Why is Jerusalem special? Jerusalem is a city of destiny and in ancient times, maps displayed Jerusalem as the center of the earth.
Jerusalem is mentioned 881 times in scriptures, and is the only city in the entire Bible that we are commanded to pray for by name. While Jerusalem is mentioned across the entire Bible, one of the primary places is Psalm 122:6-9 where it declares, “pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you, may peace be within your walls and prosperity within your palaces. For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, may peace be within you for the sake of the house of the Lord your God. I will seek your good while God has given each of us the priestly privilege of interceding for our respective cities and nations.”“I have chosen Jerusalem so that my name might be there
and I have chosen David to be over my people Israel.”
II Chronicles 6:6
No city, but Jerusalem, is mentioned as one that every God-fearing believer must by commandment, pray for. Jerusalem is a city where east meets west. A city of great contrast, great conflicts, and of great destiny. It is considered holy by Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. She is indeed unique both in the world, but more importantly in scripture and in the heart of God.
Jerusalem A City of Destiny and Her Many Names
The inspired authors of Scripture have given this unique city many names over the centuries. Consider with me some of her names as recorded throughout biblical history, and we will peek together into her prophetic destiny.
- City of David—2 Samuel 6:10; 1 Kings 11:27; 2 Chronicles 8:11
- City of God—Psalm 46:4; Psalm 87:3
- City of Judah—2 Chronicles 25:28
- City of Joy—Jeremiah 49:25
- City of Peace—Hebrews 7:2
- City of Praise—Jeremiah 49:25
- City of Righteousness—Isaiah 1:26
- City of the Great King—Psalm 48:2; Matthew 5:35
- City of the Lord—Isaiah 60:14
- City of Truth—Zechariah 8:3
- Faithful City—Isaiah 1:26
- Gate of My People—Obadiah 1:13; Micah 1:9
- Green Olive Tree—Jeremiah 11:16
- Holy City—Nehemiah 11:1, 18; Isaiah 48:2; 52:1; Matthew 4:5; 27:53; Revelation 11:2
- Holy Mountain—Isaiah 11:9; 56:7; 57:13; 65:25; 66:20; Ezekiel 20:40; Daniel 9:16, 20; Joel 2:1; 3:17; Zephaniah 3:11; Zechariah 8:3
- Throne of the Lord—Jeremiah 3:17
- Zion—1 Kings 8:1; Isaiah 60:14; Zechariah 9:13
For a great description of this unique city we could read a lot about through the Psalms and so many places. It’s true, Jerusalem is quite frankly a pretty dusty place surrounded by worn mountains. She’s congested, compacted, and full of large and small stones. And these stones have been used to build architectural wanders and they’ve been used as hurled as stones and tools of destruction. Yet, Jerusalem is a city of Destiny!
But there is none like her. Songs are written about you, Jerusalem. Writers are fond of your winding streets and the diverse personalities of your people. Prophets declare your future intercessors weep as Jesus did, that you would yet come under the wings of your Messiah.
More of His Story is Yet to Be Written!
Wow! Jerusalem is called everything from the City of God to the Holy City. It looks to me like there must still be a lot of His Story (history) yet to come to pass in the destiny of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is a city of destiny! God has already set countless divine appointments within this city, the heart of Israel. It was King David’s capital, the home to Levites and priests and the place where Israel’s holy feasts were observed. The Temple was built in Jerusalem, and the Holy Spirit was first poured out in Jerusalem—the place God’s people have always loved. Jerusalem is a place like no other, a city where future appointments on God’s calendar are yet to be fulfilled.
It looks as if there’s still a whole lot of His Story yet to come to pass in the destiny of Jerusalem. Join us in making History before the throne of God as we continue in our GLOBAL ESTHER MOMENT with daily morning live prayer at 9 AM CT at the GOD ENCOUNTERS FACEBOOK. Go to HOPFAN.org for details and free resources!