Jerusalem, a city of profound historical and theological significance, is central to the biblical narrative. It is often referred to as the "City of David" and the "Holy City," serving as the political, spiritual, and cultural heart of the Jewish people. The inhabitants of Jerusalem, throughout biblical history, have played pivotal roles in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Early Inhabitants and Conquest

The earliest known inhabitants of Jerusalem were the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe. The city was known as Jebus before its conquest by King David. In 2 Samuel 5:6-7, we read, "Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, who inhabited the land. And the Jebusites said to David, 'You will never get in here; even the blind and lame can repel you.' For they thought, 'David cannot get in here.' Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)." This conquest marked the beginning of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The Reign of Solomon and the Temple

Under King Solomon, David's son, Jerusalem reached new heights of glory. Solomon constructed the First Temple, a central place of worship for the Israelites, as described in 1 Kings 6. The people of Jerusalem during Solomon's reign experienced a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity. The Temple became the focal point of religious life, where sacrifices were offered, and festivals were celebrated.

Exile and Return

The people of Jerusalem faced significant challenges, including the Babylonian conquest in 586 BC, which led to the destruction of the Temple and the exile of many inhabitants. This period of exile was a time of deep reflection and longing for restoration. The return from exile, as chronicled in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, saw the rebuilding of the city and the Second Temple. Nehemiah 7:4-5 notes, "Now the city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and the houses had not yet been rebuilt. So my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the common people for registration by families."

The Time of Jesus

In the New Testament, Jerusalem is the backdrop for many significant events in the life of Jesus Christ. The people of Jerusalem witnessed His triumphal entry (Matthew 21:9), His teachings in the Temple courts, and His crucifixion and resurrection. The city's inhabitants were a diverse group, including religious leaders, Roman officials, and common citizens, each playing a role in the events leading to the crucifixion. Acts 2:5 describes the day of Pentecost, "Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven."

The Early Church

After the resurrection of Jesus, Jerusalem became the birthplace of the early Christian church. The apostles and early believers gathered in the city, as recorded in Acts 1:12-14, "Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, a Sabbath day's journey away. When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying... They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." The people of Jerusalem were among the first to hear the gospel message and witness the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Throughout biblical history, the people of Jerusalem have been central to God's covenantal promises. The city remains a symbol of God's enduring faithfulness and the hope of ultimate redemption. Jerusalem's inhabitants, from the time of David to the early church, have been integral to the unfolding of biblical prophecy and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.