Jerusalem: Focal Point of God’s Attention

One city stands out as the focal point of Bible prophecy more than any other—the city of Jerusalem. As current as today's newspaper headlines and as old as the book of Genesis, Jerusalem occupies a unique place. A city that has been conquered and destroyed many times in its long history, has always been rebuilt. After several centuries in which Jerusalem took a back seat on the stage of world geopolitics, it has in our generation moved front and center. To understand why this has suddenly happened, we need to examine more closely the pivotal role the City of Jerusalem has played through the ages.

Quiz Questions 1-10

1. In the days of Abraham, was God already using Jerusalem as a center from which His ways were taught? Genesis 14:18-20. (Note: All Bible Commentators recognize Salem as the ancient name of Jerusalem. The early history is somewhat obscure. Historical references show that the city existed many years before Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan. The name existed first as Urusalim or “City of Salim” or City of Peace”).

2. Did King David capture Jerusalem from the Jebusites and make it the capital of the twelve tribes of Israel? 2 Samuel 5:4-7.

3. Did King David move the ark of the covenant, a symbol of God’s presence, to Jerusalem? 1 Chronicles 15: 3; 16:1. (Note: The ark of the covenant was a focal point of worship for the Israelites since the days of Moses. The ark contained a copy of the Law and also served as the mercy seat where God met and spoke with Moses in the wilderness Tabernacle. In King David’s time, the ark was kept at Kiriath-Jearim. King David brought the ark to Jerusalem where it was kept in a tent until his son Solomon later placed it in the Holy of Holies of the new temple).

4. Did David desire to build a House of God in Jerusalem? Who did God allow to build His temple? 1 Chronicles 17:1-4, 11-12; 28:2-6, 11-12.

5. What did God tell Solomon about the temple in Jerusalem at the time of its dedication? 2 Chronicles 7:12, 16, 19-22.

6. Did God allow Jerusalem to be destroyed anciently because of the sins of the nation? 2 Chronicles 36:14-19. (Note: The destruction of Jerusalem came after repeated warnings to King Zedekiah and the nation of Judah through Jeremiah and other prophets, which were ignored. God‘s judgment and the destruction of Jerusalem resulted in death for many and exile for the whole nation See 2 Kings 25).

7. Was the city rebuilt? What about the temple? 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Isaiah 44:24-28.

8. What did Jesus Christ say about Jerusalem near the end of His ministry? Matthew 23:37-38.

9. Was Jesus Christ crucified at Jerusalem? Matthew 27:31-33; Luke 24:18-20.

10. Did He ascend back into Heaven from the Mount of Olives just outside Jerusalem‘s city walls? Is that the place to which He will return in the future? Acts 1:9-12; Zechariah 14:3-4.

I hope you enjoy this Bible Study as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. I pray it will draw you closer to the Lord Jesus🕊️🔆