After 8 weeks and the exclusion of all other leisurely reading, I have finished Simon Sebag Montefiore's
Jerusalem, The Biography. I have also been studying Jerusalem in the Bible using the Strong's Concordance. My mind is full and I feel a bit overwhelmed. Partly because, all that I've read about Jerusalem is very foreign to me. The culture, the tradition, the rich heritage that this one city contains amazes me. As a Christian, I have a hard enough time deciding what Jerusalem means to my own faith, add to that millions of other Christians, Jews, and Palestinians (Moslems) who share the city as their sacred space. It blows my mind and really reveals the difficulty behind the city's ever experiencing peace. I am in Jeremiah in my Bible study, so I look forward to parsing through more prophesy about Jerusalem's future from God's word. What prophesy I've read so far is confusing and I have a hard time deciphering what has already taken place and what God has for the city's future. The Biography explained much of what has happened and Sebag Montefiore uses the biblical account for his history of early Jerusalem. He does, however, undercut the accuracy of the Bible and pulls information from many religions and histories, even quoting the inaccuracy that Jesus was born in Jerusalem- the
Book of Travels by Evliya Celebi is quoted on page 301. (I'm not sure why he would include this quote in his book, other than simply to play to all religions and cover all bases. It is, to me, an egregious error, and bad history, but that's enough of that.) Simon Sebag Montefiore's account interested me most in the section themed Zionism. The story of Jerusalem into the present day. I began recognizing names and events and I gained an understanding of why the city of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel are still making the papers and headlines, even receiving mention in the recent presidential elections. I still am fuzzy on what Jerusalem means, or should mean, to me. The Bible has some interesting things to say about Jerusalem being God's holy home and a place of sanctity. There are also verses about God's judgment on the city and God's taking His presence away from Jerusalem. I still feel a long way off from having a complete understanding of what is going on and perhaps, that is best. I will continue to study and to trust that God, who is in control of all human history, knows exactly what he is doing when it comes to "His" city. I would recommend the book, with the caveat that this is not an easy read. Have your dictionary handy and keep a list of names (better yet there are a few in the back of the book:). I find the subject fascinating. Another related history, this one a novel of the people of Israel,
Israel, My Beloved by Kay Arthur. The history of the Jewish people from their beginning to future. The story overlaps in places with the biography of Jerusalem, Israel's capitol city. It is a much easier read.
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