Page 26 - Holyland Magazine - 2018 Edition

with two Biblical names that appear in the
same verse of the Bible have been found in
the same location. The fact that these two
… were found on the site indicates that the
building in which they were found may have
been used by the King’s administration until
the destruction of the First Temple.”
And while this dynamic archeological site
continues to yield historic evidence of the
victories, defeats, and international intrigue
surrounding the Kings of Judah, the origins
of this great city are found deeper yet in
God’s purpose and word.
Will it surprise you to learn that the city was the Messiah. His suffering, death, burial,
already famous during the time of Abraham?
Most Bible scholars recognize that the City
of Salem where mysterious Melchizedec
(who blessed Father Abraham in Genesis
14) reigned is Jerusalem. Also, Joshua
recorded it as a chief city in the southern
part of Canaan (Joshua 10) when he led the
Israelites’ military campaigns throughout the
Promised Land. And King David, carrying
out his very first military strike after he was they enter the Promised Land and secure
coronated and anointed king over Israel by
all 12 tribes in Hebron, moved north and
wrestled Jerusalem from the hands of the
The Pool of Siloam
Ancient stones still speak
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pagan Jebusites, making it known from
that time forward as “The City of David” (2
Samuel 5).
Why this city?
This Jebusite fortress was immeasurably
significant because of its strategic location
in the center of the newly unified Kingdom of
Israel and because of its spiritual dynamics.
What was to become the capital of Israel
and the seat of her future kings was also
the site of the offering of Isaac, the location
of the First and Second Temples, and the
focal point of the redemptive ministry of
resurrection, ascension, and second coming
are all anchored in Jerusalem, a city that is
mentioned 820 times in our Bibles, 144 of
which are in the pages of the New Testament
alone. No wonder the controvers continues!
But, going further back, this city also reflects
the fulfillment of God’s ancient promise to
Israel (Deuteronomy 12), declaring that after
their territory, He will guide them to the
central location that He chose, where Israel
will worship Him in one heart and mind.
As it is written in the Law of Moses, “But
when you cross over the Jordan and dwell in
the land which the LORD your God is giving
you to inherit, and He gives you rest from all
your enemies round about, so that you dwell
in safety, then there will be the place where
the LORD your God chooses to make His
name abide. There you shall bring … your
burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes,
the heave offerings of your hand, and all your
choice offerings … And you shall rejoice
before the LORD your God, you and your
sons and your daughters, your male and
female servants, and the Levite who is within
your gates…” Deut 12:10-12.
This PLACE of worship that God promised
Israel is Jerusalem, the “City of David.” As
contested as it has been, and still is, this
amazing site encourages God’s people
everywhere and offers clear testimony to the
truth of God and the credibility of His word.
Travel to Israel where faith becomes sight.
The author is the Director of Biblical Tours with
Genesis Tours.
www.bibletours.com