Place in Scripture
Judah
Jerusalem stands at the centre of many major events in Scripture. It is closely connected with Israel's kings, the temple, the prophets, the ministry of Jesus, the cross, the resurrection, Pentecost, and the biblical hope of the New Jerusalem.
Old and New Testament
Jerusalem is one of the central cities of biblical history. It became Israel's capital under King David, the location of Solomon's temple, the city where Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead, and the place where the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost.
Modern location: Jerusalem, Israel
Geography
Jerusalem is located in the hill country of Judah, approximately 760 metres above sea level. Valleys around parts of the ancient city provided natural defensive boundaries, while its position connected routes through the central hill country.
Latitude
31.778
Longitude
35.235
People
Melchizedek
King of Salem
David
Captured the city and made it Israel's capital
Solomon
Built the first temple
Hezekiah
King who defended Jerusalem during the Assyrian threat
Josiah
Led covenant reform centred in Jerusalem
Nehemiah
Led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls
Jesus
Taught, was crucified, rose from the dead, and appeared to his disciples in and around Jerusalem
Peter
Preached at Pentecost
Scripture
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David captures Jerusalem and establishes the City of David.
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Solomon begins building the temple in Jerusalem.
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The temple is built on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem.
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Babylon destroys Jerusalem and its walls.
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Nehemiah inspects the ruined walls and calls the people to rebuild.
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Jesus enters Jerusalem in the triumphal entry.
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Jesus is crucified outside Jerusalem.
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The empty tomb is discovered after Jesus rises from the dead.
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The Holy Spirit is poured out at Pentecost, and the church begins its public witness.
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John sees the New Jerusalem descending from heaven.
Timeline
David captures the Jebusite stronghold and establishes Jerusalem as the political centre of Israel.
Solomon builds the temple as the central place of worship for Israel.
The Babylonian army destroys the city, burns the temple, and carries many people into exile.
Nehemiah leads the people in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls despite opposition.
Jesus enters Jerusalem as the crowds welcome him with messianic praise.
Jesus is crucified outside the city and rises from the dead on the third day.
The Holy Spirit is poured out, Peter preaches the risen Christ, and thousands respond.
History
The city was known as Jebus before David captured it.
David established Jerusalem as Israel's political capital.
Solomon built the first temple there.
Babylon destroyed the city and temple in 586 BC.
Jewish exiles later returned and rebuilt the temple and city walls.
Herod the Great greatly expanded the temple complex before the time of Jesus.
Roman forces destroyed Jerusalem and the second temple in AD 70.
Archaeology
Excavations in the City of David have uncovered remains associated with ancient Jerusalem's development and water systems.
Hezekiah's Tunnel carried water from the Gihon Spring into the city.
The Pool of Siloam is connected with Jerusalem's water system and the healing account in John 9.
The Western Wall preserves part of the retaining structure surrounding the Second Temple platform.
The exact locations of some Gospel sites remain debated and should be presented with appropriate care.
Related places
Bethlehem
Nearby town south of Jerusalem and birthplace of Jesus
Bethany
Village east of Jerusalem associated with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus
Mount of Olives
Ridge east of Jerusalem connected with Jesus' teaching and ascension
Gethsemane
Garden near Jerusalem where Jesus prayed before his arrest
Golgotha
Place outside the city where Jesus was crucified
Jericho
City east of Jerusalem along an important travel route
Themes
Study questions
Why did David choose Jerusalem as Israel's capital?
How did the temple shape Jerusalem's importance in Israel's worship?
What warnings did the prophets give Jerusalem?
How did exile and restoration change the city?
Why was Jerusalem central to the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry?
How are the cross, resurrection, and Pentecost connected with Jerusalem?
What does the New Jerusalem represent in Revelation?
Knowledge intelligence
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Connected Scripture
Explore the direct biblical relationships connected to Jerusalem.
The biblical city connected with Israel's kings, the temple, the crucifixion, resurrection, and Pentecost.
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The promised Messiah, Son of God, Savior, and central figure of Scripture.
The king of Salem and priest of God Most High who blessed Abram after Abram returned from battle.
The son of David who became king of Israel, received extraordinary wisdom from God, and built the temple in Jerusalem.
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