Jerusalem is called the city of peace, but it has been torn by warfare from the time of David to the current Middle East crisis. Study the origins of Jerusalem in Israel's history, the glory of Jerusalem as God's royal city and dwelling place, the praise of Jerusalem in the psalms of Zion, and the destiny of Jerusalem through the prophets. Learn Jerusalem's importance as the city of Jesus' final pilgrimage and the founding city of the Church. Understand both God's past plans for the city and future promises for the New Jerusalem. Enjoy a virtual pilgrimage to Jerusalem through study, reflection, and prayer on these biblical texts.

Author: Stephen J. Binz

Contents:

How to Use Threshold Bible Study

Suggestions for Individual Study

Suggestions for Group Study

Introduction

Suggestions for Facilitators

Group Session 1 12 Lessons 1-6:

1. The City of David (2 Samuel 5:4-12) 13

2. David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6:1-19) 16

3. An Eternal House in Jerusalem (2 Sam 7:1-17) 19

4. The Ark Brought Up to the Holy of Holies (1 Kings 8:1-13) 23

5. The Queen of Sheba Visits Jerusalem (1 Kings 10:1-13) 26

6. Praise of David and Zion (Psalm 132) 30

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 2 Lessons 7-12

7. Pilgrimage Up to Jerusalem (Deut 16:16-17; Psalm 122) 35

8. God's Holy Habitation (Psalm 46) 38

9. The City of Our God (Psalm 48) 41

10. Zion Is Home for All Peoples (Psalm 87) 44

11. Judgment and Salvation of Jerusalem (Is 1:21-28; 2:24) 47

12. Hope in Zion's Future Glory (Isaiah 4:2-6; 30:18-26) 51

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 3 , Lessons 13-18

13. The Destruction of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:8-17) 55

14. A Sword of Death and Exile (Ezekiel 5:1-17) 58

15. Lamentation for Daughter Zion (Lam 1:1-11) 62

16. Zion Seeks Comfort in Her Sorrow (Lam 1:12-22) 67

17. Deliverance for the Sake of God's Name (Psalm 79) 72

18. Remembering Jerusalem by the Waters of Babylon (Psalm 137) 75

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 4  Lessons 19-24

19. Zion's Consolation and Restoration (Isaiah 40:1-11) 80

20. Captive Daughter Zion Enthroned as Queen (Isaiah 52:1-12) 84

21. Gathering the Outcasts to the Holy Mountain (Isaiah 56:1-8) 88

22. The Matrimonial Joy of Zion (Isaiah 62:1-12) 92

23. Jerusalem Created Anew (Isaiah 65:16-25) 96

24. Universal Blessings for Jerusalem (Zechariah 8:1-8, 20-23) 100

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 5 Lessons 25-30

25. Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-53; 13:33-35; 19:41-44) 105

26. The Desolation of Jerusalem (Luke 21:20-24; 23:27-31) 108

27. The Movement of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:45-53; Acts 1:1-11) 111

28. Worship in Spirit and Truth (John 4:19-26) 115

29. Awaiting the City That Is To Come (Hebrews 12:18-24; 13:10-16) 118

30. Vision of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-27) 122

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 6