(Aramaic) corresponding to יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם; {Jerusalem}; {Jerusalem}
Transliteration:Yᵉrûwshâlêm
Pronunciation:yer-oo-shaw-lame'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma יְרוּשָׁלֵם (Yᵉrûwshâlêm), Strong's `{{H3390}}`, serves as the Aramaic equivalent of the more common Hebrew יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûshālayim), Strong's `{{H3389}}`. As a proper noun, its primary meaning is the name of the ancient city of Jerusalem. While the precise etymology remains debated among scholars, common interpretations suggest "foundation of peace" or "possession of peace," possibly linking to the Hebrew root י.ר.ש. (to inherit/possess) and ש.ל.ם (peace/completeness). Another proposed origin connects it to "founded by Shalem," where Shalem might be a Canaanite deity or an ancient name for the city itself. Regardless of its exact linguistic genesis, the name inherently carries connotations of stability and well-being. Its semantic range is fixed as the geographical and historical city, yet it simultaneously functions as a powerful symbol representing the covenantal relationship between God and His people, the center of worship, and a locus of divine presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic form יְרוּשָׁלֵם (Yᵉrûwshâlêm) predominantly appears in the Aramaic portions of the books of Ezra and Daniel, with a singular occurrence in Jeremiah.
In the book of Ezra, the term is frequently used in the context of the post-exilic return and the rebuilding of the Temple and city walls. For instance, in [[Ezra 4:8]], [[Ezra 4:12]], and [[Ezra 4:16]], the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin write to King Artaxerxes, accusing the Jews of rebuilding "the rebellious and wicked city" of Jerusalem, highlighting its strategic importance and the fear of its potential re-establishment as an independent power. The decrees of Persian kings concerning the Temple's reconstruction often specify "the house of God in Jerusalem" (e.g., [[Ezra 5:2]], [[Ezra 6:3]], [[Ezra 6:12]]), underscoring Jerusalem's role as the divinely appointed center of Israelite worship. The references in Ezra consistently portray Jerusalem as the focal point of the returned exiles' identity and national aspirations, a city ordained by God to be rebuilt and restored to its former glory as a place of worship and governance.
In Daniel, יְרוּשָׁלֵם appears in contexts related to the Babylonian exile. For example, [[Daniel 5:2]] mentions that King Belshazzar "commanded to bring the gold and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple that was in Jerusalem," vividly recalling the city's fall and the desecration of its sacred precincts. This usage reinforces Jerusalem's status as the cherished, albeit temporarily lost, spiritual heart of the Jewish people.
The sole occurrence in Jeremiah is found in [[Jeremiah 10:11]], a solitary Aramaic verse within an otherwise Hebrew prophecy. This verse, a warning to idolaters, states, "The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under these heavens." While Jerusalem is not explicitly named as the subject, its presence in this Aramaic context within a Hebrew book serves as a powerful, albeit subtle, reminder of the city's unique position as the home of the one true God, contrasting sharply with the false deities of the nations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to יְרוּשָׁלֵם (Yᵉrûwshâlêm) is its Hebrew counterpart, יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûshālayim), Strong's `{{H3389}}`, which is far more prevalent throughout the Old Testament. The Aramaic form reflects the linguistic environment of the Persian Empire, under whose dominion the Jewish exiles returned and rebuilt.
Other names and concepts closely associated with Jerusalem include:
* **Salem:** Mentioned in [[Genesis 14:18]] as the city of Melchizedek, often identified with early Jerusalem.
* **Zion:** `{{H6726}}` A poetic and prophetic designation for Jerusalem, particularly its elevated areas, symbolizing the dwelling place of God and the spiritual capital of Israel (e.g., [[Psalm 9:11]]).
* **City of David:** Referring to Jerusalem's status as David's capital and the place where he brought the Ark of the Covenant.
* **Moriah:** The mountain where Abraham offered Isaac (`{{H4179}}`) and where the Temple was later built ([[2 Chronicles 3:1]]).
The concept of the Temple (הֵיכָל, `{{H1964}}`) is inextricably linked to Jerusalem, as it was the physical manifestation of God's presence among His people. Other related concepts include:
* **Kingship:** Jerusalem became the seat of the Davidic monarchy, signifying the covenantal promise of an eternal dynasty.
* **Covenant:** The city embodies the covenant relationship between God and Israel, serving as a sign of His faithfulness and their obedience.
* **Exile and Restoration:** As seen in Ezra and Daniel, Jerusalem is central to the narrative of judgment through exile and the hope of restoration.
* **Peace (שָׁלוֹם, `{{H7965}}`):** The etymological connection to "peace" is profound, pointing to the city's ultimate destiny as a place of divine peace and justice.
### Theological Significance
Jerusalem, whether referenced by its Hebrew or Aramaic form, holds unparalleled theological significance in the biblical narrative. It is supremely the "city of God" (e.g., [[Psalm 46:4]]), chosen by Yahweh as the place where He would "put His Name" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 12:5]], [[1 Kings 11:36]]). This divine election elevates Jerusalem beyond a mere geographical location; it becomes the earthly dwelling place of the Most High, the nexus between heaven and earth.
Its theological importance is multifaceted:
1. **Center of Worship and Sacrifice:** As the site of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, Jerusalem was the prescribed location for Israel's worship, sacrifices, and festivals. It was the place where atonement was made and communion with God was sought.
2. **Seat of Davidic Kingship:** God established His covenant with David, promising an eternal dynasty ([[2 Samuel 7:12-16]]), centered in Jerusalem. This made the city a symbol of divine rule and the hope of a righteous king.
3. **Symbol of God's Presence and Protection:** Despite its numerous sieges and destructions, the prophets often spoke of God's unwavering commitment to Jerusalem, promising its ultimate restoration and glorification (e.g., [[Isaiah 62:1-7]]).
4. **Place of Eschatological Hope:** The earthly Jerusalem, though flawed, points to a greater reality. Prophetic visions frequently describe a future, glorified Jerusalem (e.g., [[Isaiah 2:2-4]], [[Zechariah 14:8-11]]), where all nations will come to worship the Lord. This culminates in the New Testament vision of the "New Jerusalem" (`{{G2419}}`) descending from heaven (e.g., [[Revelation 21:2-3]]), symbolizing the perfected dwelling place of God with humanity, free from sin and sorrow, embodying eternal peace and justice.
### Summary
The Aramaic יְרוּשָׁלֵם (Yᵉrûwshâlêm), Strong's `{{H3390}}`, is the precise designation for the city of Jerusalem within the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, particularly in Ezra and Daniel. While linguistically distinct from its Hebrew counterpart `{{H3389}}`, it carries the identical profound meaning of the ancient city. Its biblical occurrences primarily highlight its role in the post-exilic restoration as the chosen center for the rebuilding of the Temple and the re-establishment of Jewish identity. Theologically, Jerusalem stands as the preeminent symbol of God's covenant faithfulness, His dwelling place on earth, the hub of Israelite worship, and the enduring hope for ultimate peace and divine presence, a hope that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem.
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