David, the author of Psalm 122, exhorted pilgrims coming to the Holy City to “pray for the peace of the city.” Jerusalem’s name itself marks it as the city of peace, but in reality it has known much war and conflict, which continue to this day.
What’s in a name?
Why is the city called Jerusalem? What is the origin of the name? It depends on who you ask. In Hebrew, the word “Jeru” means foundation, or cornerstone, easily understood to include house, or city. When King David conquered the city, it was a Canaanite stronghold, possibly named after one of their pagan gods, Shalem. It would then be Jeru-shalem, or city of Shalem.
We tend to think of it as the city of peace. Jeru-shalom. After it was claimed as the “House of the Lord” and housed first the tabernacle and later the temple, the city of peace (shalom in Hebrew) was established. (Hebrews 7:2)
The prospects for Peace
Have you watched the news lately? Jerusalem has been attacked 52 times throughout its history. Additionally, it has been besieged 23 times, captured and recaptured 44 times, and destroyed at least twice.
The city has been the scene of numerous revolts and riots, and has endured violent terrorist attacks in the past century. The current situation is a continuation of the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has seen numerous rounds of violence and instability.
The October 7th attack by Hamas on Israel marked a significant escalation, leading to a major Israeli military response in Gaza and ongoing tensions with other regional actors like Hezbollah and Iran. There are those that would tell you their cries of “Death to Israel” and “Death to America” are just some innocuous slogans and not the rallying cry revealing their true intentions.
So, why should we pray for peace?
Reason #1
First, if God tells us to do something, we had better do it. Romans 12:18 says “as much as is within you, be at peace with all men.” The phrase is part of a larger passage in Romans 12:17-19, which emphasizes avoiding evil for evil, seeking what is honorable, and not taking revenge.
Reason #2
Secondly, pray for the peace of Jerusalem, because it’s the only city on earth where God has placed His name forever. God has attached His name — His very reputation — to Jerusalem. If Jerusalem is an epicenter of violence and war, if it’s divided, it does not reflect well on His name.
But what if Jerusalem becomes a city where peace reigns? When shalom is evident in Jerusalem, then it demonstrates God’s supernatural ability to transform human hearts. It confirms that He turns enemies into friends and good neighbors.
And wouldn’t it be a powerful testimony if the 550,000 Jews and 350,000 Arabs who live in Jerusalem proper could dwell in shalom?
Public sentiment leans in favor of terrorist organizations, such as Hezbollah and Hamas; and is a stark reminder of what Jesus warned would happen in the last days: “If they hated me, they will hate you too.”
To pray for Jerusalem and, by extension, to pray for Israel doesn’t seem to be very popular these days. I only know what God’s Word says to do.
And so we pray.
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