Bible Reading: The first half of Part 7. From Olive Tree

“A crucial city in the Old and New Testaments, Jerusalem served as the seat of both Israel’s kingly authority and priestly rites. It was the capital of Israel during David and Solomon’s kingdom and was the capital of Judah’s kingdom after Judah and Israel’s split. It housed the Jewish temple where the nation offered sacrifices and was the setting of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. It also served as headquarters and missionary sending base for the early church. Jerusalem is located between the Mediterranean and the northern end of the Dead Sea on a high plateau surrounded by mountains, hence why many biblical travel accounts refer going “up” to Jerusalem (Psalm 125:2). “Zion,” the hilltop where King David built his palace, is often used as a synonym for Jerusalem, which in turn is often used as a reference for God’s people (2 Sam. 5:7,9; Ps. 147:12).” Sent from Bible Study