Does God play favorites? When it comes to Jerusalem, it can certainly seem so. In II Chronicles 6:6, He declares: “But I have chosen Jerusalem, that My name might be there.” Zechariah 2:8 calls the city “the apple of His eye.”

No other city has this distinction: “For the Lord has chosen Zion [the Temple Mount in Jerusalem]; He has desired it for His dwelling place: This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it” (Psa. 132:13-14, New King James Version).

Throughout the Bible, God emphasizes Jerusalem’s special status—not merely as a site of historical importance, but as the focal point of His plan for mankind. He appoints it as the ultimate throne of His government: “At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the Lord, to Jerusalem…” (Jer. 3:17).

The Bible could be seen as the story of Abraham, the Israelites, or of Jesus Christ and the New Testament Church. Yet it is just as much the story of Jerusalem.

The word Jerusalem appears 811 times in the King James Bible, with Zion mentioned another 152 times. Jesus Himself linked end-time events to the city in His Olivet Prophecy: “And when you shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh” (Luke 21:20). And the Bible ends with New Jerusalem descending to Earth as the eternal capital of God’s Kingdom (Rev. 21).

This biblical focus birthed a historical obsession with Jerusalem. From Old Testament times to today, it has been a center of world events. The city has been destroyed twice—by the Babylonians in 586 BC and the Romans in AD 70—and has changed hands over 20 times through wars and conquests by the Israelites, Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims, Crusaders, Ottomans and the British. Its unmatched religious significance to Judaism, Christianity and Islam has fueled countless conflicts.

Today, Jerusalem remains in the headlines, with wars, peace talks and religious disputes continually swirling around this city. Clearly, God intended the story of Jerusalem to be inseparable from the narrative of the Bible and human history.

Why such intense focus on one city?

Early Significance

Jerusalem’s prominence in the story of the Bible began over 800 years before David conquered it as leader of the nation of Israel. The book of Genesis introduces us to Melchizedek, who is “King of Salem” (Gen. 14:18). Salem is an early name for Jerusalem. Melchizedek, described in Hebrews 7:3 as “having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God,” was none other than the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ.

Abraham’s encounter with this righteous king set a foundational precedent: Jerusalem would be a city of divine significance.

In Salem, God reconfirmed promises with Abraham that his descendants would bless all nations and inherit the land (Gen. 12:2-3; 15:4-7). These promises were both physical, involving the land of Canaan and Abraham’s descendants, and spiritual, pointing to Christ and His ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

Years later, Abraham returned to the same location. It was here that God tested Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac (Gen. 22). The account says they went to “the land of Moriah” (vs. 2), which is the same as today’s Temple Mount. Though God stopped him from completing the act, the patriarch’s obedience demonstrated profound faith in God’s Plan, in which Isaac was to play a crucial part.

The selection of Jerusalem in the early pages of the Bible reveals God’s incredible long-term vision. He sets out to do something and then slowly and surely—over the millennia—brings His plans to pass.

Isaiah 46 highlights this characteristic: “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure” (vs. 9-10).

Verse 11 concludes this about everything God sets out to do, including all Bible prophecies: “I have purposed it, I will also do it.”

That same mount in Jerusalem where God tested Abraham with Isaac’s sacrifice became the site of the Temple, a physical representation of God dwelling among His people. These events in Genesis foreshadowed the central role Jerusalem would play in Israel’s history, the coming of Jesus Christ—and forever in the Kingdom of God.

Building Up Jerusalem

It was not until centuries later that Jerusalem returned to the forefront of the Biblical narrative. Yet God had not forgotten this location. David, the second king of Israel, established Jerusalem as a permanent city and the center of Israelite worship and governance.

From this point forward, Jerusalem as a physical and spiritual capital remains a central theme of God’s Word.

After David defeated the Jebusites and conquered Jerusalem, he brought the Ark of the Covenant to the city. The ark symbolized God’s presence among His people (II Sam. 6:17). David bought the hill that would become the Temple Mount (24:18-25) and made plans to build a permanent Temple for God: “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within curtains [the Tabernacle]” (7:2).

David’s son Solomon carried out this vision for a Temple, constructing the magnificent building in Jerusalem (I Kgs. 6:1-14). During Solomon’s reign, Jerusalem reached a golden age, characterized by peace and abundance. The Bible describes this era with prosperous imagery: “And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon” (4:25).

Micah 4:4 uses identical language to describe conditions in God’s Kingdom.

When fulfilling prophecy, God often works in “similitudes” (Hos. 12:10). He uses smaller fulfillments before the grander ones to come. The forerunner examples hint at God’s ultimate purposes.

Events in Jerusalem during this time also reveal lessons for Bible readers (I Cor. 10:12).

During the reign of Solomon, there was incredible prosperity—with “silver as common in Jerusalem as stones” (I Kgs. 10:27)—but there were also many signs of the kingdom’s downfall. Solomon’s tolerance of idolatry and alliances with pagan nations led to spiritual decay. This failure, along with subsequent generations’ disobedience, resulted in Jerusalem’s decline and eventual destruction by the Babylonians.

While David and Solomon’s rulership highlighted Jerusalem’s potential to reflect God’s glory, it also revealed something crucial: Under human leaders—no matter how wise or well-intentioned—these efforts will fall short.

Isaiah 1 reveals how God viewed the city’s fall into sin: “How is the faithful city become a harlot! It was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers” (vs. 21). This statement also applies to Jerusalem today!

After Solomon’s reign, the Israelites repeatedly went into captivity, with only the tribe of Judah returning and rebuilding the Temple under Zerubbabel. This set up the next prophetic chapter for the city.

Christ’s Ministry

Jerusalem played a pivotal role in the ministry of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, Zechariah foretold His triumphal entry into the city: “Behold, your King comes unto you: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon a [donkey]” (9:9). This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus entered Jerusalem to cheers of “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matt. 21:9).

Though welcomed by the crowds, Christ’s words around that time exposed the city’s true spiritual state. He lamented: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which kills the prophets, and stones them that are sent unto you; how often would I have gathered your children together, as a hen does gather her brood under her wings, and you would not!” (Luke 13:34).

These words reveal His heartache over a city that repeatedly turned its back on God, even while it remained at the center of His purpose.

Jerusalem was the stage for what appeared to be humanity’s darkest moment—but it really provided great hope.

Here, Christ was betrayed, unjustly condemned and crucified outside its walls. Yet even these tragic events fulfilled God’s Plan. The prophets had long pointed to Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice.

Isaiah foretold, “He [Jesus] was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (53:5). Christ’s brutal death paid the ultimate price for sin, making it possible for humanity to be reconciled to God.

Fifty days after Christ’s resurrection, Jerusalem became the birthplace of the New Testament Church. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon His disciples (Acts 2:1-4). This moment marked the beginning of God expanding His Work beyond the physical descendants of Abraham. From Jerusalem, the Church began its mission to proclaim the coming Kingdom of God.

These events set the stage for Jerusalem’s ultimate prophetic destiny.

Spiritual Parallels

While prophecy often highlights physical Jerusalem, it also points to a spiritual fulfillment.

The New Testament describes “Jerusalem above” as the “mother of us all” (Gal. 4:26). This spiritual Jerusalem represents the Church, composed of individuals called out of the world to live according to God’s ways (John 6:44). These people are heirs of the promises made to Abraham and the descendants of Israel.

Recall New Jerusalem in Revelation 21. It reflects God’s goal for humanity: A reconciled relationship with Him where everyone has a chance to be born into His Family.

Verse 3 explains more about this spiritual city: “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.”

New Jerusalem represents the fulfillment of God’s promises to bring peace and righteousness to the Earth, making it a beacon of hope for all nations.

The Church, as spiritual Israel (Gal. 6:16), is preparing now to rule with Jesus Christ from this eternal city. The parallel between physical and spiritual Jerusalem highlights the depth of God’s Plan for working with mankind. Each individual Christian is called to play a personal role in this Kingdom (Rev. 3:12).

What’s Next for Jerusalem

Today, Jerusalem is marked by ongoing war, religious tensions and deep divisions among its inhabitants. Violence is a constant, fueled by long-standing conflicts and competing claims over the city. Idolatry and religious confusion are widespread. Instead of a city of peace and righteousness, modern Jerusalem remains a place of strife, sin and spiritual confusion.

Zechariah 1:13 reveals—despite Jerusalem’s current sin and lawlessness—that God has “good words and comfortable words” for the city.

When God sets up His Kingdom, He declares: “I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: My house shall be built in it…and the Lord shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem” (vs. 16-17).

Prophecy shows God wants to restore His relationship with His people and make Jerusalem a model of divine government.

Isaiah records God’s promise to purge the city and make it a center of righteousness: “I will turn My hand upon you, and purely purge away your dross…Afterward you shall be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city” (1:25-26).

The next chapter fleshes out God’s plans for Jerusalem: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it” (2:2).

For what purpose? “And many people shall go and say, Come you, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (vs. 3).

To truly be a “city of righteousness,” the inhabitants of Jerusalem will need to learn many lessons. The same applies to anyone who wants to go up to Jerusalem to learn God’s ways. If God is to purge away the people’s dross—meaning their flaws and impurities—this will require correction.

Those who do not obey God during His Kingdom will become examples of the consequences of continued disobedience.

Read Ezekiel: “Thus says the Lord God; This is Jerusalem: I have set it in the midst of the nations…and she has changed My judgments into wickedness more than the nations” (5:5-6). God positioned Jerusalem as an example to the world. It can either demonstrate the blessings that come with obedience—or the fruits of rebellion.

The goal is for everyone to follow God’s Way, not just physical Israelites.

Psalm 87 reveals the expansive nature of the Kingdom. It describes a time when individuals from every nation can be recognized as citizens of Zion.

Verse 6 states, “The Lord shall count, when He writes up the people, that this one was born there.” This poetic language emphasizes that citizenship in Zion is not determined by physical birth or ancestry but by embracing God’s way of life. The New Living Translation makes this clearer: “When the Lord registers the nations, He will say, ‘They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.’”

The chapter explains that even nations historically opposed to God—such as Rahab (Egypt) and Babylon—will have this opportunity.

A Personal Challenge

Despite its failures, God has never given up on Jerusalem. From its ancient roots to its prophetic future, the city serves as a microcosm of His divine Plan—a place of both judgment and restoration, showcasing humanity’s struggles and God’s boundless mercy. Its history is a testament to God’s patience and determination in working with mankind.

The city’s ultimate destiny lies in the arrival of New Jerusalem, where God’s presence will dwell with humanity in peace and righteousness.

When this city arrives, all of its sadness and problems will go away: “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4).

How different from Jerusalem today!

The prophetic plan for Jerusalem is not just a lofty ideal or fascinating Bible study topic—it presents a personal challenge to anyone who wants to seek God.

Just as God long ago selected Jerusalem as His eternal headquarters, He is now working with those chosen “before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4), meaning individuals who obey Him now. As with Jerusalem, God will work with them, guide them and correct them when needed to become a “city set on a hill” (Matt. 5:14)—both in this age and the world to come.

If this message resonates with you, take the time to consider whether God is working with you. Recognizing and acting on His plan for your life is the most important step you can take. Start by reading Are You Being Called? The opportunity is in front of you—what will you do?