Jerusalem’s Place in Bible Prophecy

According to the Israel Defense Forces, “Hamas and other terrorist groups have launched more than 19,000 unguided rockets at Israel since the October 7 massacre in southern Israel.”

Most are under the impression that the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is primarily over land and sovereignty, with disputes over control of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. It would seem that this is all about possession of land. Yet the Muslim nations surrounding Israel already possess over 250 times as much land as the Jews have in the tiny nation of Israel. So, there is clearly more to this issue than meets the eye.

This mystery is solved when we open the pages of Scripture. According to the Bible, it is the city of Jerusalem that will be at the heart of the conflict in the last days:

“Psalm 46:10 reminds believers to “be still, and know that I am God,” offering comfort in trusting that God’s ultimate plan is for good, even when circumstances seem dire.”

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“I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples…. I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces.” (Zechariah 12:2-3)

Even though the Quran doesn’t mention Jerusalem, Muslim nations are passionate about possessing the city because of its significance in Islamic tradition and its role as a political symbol. However, from a biblical perspective, the Jews own the city. It’s theirs because it was given to them by God Himself.

Here are four biblical reasons why Israel has claim to Jerusalem and why the Islamic nations should halt the attacks on Israel.

God’s Covenant with Abraham

God promised the land of Canaan, which included Jerusalem, to Abraham and his descendants, making it part of the divine covenant:

On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying:

“To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates.” (Genesis 15:18)

King David’s Capture of Jerusalem

Jerusalem became the capital of Israel under King David, and Scripture refers to it as “Zion,” “the City of David,” representing God’s chosen city for His people:

Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion (that is, the City of David). (2 Samuel 5:7)

The Temple in Jerusalem

King Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem, making it the center of Jewish worship and the location where God’s presence was to dwell:

Now Solomon began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah. (2 Chronicles 3:1)

Its Prophetic Significance

Jerusalem is also central in biblical prophecy, with a promise that the Messiah will return and reign from the city:

“Thus says the Lord:

‘I will return to Zion
And dwell in the midst of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth.’” (Zechariah 8:3)

Despite the never-ending Middle East conflicts, the Bible teaches us that God is always in control. Look at how closely His hand is intertwined in what we are witnessing:

“I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness…. I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone…” (Zechariah 12:2-3)

Psalm 46:10 reminds believers to “be still, and know that I am God,” offering comfort in trusting that God’s ultimate plan is for good, even when circumstances seem dire.