A response to rising anti-zionism and opposition to the state of Israel

God’s special relationship with Jerusalem

By Fiona Sorbala

As an increasing number of nations turn against Israel, how are we as followers of the Messiah to respond? Some will find the scriptural imperative to pray for the peace of Jerusalem sufficient; however, the Bible reveals a lot about the nature of God’s relationship with Jerusalem. In this climate of anti-Israel rhetoric, it becomes even more vital that we pay attention to what the Bible says. We need to step away from political arguments and lean into God’s truth, aligning our hearts and prayers with the Word of God, by listening to His narrative, not the world’s.

The scriptures reveal that God has a unique relationship with Jerusalem, from its establishment as His chosen dwelling place to its eschatological significance in the divine plan for humanity’s redemption.

A CITY WITH COVENANTAL FAITHFULNESS

God’s faithfulness to Jerusalem is an aspect of His covenant faithfulness. Beginning with the Abrahamic covenant, the Lord establishes a perpetual connection between the land and the people in the purposes of God: “…in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen 12:3), and as God speaks again to Abraham he explains: ‘To your descendants I give this land” (Genesis 15:18). When the Lord repeats the covenant promise in Chapter 17, He promises: I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you (Gen 17:6). More than simply a historical record of God’s dealings with mankind, the Bible gives us a window into God’s heart and plan of redemption. Embedded in these promises are the royal line of David and the throne upon which the Messiah will one day rule and reign.

A CITY CHOSEN BY DIVINE ELECTION

The Bible does not record why Jerusalem was chosen; however, Moses, speaking prophetically, said Jerusalem is cherished in that God declares that “Jerusalem is “the city which I have chosen.” The OT records God making this declaration 10 times. God’s explanation is: “I have chosen Jerusalem that my name may be there, and I have chosen David to be over my people Israel” (2 Chron 6:6). The prophet Nathan gives David a remarkable promise: “Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.” This unconditional promise links Jerusalem’s destiny as the seat of David’s dynasty with God’s faithfulness to His covenants, ensuring the city’s central place in salvation history regardless of its historical circumstances. The eternal nature of the covenant means that only in the promised Messiah can it find its glorious fulfilment.

A CITY FOUNDED IN LOVE

Perhaps the most significant reason for God’s love of Jerusalem is His decision to make it His home. “For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place” (Psalm 132:13). Concerning Mount Zion, the psalmists declare: “This is the mountain God desired for his home; the Lord will live here forever” (Psalm 68:16). This extraordinary commitment is reinforced by the psalmists who exclaim in worship: “For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: ‘This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it'” (Psalm 132:13-14).

God’s choice was not based on its geography or water supply, which may have influenced David’s decision to build his palace in Jerusalem, or did David perhaps understand God’s heart? The psalmists make the surprising statement that it was God who founded this city, which He loves: “His foundation is in the holy mountains. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob” (Psalm 87:1-2).

The Bible leaves us with God Himself disclosing His love for Jerusalem: “I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there” (I Kings 9:3).

A CITY ASSOCIATED WITH HIS NAME

During the building of the Tabernacle, God’s repeated desire was to dwell in the midst of His people. It was Moses whose prophecy announced there would be a permanent place where the people would seek God, a place where He would place His Name (Deut 12:5). This also would be a place where His Law (Torah) would be read. Therefore, this city would be forever connected with His Word (Deut 31:11).

This promise would mark the creation of a place for worship and sacrifice, and more importantly, a place on earth where His presence would be in the midst of them forever. (1 Kings 9:3); a city that bears His Name (Dan 9:18-19).

A CITY TO WORSHIP GOD IN

The Temple in Jerusalem served as the only legitimate place for sacrificial worship under the Mosaic Law, making it the spiritual heart of Israel’s relationship with God. Jerusalem’s position as the centre of worship was not merely ceremonial but deeply spiritual. God designed this city to be where His people gathered to experience His presence collectively, offering sacrifices and praises to honour His Name. The Psalms in particular celebrate Jerusalem as the place where God’s people found their greatest joy in worshipping together.

A city with eschatological significance

A CITY FOR THE KING

When God spoke with David, He said it would be his son Solomon who would build the Temple (2 Sam 7:13); nevertheless, God would establish his throne forever (2Sam 7:16). God promised that they would never lack a descendant to rule on David’s throne (2 Sam 7:18). It is because God promised both David and Solomon that God tells Isaiah that this throne is eternal because it belongs to the Messiah, who will one day rule (Is 9:6-7).

The prophet Jeremiah also makes a declaration that echoes this truth, when God promises to fulfil the promise (Jer 33:14- 17). This was a message of hope at a time when God’s people were in exile in Babylon and when both the city of Jerusalem and the throne of David lay in ruins.

A CITY FOR ALL NATIONS

One of the most remarkable aspects of Jerusalem’s significance is its connection not just to Israel but to all nations. In the prophetic vision of Psalm 87:4-6, God declares people from many nations—even Israel’s historical enemies like Egypt (Rahab), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia—will be spiritually “born” in Jerusalem. Isaiah tells us that Jerusalem will be the centre of worship for the nations (Is 2:3). He also says that nations and kings will one day be drawn to the Glory of God, which will fill Jerusalem in the millennial reign of the Messiah (Is 60:1-3). A promise echoed both Micah and Jeremiah. Then in Jerusalem, God’s House will finally become a house of prayer for all nations (Is 56:7).

CONCLUSION

Jerusalem’s profound significance stretches across biblical history and into prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled. The prophets consistently position Jerusalem as central to God’s ultimate purposes in salvation history. Its destiny is that this is where God’s kingdom rule will be established, when the Messiah rules and reigns on David’s throne.

These prophecies about Jerusalem not only reveal God’s plan of salvation but create a thread of hope running through Scripture. Throughout the prophetic literature, Jerusalem’s restoration becomes symbolic of God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises. Even in periods of judgment and exile, the prophets looked forward to Jerusalem’s renewal as evidence of God’s unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan.

This prophetic dimension adds layers of meaning to God’s special love for the city, linking it not just to past covenant faithfulness but to future kingdom hope. God’s promise to Jerusalem: “My house will be rebuilt” (Zech 1:16) because God will once again have mercy on the ruins of Jerusalem (Is 61:4). They serve as a beacon of hope connecting past promises to future fulfilment.

Embracing God’s perspective on Jerusalem should be what motivates us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.’ By allowing His Word to guide and shape our prayers, we align our prayers with His heart and His will for this city; the city He chose as the place where His Son would came to seek and save the lost and where He will come again to rule and reign and the place where the nations will one come to worship the Messianic King.

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