The ancient city of Jerusalem, a city of pre-eminence, revered the world over as the navel of the earth, no doubt has had its fair share of contention. Desirous in location, at the crest of a geographical outcrop, it stood historically as a Canaanite city in the midst of the Promised Land, by the name of Jebus. While the history of Jebus contains much value to be discovered, suffice for now the fact that King David conquered the fortified, tiny town. He ultimately secured it further under his reign in a real estate transaction, and established it as the official capital of Israel.
Consider the linguistic impact of a small but mighty letter change as Jebus became Jerusalem in moniker:
Jebu: marked with a b, or bet, the second the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The bet signifies a household or family found inside, within.
As mentioned previously, the resh, or 'r' in Jerusalem is indicative of the chief, head, or highest position, while the root yarah is defined as a foundation. Therefore, the name change from Jebus to Jerusalem is not inconsequential. When the name merged, purpose was discovered:
Jerusalem is slated to be the foundation of the household of the family of the Divine Name.
Such a powerful designation demands an answer to the most recent query: "Is physical Jerusalem the everlasting city, sought out by men?"
The response is found, in part, as one considers Melchizedek, King of Salem. The depiction of his meeting with Abram brings forward the use of a literary device called type and shadow, a technique used to illuminate concepts of Scripture.
Melchizedek is reasoned by scholars to have been a theophany, or, a visible manifestation of God in the earth. While he had no record of mother or father, he yet appeared to have had great influence as a king, and a high priest of the Most High God. Indeed, in his role as king and priest, he reflected the function of the Messiah. The Messiah -Jesus resurrected- is seated at the right hand of the Father. From His position as Co-Regent with the Most High God, He lives to intercede. The Messiah is both king and priest. Therefore, Melchizedek stands as a seen representation of an unseen reality.
Further, Paul addresses the reality that all natural expressions have a spiritual counterpart.
... it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:44
So it is with Jerusalem.
Abraham's quest for a city of supernatural origin was Divinely inspired. The city he sought did not exist in the natural, seen realm, rather, in the spiritual, unseen realm
... 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
Abraham sought what John was privileged to see in his vision on the isle of Patmos: the New Jerusalem.
... he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Revelation 21:2
New Jerusalem is a city crafted of ageless architecture, spiritual in origin. The Architect is none other than The Most High. The spiritual foundation of this marvelous city is true peace, embedded within the Divine Name, Shalem. It will be experienced as filled with the Presence of the Prince of Peace, by those of the household of The Name.
The people of the Divine Name carry within the same earnest longing of Abraham. These seek an everlasting, spiritual city. Even now, the New Jerusalem is prepared, and has been measured, under the scrutiny of the Divine Architect and Builder:
The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. The city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the rod, twelve thousand stadia; its length, width, and height are equal. Revelation 21:15-16
The natural city of Jerusalem is a mere shadow of the glory of the new to be revealed.
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
HEY BOOK LOVERS! Participate in the BOOK LAUNCH! Learn how, by following the link below!