About 142 B.C.E., Simon Maccabaeus was able to make Jerusalem the capital of a region ostensibly free from subservience to or taxation by Gentile nations. Aristobulus I, Jerusalem’s high priest, even assumed the title of king in 104 B.C.E. He was not, however, of the Davidic line. Jerusalem was no ‘city of peace’ during this period.

New Jerusalem is part of a government. Ancient Jerusalem was the capital of Israel, the place where King David, his son Solomon, and their descendants ruled “on Jehovah’s throne.” ( 1 Chronicles 29:23 ) Jerusalem, called “the holy city,” thus represented God’s rulership in …

Nov 1, 2011 · When Was Ancient Jerusalem Destroyed? —Part Two. What the Clay Documents Really Show. This is the second of two articles in consecutive issues of The Watchtower that discuss scholarly questions surrounding the date of the first destruction of ancient Jerusalem. This two-part series presents thoroughly researched and Bible-based answers to ...

His temple was built there, and for that reason Jerusalem could especially be called God’s “resting-place.” (Ps 132:13, 14; 135:21) In addition, Jerusalem was the location where the kings of the Davidic line sat on “Jehovah’s throne,” representing him …

Jerusalem is at an altitude of 2,500 feet (750 m) in the central mountains of Judea. The Bible refers to its “loftiness” and to worshipers as ‘going up’ to reach it. ( Ps 48:2; 122:3, 4 ) The ancient city was surrounded by valleys: the Valley of Hinnom on the west and south and the torrent valley of Kidron on the east.

In 66 C.E., following a Jewish revolt, Roman armies under Cestius Gallus came against Jerusalem. But, as Josephus notes, Gallus “suddenly recalled his troops, . . . and, contrary to all calculation, retired from the city.” This afforded Christians the opportunity to …

A year and a half later, the Babylonian army broke through the walls of Jerusalem and set the city on fire. They burned down the temple, killed many people, and took thousands as prisoners. Zedekiah escaped from Jerusalem, but the Babylonians chased after him. They captured him near Jericho and brought him to Nebuchadnezzar.

Then he said: ‘Please, let me go to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls.’ King Artaxerxes told Nehemiah that he could go, and the king made sure that he would be safe on his long journey. He also made Nehemiah governor of Judah and gave him wood for the city gates. When Nehemiah arrived at Jerusalem, he inspected the city walls.

Oct 1, 2012 · “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the desolating of her has drawn near. Then let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains, and let those in the midst of her withdraw.” (Luke 21:20, 21) Jesus gave those instructions to his disciples concerning the destruction to come upon Jerusalem. Is there evidence ...

It is springtime. Thus, it is the time for Joseph’s family, along with friends and relatives, to make their yearly trip to Jerusalem. They go there to celebrate the Passover, as the Law directs. (Deuteronomy 16:16) From Nazareth down to Jerusalem is a trip of about 75 miles (120 km). It is a busy and exciting time for all.