Lecture 2: Jerusalem as Sacred Space

Today's lecture asked many questions including:

How is Jerusalem a Great City?

What makes a Great City great?

Is Jerusalem a sacred space?

How does a place become sacred?

It was explained that events and stories and traditions make a place sacred. Cities accumulate legends over time. Jerusalem was seen as sacred because people said God has made it sacred.

1) How is Jerusalem a Great City?

Location

Jerusalem is situated between two major ancient trade routes which run north to south on either side of the city

The Via Maris

The King's Highway

Close to Mediterranean Sea and inland trade routes

Topography

Situated on a relative hilltop

Enemies are forced to attack from valleys to the south or (most likely) from the north

Subsequently walls were built to protect from attacks from the north

Valleys

Kidron Valley - East

Tyropean - Central

Hinnom Valley - West

Water

Gihon Spring

Only source of water in early Jerusalem

2) Is Jerusalem a sacred space?

The idea of Jerusalem as Mount Zion

Psalm 125:2

Isaiah 2:2

Sacred Space must be Founded

Gen 11:1-9

Tower of Babel story

"The LORD came down to see the city.."

Gen 28:10-19

Jacob's Ladder

"house of God" "gate of heaven"

Events of the Jewish temple

Solomon's temple built in the city

2nd Temple

Dome of the Rock