The Historical and Biblical Reasons for Jerusalem's Cognition as Israel's Capital

Jerusalem is universally recognized as the capital of Israel, embodying significant historical and biblical significance. Despite claims from some quarters that this attachment is merely a modern political decision, a detailed examination reveals that Jerusalem's status as Israel's capital is deeply rooted in ancient history and religious texts.

Historical Background and Myths Debunked

The assertion that the 12 tribes of Israel ever had any substantial connection to Jerusalem is a misrepresentation of history. In reality, none of the 12 tribes had ever heard of or resided in a city called Jerusalem until 550 BCE. The renaming of the city from Jebus to Jerusalem in 550 BCE does not change this fact. The name Jerusalem means "City of Peace" in Aramaic, derived from the Canaanite deity El, indicating that the city was named after a foreign deity by the ruling Arameans.

Judaism and the 12 Tribes

It is also important to note that in the period between 3500 BCE and 456 BCE, there was no Judaism as we know it today. The term "Israel" did not even exist as a toponym until the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948. The 12 tribes, including their pagan ancestors and their pagan activities, were mainly goat herders under the rule of foreign powers and had no organized polity or hegemony anywhere, let alone Jerusalem.

The Founding of Jerusalem

Jerusalem's historical significance lies in its founding and initial development. It was established at a spot where there was a natural flat rock at the top of a hill, near a gushing spring. Gushing springs are exceptionally rare, and such natural features were often associated with sacred places. During the Jebusite period, Jerusalem became a strong mountain fortress. David conquered it and made it his capital. Solomon later built the First Temple in Jerusalem, centralizing worship there and codifying it as Jewish law. Since then, Jerusalem has remained the focal point of Jewish religious and political life.

The Role of David and Solomon

King David's role in establishing Jerusalem as the capital of the United Monarchy around 1000 BCE is a pivotal moment in Jewish history. David's choice was not arbitrary; the natural features, the strategic location, and the religious significance made Jerusalem a choice that resonated deeply with the Jewish people. Solomon's subsequent construction of the Temple further cemented Jerusalem's status as the central religious and political hub of the Israelite kingdom.

Resistance to Rejection

Even political leaders who were not overtly religious, such as David Ben-Gurion, recognized the symbolic and strategic importance of Jerusalem. In 1948, when Israel was established, it did not "choose" Jerusalem as its capital; rather, the city was already the recognized and essential capital due to its historical and religious significance. Rejection of this reality would have been seen as a rejection of the entirety of Jewish history and the very essence of Judaism.

Conclusion

Jerusalem has always been the true capital of the Jewish people. The 12 tribes, the Canaanites, and other groups never held Jerusalem as a significant or permanent political center until the Aramean naming in 550 BCE. The overriding and enduring significance of Jerusalem in Judaism is a testament to its status as the central site of Jewish religious and political life, long before and after the establishment of the modern State of Israel.