THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
When Jerusalem was established, it was not constructed in a void where no city had existed; previously, there was a city known as Jebus, inhabited by the descendants of the Jebusites. This city was conquered and subdued, making way for a new city, symbolically as if the old had been completely demolished. The new city was named Jerusalem, meaning the vision of peace, the dwelling place of God. Consequently, not every descendant of Adam is part of Jerusalem, as they carry with them the remnants of iniquity, the consequences of sin, and the sentence of death, thereby connecting them in some manner to the old city’s archetype. However, if anyone joins the people of God, the former aspects shall be annihilated, giving rise to a new city.
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Consider the significance of the two cities. Babylon translates to 'confusion,' while Jerusalem means 'the vision of peace.' From the first, we groan, while we yearn for the latter. But how can we differentiate between these cities? Is it feasible to separate them now? They are intertwined, having coexisted from the dawn of humanity until the consummation of the age. Jerusalem is rooted in Abel, whereas Babylon is traced back to Cain, as the constructions of these cities arose in historical succession. Jerusalem was initially established in the territory of the Jebusites and bore the name Jebus until the Jebusites were ousted when God's people emerged from Egyptian bondage and entered the promised land. Meanwhile, Babylon emerged in the inner regions of Persia, which had long dominated over other nations. Thus, these two cities were founded at different moments to serve as embodiments of two distinct cities established in ancient times, coexisting until the conclusion of this age; these will ultimately be separated at the age's end.