Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Street of the House of God

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The "Street of the House of God" is a term that evokes the sacred geography of ancient Jerusalem, a city central to biblical history and theology. This street is understood to be in close proximity to the Temple, the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The Temple, originally constructed by King Solomon, was the focal point of Jewish worship and the site of numerous significant biblical events.

Biblical References and Significance

The concept of streets in Jerusalem, particularly those near the Temple, is mentioned in various parts of the Bible. While the specific phrase "Street of the House of God" is not directly quoted in the Berean Standard Bible, the idea is encapsulated in the descriptions of the Temple's surroundings and the activities that took place there. For instance, in 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 , the dedication of Solomon's Temple is described with great detail, highlighting the Temple's centrality to worship and the life of Israel: "When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple."

The streets surrounding the Temple would have been bustling with pilgrims, priests, and worshippers, especially during the major Jewish festivals such as Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These streets were not merely thoroughfares but were integral to the religious and communal life of the people. In Nehemiah 8:1-3 , we see an example of the communal gathering in the open square before the Water Gate, where Ezra read the Law to the people, indicating the use of public spaces for religious instruction and community gatherings.

Historical and Archaeological Context

Historically, the streets of Jerusalem, particularly those near the Temple Mount, have been the subject of extensive archaeological study. Excavations have revealed a complex network of streets and pathways that would have facilitated the movement of large numbers of people. The Herodian street, for example, is a significant archaeological find that runs along the Western Wall, providing insight into the infrastructure that supported Temple worship during the Second Temple period.

The "Street of the House of God" would have been part of this intricate urban landscape, serving as a conduit for the faithful as they approached the Temple to offer sacrifices and participate in religious rites. The proximity of these streets to the Temple underscores their importance in the daily and spiritual life of ancient Jerusalem.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the streets leading to the House of God symbolize the journey of the faithful towards divine presence and communion with God. In Psalm 122:1-2 , the psalmist expresses joy at the prospect of entering Jerusalem and standing within its gates: "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.' Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem." This sentiment captures the anticipation and reverence associated with approaching the sacred space of the Temple.

Moreover, the streets of Jerusalem, including those near the Temple, are often seen as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of believers. Just as the ancient Israelites traveled these streets to worship, Christians are called to walk a spiritual path that leads to a deeper relationship with God through Christ, who is described as the true Temple in the New Testament (John 2:19-21).

In summary, while the specific term "Street of the House of God" may not appear verbatim in the biblical text, the concept is deeply embedded in the scriptural and historical context of Jerusalem. These streets were not only physical pathways but also spiritual conduits, guiding the faithful towards worship and communion with the Almighty.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 10:9
Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together to Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Prayer and the House of God
... find him gathering all the elders of Jerusalem and Judah ... the Covenant that was found
in the house of the ... And he read therein before the street that was before ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xiv prayer and the house.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem
... become a disciple of Jesus Christ." Begin at Jerusalem: it was ... you are to go up and
down the street crying out ... you, but hold up your candle in your own house. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/beginning at jerusalem.htm

Ahaz
... Deserting the courts of the house of God and locking fast its ... up altars for the worship
of heathen deities on the street corners throughout Jerusalem. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 27 ahaz.htm

The Enchanted Ground
... The sweetest music is passing through the street; but he sleeps, and ... it is usual
for us to go to the house of God ... Put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the enchanted ground.htm

I Saw the City
... all the sin and chaos of the City, so was it given to Johnto see a new Jerusalem
rise from the ... Room by room, house by house, street by street, they would be ...
/.../drummond/the greatest thing in the world and other addresses/i saw the city.htm

The God of the Aged
... At New Park Street Chapel, Southwark ... Do you want any other city besides Jerusalem?
Do you remember how they used to rise up sometimes in the house of God, when ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the god of the aged.htm

Carried Captive into Babylon
... Among the righteous still in Jerusalem, to whom had been ... cause me not to return to
the house of Jonathan ... a piece of bread out of the bakers' street, until all ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 37 carried captive into.htm

The Story of Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem
... often as they came from walking in the street, since they ... When Jesus came to Jerusalem,
he found in the courts ... Destroy this house of God, and in three days I ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of jesus the.htm

How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and ...
... of gold, and he had them carried and put into that house which was ... And the king made
silver as plentiful in Jerusalem as stones in the street; and so ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how solomon grew.htm

Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers.
... down the narrow street that runs past Pilate's house, chanting as ... More and ever more
streamed down the street into the ... Illustration: The entry into Jerusalem.]. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter i jesus drives out.htm