Pray for peace, Jerusalem, city of our God,
There salvation was poured out for you, the atoning of the Lord.
Once your streets were filled with joy, branches raised up high,
Shouting "Blessed be the Holy One, Y'shuat Adonai"
Shalom, shalom, Jerusalem, peace be to you.
When Messiah comes to take us home,
May His praise be found in you!
Israel, beloved, Ephraim, my son,
How my heart would thrill to hear you say, "Our Messiah has come!"
O, my brothers, hear His words; may they pierce your soul.
Turn again to worship Adonai, Mashiach you will know.
Shalom Jerusalem Video
Shalom Jerusalem Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
#### What is the meaning of the song "Shalom Jerusalem" by Paul Wilbur?
"Shalom Jerusalem" by Paul Wilbur is a worship song that expresses a deep longing for peace in Jerusalem, reflecting the Biblical significance of the city as the place where God's presence was manifest. It also looks forward to the coming of the Messiah and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. The song serves as a prayer for Jerusalem's peace and a reminder of the Christian belief in Jesus Christ as the Messiah who brings salvation.
#### How does the song begin and what Biblical references does it contain?
The song opens with a prayer for peace in Jerusalem, mentioning the city as God's own and highlighting the salvation that came through it. This directly references Psalm 122:6-7, which says to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and promises prosperity to those who love it. Additionally, the mention of salvation and atoning refers to Isaiah 53, where the suffering servant brings redemption.
#### What is the significance of the phrase "Shalom, shalom, Jerusalem"?
The repetition of "shalom" emphasizes a deep yearning for peace in Jerusalem. In Hebrew, "shalom" means peace, but it also signifies completeness, wholeness, and well-being. This part of the song echoes numerous Biblical prayers for Jerusalem's peace, aligning with Jesus' own lament over Jerusalem in Luke 13:34-35, where He expresses His desire to gather the city's inhabitants as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but they were not willing.
#### Can you explain the reference to "Messiah comes to take us home"?
This line in the song speaks to the Christian belief in the second coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who will gather believers to Himself. This concept is Biblically founded on several passages, such as John 14:3, where Jesus tells His disciples that He will come again and receive them to Himself, so that where He is, there they may be also. It reflects the hope and anticipation of Christ's return.
#### What does the song mean by "Israel, beloved, Ephraim, my son"?
This part of the song refers to the people of Israel with affection, using "Ephraim" as a representation of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Ephraim, a son of Joseph, is often used prophetically to refer to the whole of Israel (Jeremiah 31:20). This signifies God’s enduring love for His people despite their rebellion, echoing the theme of reconciliation and return to faith in God.
#### How does the song conclude and what does it signify?
Without a specific conclusion in the provided text, the overall theme of the song culminates in a call for the people of Israel to recognize their Messiah and return to worship God. This mirrors the Christian and Jewish hope for the spiritual awakening of Israel and the acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah, as foretold in Zechariah 12:10, where God says He will pour out a spirit of grace and supplication on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, leading them to look upon Him whom they have pierced and mourn for Him.
