This day is more than a mere commemoration of a military or political victory. And, it is much more than a celebration of a symbolic accomplishment for the Jewish people. It is the fulfillment of 2500 years of struggle against tyranny, persecution and exile. As far back as the days of Moses, the Babylonian captivity and the Roman pogroms, Jews have been repeating the mantra: "Next year in Jerusalem!"
Even as Jews began entering back into the Holy Land during the late 1800s and early 1900s, the chant continued. For those who survived the Nazi Holocaust, it was the refrain that led them to their next breath. For the six million who didn't survive, it was often the hymn that led them to their last breath. And, after the miracle of Israeli National Rebirth in 1948, it became the chorus of the new Israel.
On the 28th day of Iyar, June 7th, 1967 on the Gregorian calendar, "Next Year" become "Today in Jerusalem!" The prophets of the Tanach spoke often about Jerusalem. Zechariah foretold of the significance of the City of Gold:
Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
Today, Jerusalem is indeed a "cup of trembling unto all the people round about." In fact the entire world has had its attention drawn to Jerusalem time and time again - but in no generation has it been a more central focus of scrutiny by more people than it is at this point in history. And it will without any doubt continue to be.
To Jews and Gentile believers in the God of the Bible, Jerusalem is THE Holy City. Let us indeed follow the admonition of the Psalmist as he said:
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem;
May those who love you prosper."
Psalm 122:6
