JERUSALEM & ITS SEVEN HILLS
(Message by Tanny Keng)
Jerusalem
1. Jerusalem - A City on Seven Hills
a) In the Bible, the city of Jerusalem is referenced using different names, titles and designations. In ancient times the city was referred to as Salem (Genesis 14:18). The city was named Jebus (Joshua 18:28, Judges 19:10) before King David conquered it in 1003 B.C. Additionally, the city has been referred to as Zion (1Kings 8:1, Zechariah 9:13), the city of David (2Samuel 5:7, Isaiah 22:9), the city of God (Psalm 46:4), the city of the great King (Psalm 48:2), God's holy mountain (Daniel 9:16, 20) and the holy city (Matthew 4:5) to name a few.
b) The two most notable destructions of Jerusalem and its temple were by the world empires of Babylon and Rome. In 586 B.C. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon burned the temple and destroyed the city (2Kings 24:13, 2Chronicles 36). The demise of the grand temple built by King Solomon occurred in the Jewish year 3175 on the 9th day of Ab. This day corresponds on our modern calendar to Tuesday, July 17, 586 B.C. In 70 A.D., just five years after the rebuilding of the temple completed (started by Herod the Great in 20 B.C.) the Romans conquered Jerusalem. Once again, the city was left in ruins and the temple burned to the ground. The destruction of God's temple the second time, just like the first, happened on Ab 9 on the Jewish calendar (in the Jewish year 3830). This date corresponds to Saturday, August 4th, 70 A.D.
c) Jerusalem's seven hills are Mount Scopus, Mount Olivet and the Mount of Corruption (all three are peaks in a mountain ridge that lies east of the old city), Mount Ophel, the original Mount Zion, the New Mount Zion and the hill on which the Antonia Fortress was built.
d) Jerusalem is not the only city in the world considered or historically believed to be built on seven hills. Others include Rome, Babylon, Moscow, Mecca, Lisbon, Tehran and Amman. More than nineteen cities in the United States also lay claim to be founded on seven hills.
The End ...
Jerusalem
1. Jerusalem - A City on Seven Hills
a) In the Bible, the city of Jerusalem is referenced using different names, titles and designations. In ancient times the city was referred to as Salem (Genesis 14:18). The city was named Jebus (Joshua 18:28, Judges 19:10) before King David conquered it in 1003 B.C. Additionally, the city has been referred to as Zion (1Kings 8:1, Zechariah 9:13), the city of David (2Samuel 5:7, Isaiah 22:9), the city of God (Psalm 46:4), the city of the great King (Psalm 48:2), God's holy mountain (Daniel 9:16, 20) and the holy city (Matthew 4:5) to name a few.
b) The two most notable destructions of Jerusalem and its temple were by the world empires of Babylon and Rome. In 586 B.C. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon burned the temple and destroyed the city (2Kings 24:13, 2Chronicles 36). The demise of the grand temple built by King Solomon occurred in the Jewish year 3175 on the 9th day of Ab. This day corresponds on our modern calendar to Tuesday, July 17, 586 B.C. In 70 A.D., just five years after the rebuilding of the temple completed (started by Herod the Great in 20 B.C.) the Romans conquered Jerusalem. Once again, the city was left in ruins and the temple burned to the ground. The destruction of God's temple the second time, just like the first, happened on Ab 9 on the Jewish calendar (in the Jewish year 3830). This date corresponds to Saturday, August 4th, 70 A.D.
c) Jerusalem's seven hills are Mount Scopus, Mount Olivet and the Mount of Corruption (all three are peaks in a mountain ridge that lies east of the old city), Mount Ophel, the original Mount Zion, the New Mount Zion and the hill on which the Antonia Fortress was built.
d) Jerusalem is not the only city in the world considered or historically believed to be built on seven hills. Others include Rome, Babylon, Moscow, Mecca, Lisbon, Tehran and Amman. More than nineteen cities in the United States also lay claim to be founded on seven hills.
What area of society do each of the 7 hills represent?
ReplyDeleteThe phrase "Jerusalem and its seven hills" is often used in a poetic or symbolic sense and does not necessarily refer to specific areas of society. It is a reference to the historical and geographical characteristics of Jerusalem, which is built on a series of hills.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I can provide you with a general interpretation of what each of the seven hills of Jerusalem represents in terms of their historical and religious significance:
Mount Zion: This hill is associated with the biblical and spiritual significance of Jerusalem. It is traditionally considered the location of the biblical City of David and the site of the Last Supper.
Mount Moriah: Also known as the Temple Mount, it is the most significant hill in Jerusalem. It is the site where the First and Second Jewish Temples were built and is now home to the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Mount of Olives: Located to the east of the Old City, this hill is significant in both Jewish and Christian traditions. It is associated with various events in the life of Jesus, including his ascension into heaven.
Mount Scopus: This hill is home to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and is known for its academic and intellectual significance. It offers panoramic views of the city and has historically served as an important strategic location.
Mount Ophel: Situated to the southeast of the Temple Mount, this hill is believed to have been an important residential and administrative area in ancient times.
Mount Bezetha: This hill is mentioned in ancient texts as the location of the "New City" of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. It represents the expansion and development of Jerusalem beyond its original boundaries.
Mount Acra: Historically, this hill was part of the City of David and played a role in the events surrounding the Maccabean revolt. Its significance is primarily related to its historical and archaeological importance.
It's important to note that the division of Jerusalem into seven hills and their symbolic representations may vary depending on different interpretations and sources. The concept of the "seven hills" is more commonly associated with Rome, but it has been applied to Jerusalem in a symbolic sense to highlight its historical and religious significance.