White Heart - Jerusalem Lyrics

Jerusalem Video

Jerusalem Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Jerusalem by White Heart: A Song of Hope and Longing

Introduction:

Jerusalem, a song by the American contemporary Christian/pop-rock band White Heart, is a powerful anthem that captures the deep longing and hope for peace in the city of Jerusalem. Released in 1985, the song resonates with believers who recognize the significance of Jerusalem in biblical history and prophecy.

Key Messages of the Song:

The lyrics of Jerusalem convey a sense of urgency, longing, and a plea for peace in the city. Let's examine the main key messages of the song chronologically from the lines:

"Jerusalem, you set the world on fire
Jerusalem, city of desire
We're watching you, what will you do
Oh Jerusalem"

These opening lines acknowledge the historical and spiritual significance of Jerusalem. The city is described as setting the world on fire, implying its impact and influence on the global stage. It is referred to as a city of desire, highlighting its importance and desirability among believers. The line "We're watching you, what will you do" suggests the anticipation and expectation for Jerusalem to fulfill its divine destiny.

"Jerusalem, the prophets call your name
Jerusalem, but they call out in vain
'Cause you don't hear
How many tears must fall, Jerusalem"

Here, the song references the prophets who have called out to Jerusalem in vain. The plea for Jerusalem to listen and respond to the cries of the prophets is evident. The question of how many tears must fall emphasizes the suffering and longing for Jerusalem to embrace its role and bring peace.

"The armies come marching, they stand at your door
But still, you refuse to obey
Your children are scattered all over the world
Yet their hearts are all drawn to one place"

This verse acknowledges the conflicts and struggles that have surrounded Jerusalem throughout history. The mention of armies marching and standing at its door highlights the ongoing tensions and threats faced by the city. Despite this, the song emphasizes Jerusalem's refusal to obey, possibly referring to its failure to embrace its calling and bring about lasting peace. The scattering of Jerusalem's children all over the world portrays the diaspora of the Jewish people, yet their hearts remain drawn to their ancestral homeland.

"Jerusalem, you are the wailing wall
Jerusalem, you break the hearts of all
Who dream for you, what can we do
Oh Jerusalem"

The wailing wall, also known as the Western Wall, is a significant location in Jerusalem where Jews gather to pray and mourn. By referring to Jerusalem as the wailing wall, the song highlights the pain and heartbreak associated with the city's ongoing struggles. The line "Who dream for you, what can we do" expresses the frustration and helplessness felt by those who long for Jerusalem's restoration and peace.

"Jerusalem, Jesus calls to you
Jerusalem, but you don't listen
To the voice of love, it cries from above
Oh Jerusalem"

In this verse, the song draws attention to the spiritual significance of Jerusalem. Jesus is portrayed as calling out to Jerusalem, but the city is depicted as not listening to the voice of love that cries from above. This could be seen as a reference to the rejection of Jesus as the Messiah by some in Jerusalem, leading to a missed opportunity for reconciliation and peace.

Meaning and Inspiration:

The song Jerusalem carries a profound meaning rooted in the biblical significance of the city. It captures the longing and hope for Jerusalem to fulfill its prophetic destiny as a city of peace. The lyrics reflect the ongoing struggles and conflicts that have surrounded Jerusalem throughout history, as well as the deep desire for unity and reconciliation.

The inspiration behind the song may have stemmed from the band's recognition of the biblical importance of Jerusalem, coupled with the contemporary political and social tensions surrounding the city. White Heart may have been motivated by a desire to express their faith, hope, and prayers for peace in Jerusalem through their music.

Biblical Analysis:

Critically analyzing the biblical alignment of the song, we can find several references and themes that resonate with biblical teachings. The longing for peace in Jerusalem and the recognition of its role in biblical prophecy are central to the song's message.

The importance of Jerusalem in biblical history is undeniable. It is the city where God chose to place His name (1 Kings 11:36) and where Jesus was crucified and resurrected (Luke 24:45-47). The prophets of the Old Testament, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, often spoke about Jerusalem, its restoration, and its future role in God's plan.

The plea for Jerusalem to listen to the voice of love from above aligns with biblical teachings of God's desire for reconciliation and peace. In the book of Jeremiah, God calls out to Jerusalem, saying, "Return, faithless Israel, declares the LORD. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the LORD; I will not be angry forever" (Jeremiah 3:12). This echoes the sentiment expressed in the song, urging Jerusalem to heed the call of love and embrace its divine destiny.

However, it is important to note that the song does not explicitly mention Jesus as the Messiah or the fulfillment of God's plan for Jerusalem. While the song alludes to Jesus calling out to Jerusalem, it does not delve into the depth of His redemptive work. Therefore, from a biblical perspective, the song falls short in fully conveying the gospel message.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Jerusalem by White Heart is a powerful song that captures the longing, hope, and plea for peace in the city of Jerusalem. Its lyrics convey the historical and spiritual significance of Jerusalem and highlight the ongoing struggles and conflicts faced by the city. The song's meaning and inspiration are rooted in the biblical importance of Jerusalem and the desire for unity and reconciliation. While the song aligns with some biblical teachings, it falls short in fully conveying the gospel message. Nonetheless, Jerusalem remains a poignant anthem for believers who long for the restoration and peace of the holy city.