Jerusalem became the biblical archetype of God’s hope for a city and the possibilities of urban redemption. It was called “the joy of the whole earth” (Psalm 48:2). It radiated divine presence and power: “From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth” (Psalm 50:2). Jerusalem was even declared to be the desired dwelling place of God: “this is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it. I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor I will satisfy with food. I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her faithful people will ever sing for joy” (Psalm 132:14-16). This history importantly details that the city of Jerusalem functioned with a centripetal (directed toward the center) flow of mission. Like a missional magnet, the centripetal force of Jerusalem and her temple drew people to its center for the glory and worship of God. The nations were invited to come to Jerusalem and discover the beauty of monotheism and the corporate life of a holy nation created to glorify and worship the one true God.
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