“Our feet are standing within thy gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem, that art built as a city that is compact together.” Psalm 122:2–3
Thank you so much for joining me on our 31 Days to Discover Israel journey. I have thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I am a little sad to see it end, so I want to leave you with a few last words.
Jerusalem is God’s city. It is mentioned more than 800 times in the Bible. It is the place God chose to put His Name. “In this temple and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all of the tribes of Israel, I will put my Name forever.” —2 Kings 21:7
Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and the heart of the Jewish people. Palestinians also claim Jerusalem is their capital. Historically, Jerusalem has never been the capital of any nation except Israel. Although Muslims say Jerusalem is holy to their religion, it is notable that Jerusalem is not mentioned in the Koran.
Jerusalem has God’s favor, and we should claim God’s promises for Jerusalem’s future. God’s instructions to His people concerning Jerusalem are specific and are given in the verses listed below (found via A Bible Study on Israel by Cheryl Morrison, pages 24–26).
Psalm 122:6–7 (NIV)
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.”
Isaiah 2:2–3 (NIV)
2 In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.
3 Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Isaiah 62:1–7 (NIV)
Zion’s New Name
62 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet,
till her vindication shines out like the dawn,
her salvation like a blazing torch.
2 The nations will see your vindication,
and all kings your glory;
you will be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.
3 You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand,
a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
4 No longer will they call you Deserted,
or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah,[a]
and your land Beulah[b];
for the Lord will take delight in you,
and your land will be married.
5 As a young man marries a young woman,
so will your Builder marry you;
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
so will your God rejoice over you.
6 I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem;
they will never be silent day or night.
You who call on the Lord,
give yourselves no rest,
7 and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem
and makes her the praise of the earth.
Zephaniah 3:16-17New International Version (NIV)
16 On that day
they will say to Jerusalem,
“Do not fear, Zion;
do not let your hands hang limp.
17 The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Psalm 137:5–6 (NIV)
5 If I forget you, Jerusalem,
may my right hand forget its skill.
6 May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth
if I do not remember you,
if I do not consider Jerusalem
my highest joy.
Fellow pilgrim, keep your eyes on the happenings in Jerusalem and Israel as we watch God’s plan unfold for the future of His kingdom. For additional prayer points, please join me in praying for the peace of Jerusalem at this link.
Psalm 122:6 (NIV)
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May those who love you be secure.
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