The City of David has garnered international attention, with figures like U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee highlighting Guatemala’s newfound recognition of the site. The ambassador stated, “just as the U.S. has discovered that we have roots here, so Guatemala has discovered.” This recognition reflects a larger pattern of nations finding inspiration in the site.
For many, the foundations of the United States might evoke landmarks like Plymouth Rock or Independence Hall. However, the Founding Fathers of America drew inspiration from further afield, as evident by the U.S. formally recognizing the City of David in 2020. This historic site in biblical Jerusalem was acknowledged not merely as a Jewish or Israeli site but as an American heritage site.
Why would the U.S. claim a heritage site 6,000 miles away? The connection lies in the shared moral and historical values. Argentina’s President Javier Milei, set to follow suit in 2025, views the City of David as a foundational inspiration, and recently, Guatemala has joined this recognition.
The moral principles underpinning the United States are deeply rooted in Jerusalem’s biblical heritage. Concepts such as equality before the law, human dignity, and the right to challenge authority emanate from this heritage. These concepts contrast starkly with ancient societies where rulers were often above the law and select individuals held rights.
An example from three thousand years ago highlights this ethos. King David, when rebuked by the prophet Nathan for a moral lapse, did not silence the prophet. Instead, he acknowledged his wrongdoing before God, showcasing a principle of accountability that resounds even today.
Thomas Paine notably referenced this principle in ‘Common Sense,’ asserting that in America, law is king, a sentiment that echoes the teachings from the Book of Samuel.
Stories from Jerusalem emphasize values still central to America. In one instance, the prophet Jeremiah faced opposition for his critiques of a corrupt regime. Historical discoveries in the City of David, like the seals of those who opposed him, add credence to these stories, underscoring their enduring relevance.
The American First Amendment’s advocacy for free speech and dissent draws from these ancient narratives. Athens, for example, condemned Socrates for questioning authority. In contrast, Jerusalem viewed the pursuit of truth as sacred. Benjamin Franklin’s proposed motto for the Great Seal, “Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God,” reflects this value.
Similarly, the Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson, champions the notion that rights are endowed by a Creator, not by temporal powers. This vision of human worth, derived from Genesis and manifested nationally in Jerusalem, remains significant.
This connection to biblical heritage was no secret to America’s founders. Among over 15,000 political documents from the era, the Bible was the most frequently cited source, surpassing even Locke and Montesquieu. The founders explicitly acknowledged this source of inspiration.
Recent proclamations from other nations celebrate not just the Jewish and Israeli ties to Jerusalem but also recognize the universal values it embodies. For instance, in September 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized these themes, highlighting the enduring importance of ancient teachings found at the City of David.
As the U.S. celebrates over 250 years of independence, its national identity and guiding principles continue to draw from Jerusalem’s legacy, offering timeless insights relevant across centuries.