Abraham, on his way back from defeating the king of Elam and his allies, came through Jerusalem or the city of Salem. Melchizedek came out and meet Abraham. Melchizedek, king of Salem and high priest of the Most High God, blessed Abraham. The scriptures say that Melchizedek had no beginning or end, but continues as a priest of God forever. Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek. This is the first time that Jerusalem is mentioned in the bible.

If you remember Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice to God on Mount Moriah, which is the modern day temple mount in Jerusalem. Jerusalem was a Canaanite city until Joshua conquered it, when the Israelites came into the promised land. From that point on it became the capital of Israel. King David ruled Judah and Benjamin from Hebron. When king Saul and his sons died, the Israelite leaders came to David and ask him to rule them. That is when David moved to Jerusalem. God promised David that a descendant would sit on his throne forever. Jesus is the last king to sit upon the throne of David. Then Jerusalem was lost for 2000 years.

God choose Jerusalem to place His name. 2 temples were built to house God’s ark of the covenant, the first was Solomon’s temple, the second was Herod’s temple. The ark of the Covenant has be lost to time. But the importance of Jerusalem has never gone away. God called Jerusalem the center of the earth. This is why there has been war in Israel since the beginning of time.

Israel was reformed as a nation in 1948. Israelites has secured formidable defenses to secure their nation. They have defeated all of their neighbors several times. This recent attack, although not foreseen, was inevitable. No one wants a war, but Israel will defend themselves. Gaza is going to be destroyed. But maybe that is what Israel’s enemies want. The peace deal with Saudi Arabia is just a few months away. But like David and Goliath, Israel will take on anyone who will attack it.

In Psalm 122:6-7, it says to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and any one who does God will prosper them.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com