Jerusalem, the Eternal Capital of Israel

I remember the first time I saw Jerusalem. After 32 years of hearing about it there is was right in front of me. It was a glorious sight to behold.

We first encounter Jerusalem in Genesis and it is spoken about all the way through the Bible. Revelation speaks of the New Jerusalem, which is part of what we know as heaven.

Abraham offered Isaac here, David captured it from the Jebusites 3,000 years ago. Jesus died and rose again there 2,000 years ago. Today this city which is surrounded by mountains remains in the headlines. Its spiritual significance is what gives it notoriety .

Jerusalem has been conquered 40 times and destroyed 17. It is surrounded by stones. An old saying goes like this, "When people see the city for the first time, they take their stony hearts and toss them out and they are given a heart of flesh, thus all the stones around the city.

Psalm 122

A song of ascents. Of David.

1 I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the LORD."

2 Our feet are standing
in your gates, O Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.

4 That is where the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD,
to praise the name of the LORD
according to the statute given to Israel.

5 There the thrones for judgment stand,
the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.

7 May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels."

8 For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you."

9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.