prophesied to be the place where our King Jesus Christ will reign over all the earth for a thousand years—His millennial kingdom—as the King of kings and Lord of lords when He returns (Revelation 20:4-6).
The New Jerusalem – The Heavenly City
The Bible also reveals the existence of a New Jerusalem—a heavenly city that God has prepared for His people. This New Jerusalem:
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Will descend from heaven, coming directly from God, beautifully prepared like a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:2).
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Will be a place where nothing impure or weak will enter—only those who are sanctified, the bride of Christ, will dwell there (Revelation 21:27).
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The degree of faithfulness and service one shows on earth will determine their place in the eternal kingdom; not all believers will have the same status, though all will be holy (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
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This city will be God’s eternal dwelling with His people, where sorrow, pain, death, and tears will be wiped away, and all things will be made new (Revelation 21:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:9).
Abraham’s Vision of the City of God
Abraham, the father of faith, lived as a sojourner on earth despite his wealth, because his eyes were fixed on a better city—one with eternal foundations, designed and built by God Himself (Hebrews 11:9-10).
Reflect on These Scriptures:
Revelation 21:1-8 (ESV)
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband… And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore… Behold, I am making all things new.’”
The passage continues with a warning about the eternal destiny of those who reject God’s salvation.
Final Question
Will you have a place in that holy city?
Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus!)
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