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Part 1: Ancient Jerusalem

The Talmud says Jerusalem was named by God. The name has two parts: Yira, which means "to see," and shalem, which means "peace."

Practically speaking, Jerusalem has no strategic significance. It has no commercial or industrial importance, and it is not a cultural center. Therefore, what is the significance of this ancient city? Why, unimportant as it appears, is it at the center of contention, and so dear to God's heart? To answer this question, we must first study the city historically.

Jerusalem has over 4,000 years of recorded history, validated by archaeological evidence, such as clay tablets found at Tell-el-Amarna, Egypt, dating ~1300 B.C. It has seen destruction and restoration unlike any other city on earth. Although there have been many name changes, including Alina Capitalano during Roman occupation in the 2nd century A.D., the city remains sacred to the three monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Jerusalem is described in Scripture as the holy city, the foundation of peace. During the time of Abraham, we learned of Melchizedek, the king of righteousness and priest of the Most High God who ruled that city, Salem, in 2100 B.C.

When the Israelites entered Canaan, they found Jerusalem in the hands of an indigenous Semitic tribe, the Jebusites. Eventually, the city was occupied in part by the tribe of Benjamin. From this tribe, the first king of Israel was derived, Saul. He was powerful and succeeded in many battles, however he failed to conquer Jerusalem completely. Evidently, God had in mind to relinquish this holy city only to "a man after His own heart."