20 Interesting Facts About Jerusalem in the Bible

Jerusalem is the most mentioned city in the Bible. It stands at the heart of God’s story—past, present, and future. From Abraham to Jesus, from David’s reign to the New Jerusalem in Revelation, this city is deeply woven into God’s plan. Here are 20 meaningful facts about Jerusalem, each supported by Scripture.

1. Jerusalem Was Originally Called Salem

The earliest mention of Jerusalem appears in Genesis when Melchizedek blesses Abraham.

Genesis 14:18 — "Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High."

Psalm 76:2 — "His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion."

2. Jerusalem Means "City of Peace"

The name “Jerusalem” combines “Yireh” (He will provide) and “Shalem” (peace), meaning “God provides peace.”

Hebrews 7:2 — "First the name Melchizedek means 'king of righteousness'; then also, 'king of Salem' means 'king of peace.'

3. David Captured It from the Jebusites

Jerusalem was a Jebusite fortress before David conquered it and claimed it for Israel.

2 Samuel 5:7 — "Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David."

4. David Made It the Spiritual Capital

After making Jerusalem the political center, David brought the Ark of the Covenant there.

2 Samuel 6:12 — “So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing.”

5. Solomon Built the First Temple There

Solomon’s Temple stood on Mount Moriah, the place where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac.

1 Kings 6:1 — “Solomon began to build the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah.”

2 Chronicles 3:1 — “Then Solomon began to build the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord had appeared to his father David.”

6. God Chose to Place His Name in Jerusalem

Jerusalem became the only city God chose to put His name forever.

1 Kings 11:36 — "...that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put my Name."

7. The Shekinah Glory Filled the Temple

When Solomon finished the Temple, God’s glory came down in fire.

2 Chronicles 7:1 — “When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.”

8. It Was Destroyed by the Babylonians

Jerusalem fell to King Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC. The city and Temple were destroyed.

2 Kings 25:9 — “He set fire to the temple of the Lord, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down.”

9. Rebuilt by Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Exiles

After the exile, Jerusalem was rebuilt by faithful leaders.

Nehemiah 2:17 — “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.”

10. Site of the Major Jewish Feasts

Jerusalem hosted all three pilgrimage feasts—Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles.

Deuteronomy 16:16 — “Three times a year all your men must appear before the Lord your God at the place he will choose.”

11. Central to the Prophets' Messages

Jerusalem was often the focus of judgment and restoration in prophecy.

Isaiah 2:3 — “Many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord... The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.’”

Zechariah 8:3 — “This is what the Lord says: ‘I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem.’”

12. Jesus Was Dedicated in the Temple

Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to Jerusalem after His birth.

Luke 2:22 — “When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.”

13. Jesus Taught Daily in Jerusalem

During His ministry, Jesus often taught in the Temple courts.

Luke 19:47 — “Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him.”

14. Jesus Wept Over Jerusalem

Jesus foresaw the city's fall because it rejected God's messengers.

Luke 19:41 — “As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.”

Matthew 23:37 — “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you... how often I have longed to gather your children together.”

15. Crucifixion Happened Outside the City

Jesus was crucified near the city on a hill called Golgotha.

John 19:20 — “...the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city...”

Hebrews 13:12 — “And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.”

16. Resurrection Proclaimed in Jerusalem

Jesus appeared to His disciples in the city after rising from the dead.

Luke 24:33-34 — “They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven... saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen.’”

17. Pentecost Happened in Jerusalem

The Holy Spirit descended on the disciples while they were gathered in Jerusalem.

Acts 2:1 — “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.”

18. The Early Church Began in Jerusalem

Jerusalem was the headquarters of the first church community.

Acts 2:46 — “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.”

19. Paul Was Arrested in Jerusalem

Paul's arrest in Jerusalem marked the beginning of his journey to Rome.

Acts 21:30 — “The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple.”

20. New Jerusalem Will Come Down from Heaven

At the end of the Bible, a new, perfect Jerusalem appears.

Revelation 21:2 — “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”

Revelation 21:10-11 — “He... showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God.”

Summary Table