... he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 9:10
For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. Hebrews 13:14
Remarkable craftsmanship exists throughout the known world. Relics, artifacts of a bygone era are heralded as honored, due to their strength of build, causing the structure to remain over lengthy periods of time.
Hebrews 3:3 states that every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. The passage further articulates the manner in which craftsmen are to be regarded: the builder of the house has more honor than the house.
The house built by God extends across the universe; beyond the capacity of the eye. "The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool," He says.
The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. Psalms 19:1-4
As the natural reflects the spiritual, one can view the creation with awe and regard, recognizing the Creator King who fashioned it. As a response of honor, expressions of praise escape hearts as beauty unfolds before the natural eye.
A sunset of spectacular glory; the unique design of a heron - just two mentions of remarkable craftsmanship - display the depth of the wisdom and glory of the Creator.
Likewise, the Creator created geographical locations as habitations for all He had made. Mankind, made in His image, now constructs villages, cities, and structures to house humanity.
One such constructed city is Jerusalem. As a city of deep historical roots, she is regarded as a spiritual mecca for three distinct faiths: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The architecture of this city is as ageless as the historical record, with evidence that it was originally an Egyptian outpost. Ancient texts give rise to "Urusalem" and ultimately introduce a Biblical reader to Melchizedek, King of Salem.
The meaning of Jerusalem is discovered in it's two distinct syllabic parts:
Jeru: stems from the Hebrew word yarah, which means: to found. The inclusion of the Hebrew letter resh, or ר, depicts chief, head, highest position.
Shalem: a derivative of shem which indicates a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character. In short, shem means, name.* Shem is expanded with the Hebrew letter lamed or ל, inserted. Lamed depicts a shepherd's staff, indicative of authority. In short, Shalem is a form of the Divine Name.
Therefore, when placed together, Jerusalem means: the foundation of (the God) Shalem.
The fullness of the term points to a permanent home, rather than a mobile tent or tabernacle. The architecture of Jerusalem has been built, destroyed, rebuilt, expanded, and preserved throughout history. The question remains: Is it the everlasting city? We will explore this question in the next post.
*Excerpt From The Name Speaks, by Angela Broussard
Get to know the Creator-King and His handiwork. Coming Soon as the second installment of
the Doors, Gates & Threshold Series, The Architect of Oikos & The Blueprints of Kingdom Culture: Repairing the Breach in the House of God in the Era of Reformation
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