While this isn't considered definitive proof, many scholars have come to accept that a Jewish leader named David ruled in what is now Jerusalem. Thousands of years of battle and torment occupied the land of Jerusalem after David's reign. The city was ruled at various times by Persians, Alexander the Great, the Romans, Muslims, the Turks, the British, and several other empires through history. Throughout these transitions of power, many of King David's ideas and plans came to fruition, demonstrating the lasting influence he had on that city. The Temple Mount, built by David's son Solomon and expanded into a fortress many years later, is still standing. The Western Wall of the Temple Mount is widely considered the holiest site in the city.

Jerusalem Today

Modern Jerusalem contains approximately 662,000 people (Jerusalem). It has been part of the independent state of Israel since 1947, and houses Jews, Christians, and Muslims. In the 63 years since Israel become a state, the boundaries, occupation and political control of Jerusalem have been subjects of heated debate. The city was initially divided between Israel and Jordan (1948-1967) but was unified in 1967 following the Six-Day War. Today, Jerusalem is one of the most critical sticking points for Israeli-Palestinian relations, as each group insists that the city become its own capital. Since Palestine is not yet a state, Israel still retains full sovereignty over King David's ancient city.

Indeed, modern politics in the Middle East have often focused around the religious identity of Jerusalem. Drawing on both Biblical and historical evidence for David's prominent role in that city, it has been "perceived by some people, both in Israel and abroad, as an indication of an exclusive Jewish claim to the city." (Gavron, 2003). Thus, King David's insistence, on his death bed, that the city remain under control by his descendants is taken as proof for many Jews that the city should remain the center of the Jewish state. They note...

These facts, for them, solidify their claim to the city. Ongoing Christian and Muslim interests in Jerusalem make it one of the most vexing issues in international relations. Sequential world leaders have sought to establish peace in the region, only to be deterred by the complicated question of what to do about Jerusalem.
Conclusion

King David settled in Jerusalem three thousand years ago, but set into motion a set of values and holy images that continue to this day. If indeed David can be credited with the creation of a unified monarchy, that connected the religious, military, judicial, and political components of the nation, then we may understand Jerusalem to be the eternal embodiment of those elements.

Not only do tourists from around the world continue to visit Jerusalem for its spiritual significance, but millions of people representing diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds have asserted their unqualified right to reside there. Perhaps no other city has generated such impassioned reactions from so many different religious traditions. King David's legacy is political, spiritual, religious, and practical. For an historical figure whose existence wasn't confirmed until very recently, David's stamp on Jerusalem was profound.

Bibliography

Ariel, David S. What Do Jews Believe? The Spiritual Foundations of Judaism. New York, N.Y.: Schocken Books, Inc., 1995.

Finkelstein, Israel and Neil Asher Silberman. David and Solomon: In Search of the Bible's Sacred Kings and the Roots of the Western Tradition. Free Press, 2007.

Gavron, Daniel. 2003. King David & Jerusalem: Myth and Reality. Available at: http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFAArchive/2000_2009/2003/9/King%20David%20and%20Jerusalem-%20Myth%20and%20Reality

Jerusalem: History. Virtual Israel Experience. Available at: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vie/Jerusalem1.html