יְרוּשָׁלַיִם
Yerushalayim
Jerusalem, City of Peace
No city in human history has been more fought over, more prayed for, or more written about than Yerushalayim (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם) — Jerusalem. Mentioned 660 times in the Hebrew Bible, Jerusalem is the only city God claims as His own: 'the place I have chosen to put my Name' (1 Kings 11:36). The name itself is poetry: it likely combines 'yeru' (foundation/teaching) with 'shalem' (peace) — the 'Foundation of Peace.' Yet this city of peace has seen more war than any other. Psalm 122:6 commands believers to 'Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,' making it the only city in the Bible we're specifically told to pray for. Understanding Yerushalayim connects you to the past, present, and prophetic future of God's plan.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim)! May they be secure who love you!”
Etymology & Root Letters
Yerushalayim likely combines 'yeru' (foundation/teaching) with 'shalem/shalom' (peace/completeness). The dual ending '-ayim' may suggest the city's two hills or its dual nature as earthly and heavenly.
How Yerushalayim Is Used in Scripture
Yerushalayim appears 660 times in the Hebrew Bible — more than any other city. It's called the 'City of David,' the 'Holy City,' and the place God chose to put His Name (1 Kings 11:36).
Cultural & Modern Context
Jerusalem is sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Western Wall (Kotel) is the closest accessible point to where the Temple stood. Psalm 137:5 declares: 'If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.'
How to Use Yerushalayim in Prayer
Psalm 122:6 commands us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. This isn't just geopolitical — it's praying for God's shalom to reign in the city where His presence dwelt and where Messiah will return.
People Also Ask About Yerushalayim
What does Jerusalem mean in Hebrew?
Yerushalayim likely combines 'yeru' (foundation or he will teach) with 'shalem/shalom' (peace/completeness). The dual ending '-ayim' may reference the city's two hills (Mount Zion and Mount Moriah) or its dual nature as both earthly and heavenly. It's the 'City of Peace' — or perhaps 'Foundation of Peace' — though ironically it has been conquered over 40 times in its history.
Why should Christians pray for Jerusalem?
Psalm 122:6 directly commands: 'Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.' This is the only city in the Bible with a specific prayer command. Christians pray for Jerusalem because it's central to God's redemptive plan — the place of Jesus' death and resurrection, and the city to which He will return (Zechariah 14:4, Acts 1:11). Praying for Jerusalem's shalom is praying for God's kingdom to come.
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