Jerusalem, the city chosen by God to bear His name and house His temple, is frequently depicted in the Bible as a city that has turned away from its covenantal relationship with God. This infidelity is portrayed through vivid imagery and prophetic declarations, highlighting the spiritual adultery of the people of Jerusalem.

Old Testament Depictions

1. Ezekiel's Allegory: In Ezekiel 16, Jerusalem is personified as an adulterous wife. God recounts how He found Jerusalem, nurtured her, and adorned her with beauty. Yet, she trusted in her beauty and used her fame to become a harlot. Ezekiel 16:15 states, "But you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot because of your fame. You lavished your harlotry on everyone who passed by; your beauty was theirs for the asking."

2. Jeremiah's Lament: The prophet Jeremiah frequently laments Jerusalem's unfaithfulness. In Jeremiah 3:6-10, God compares Israel and Judah to two sisters who have committed adultery. Despite witnessing Israel's downfall, Judah did not return to God with her whole heart. Jeremiah 3:8 says, "Because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away. Yet her treacherous sister Judah was not afraid; she also went and prostituted herself."

3. Isaiah's Rebuke: Isaiah also addresses Jerusalem's infidelity, describing the city as a harlot. Isaiah 1:21 declares, "How the faithful city has become a harlot! She was once full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers!"

Consequences of Infidelity

The infidelity of Jerusalem led to severe consequences, as God is portrayed as a just and righteous judge who cannot overlook sin. The prophets warned of impending judgment, which ultimately manifested in the Babylonian exile. Jerusalem's destruction and the temple's desecration were seen as direct results of the city's spiritual adultery.

1. Divine Judgment: The prophets consistently warned that Jerusalem's unfaithfulness would lead to divine judgment. In Ezekiel 23, the allegory of Oholah and Oholibah represents Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively, both of whom engaged in harlotry. Ezekiel 23:35 warns, "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Because you have forgotten Me and cast Me behind your back, you must bear the consequences of your lewdness and prostitution.'"

2. Exile and Destruction: The culmination of Jerusalem's infidelity was the Babylonian exile. Lamentations, traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, mourns the fall of Jerusalem. Lamentations 1:8 states, "Jerusalem has sinned greatly; therefore she has become an object of scorn. All who honored her now despise her, for they have seen her nakedness. She herself groans and turns away."

Hope and Restoration

Despite the severe consequences of Jerusalem's infidelity, the Bible also offers a message of hope and restoration. God's covenantal love remains steadfast, and He promises to restore Jerusalem and renew His relationship with His people.

1. Promise of a New Covenant: Jeremiah 31:31-34 speaks of a new covenant that God will establish with the house of Israel and Judah, one that will be written on their hearts. Jeremiah 31:33 promises, "But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people."

2. Restoration of Jerusalem: Isaiah 62 speaks of the future glory of Jerusalem, where the city will be called by a new name and will be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD. Isaiah 62:4 declares, "No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land named Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be His bride."

Jerusalem's infidelity serves as a profound narrative of human unfaithfulness contrasted with divine faithfulness, illustrating the depth of God's love and His desire for a restored relationship with His people.