Two Jerusalems

by Tikvah and John Ott

The name Jerusalem appears 814 times in the Bible, and has a place of central importance to understanding the kingdom of God.

The name is literally Yerushalayim ירושלים. The "ayim" suffix means "two, double, pair". It is used in such words as ear or eye, meaning a pair of ears, oznayim or a pair of eyes, einayim.

Other examples would be the Hebrew for twice, pa'amayim, or two years, sh'natayim.

So there is a subtle implication in the very name that there is a double Jerusalem or a pair of Jerusalems.  This duality is referred to both in Jewish and Christian writings as Jerusalem of above and Jerusalem below; or heavenly Jerusalem and earthly Jerusalem. Galatians 4:25-26

Indeed, the Scriptures use the name Jerusalem most of the time to refer to our city in the Middle East, the capital of Israel. Occasionally it is used to describe Heaven, or a golden city invisible in the heavenlies.

At the very end of the Bible, in the last two chapters of the Book of Revelation, the two Jerusalems are united, once and for all.  Heaven on earth. Heaven and earth back together.

"Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." 

Revelation 21:2

 

"And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God."

 Revelation 21:10

We live in earthly Jerusalem and pray with our hearts toward heavenly Jerusalem. In fact all true believers have Jerusalem in their hearts, both in heaven and on earth.

We hold the two together by faith. Ultimately in the perfect paradise restored, the "double Jerusalem" will be united forever.

Within the etymology of the holy city’s name Yerushalaim, Yeru means established. Shalayim is derived from shalem which means whole or complete. Thus God will establish and make Yerushalayim perfectly whole.

Melchizedek, Priest of God Most High and King of Shalem (written Salem in English, later known as Jebus which David and Joab captured through its water shaft) was an early appearance of King Yeshua who would arise in the order of Melchizedek, a duality recorded both in Genesis 14:18 and Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17.

“Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.” Hebrews 7:3

This early mention of ancient Yerushalayim as Shalem (its meaning taken from the same root as shalom meaning peace,) illuminates Melchizedek as an early representation of Yeshua, the everlasting King of Wholeness.

As is written in Psalms 76:2, 

“In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.”

Yerushalayim’s destiny as the holy city shall be established and made wholly complete, united by the Prince of Shalom, King Yeshua (Salvation.)

Note:

John Ott is JBC’s worship leader who blesses the Sunday service with his gift of music.

Tikvah and John Ott have ministered together in Jerusalem for the last 15 years leading worship, prayer, and dance outreaches in Israel. Currently they facilitate intercession via global Zoom calls in Hebrew and English, giving expression to the prophetic gifts of the Holy Spirit.

tikvahott@gmail.com  www.Johnandtikvah.com