Dictionary of Bible Themes: 7271 Zion, as a symbol

7271 Zion, as a symbol

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7200 History of God's people in OT » 7269 Zion » 7271 Zion, as a symbol

Central to the life of the nation of Israel, it became the symbol of the whole nation and was seen, especially by the prophets, as the focus of God's promises and his final victory. In the NT Zion is a symbol of the new Israel, the church.

Zion as the dwelling-place of God

Psalm 135:21 See also Psalm 76:2; Psalm 132:13-14; Joel 3:17

Zion as a symbol of God's people

A symbol of Jerusalem

A symbol of Judah

Psalm 78:68 See also Jeremiah 14:19

A symbol of Israel

Lamentations 2:1 See also Isaiah 46:13

Zion as the object of God's attention

The object of God's love

Psalm 87:2 See also Psalm 102:13-16

The object of God's blessing

Psalm 133:3 See also Psalm 132:13-16; Psalm 147:12-14

The object of God's judgment

Jeremiah 26:18 See also Micah 3:12; Isaiah 1:8-9; Jeremiah 6:2-5,22-23; Joel 2:1-2

Zion as the focus of God's presence and promises

The security of Zion because of God's presence

Psalm 46:4-7 See also Psalm 48:1-14; Psalm 125:1-2; Isaiah 37:22-23 pp 2 Kings 19:21-22; Joel 3:16

The restoration of Zion because of God's promises

Jeremiah 30:17-22 See also Psalm 126:1-3; Jeremiah 29:10-14; Jeremiah 31:38-40; Micah 4:6-7

The salvation of Zion because of God's coming king and Saviour

Zechariah 9:9-10 pp Matthew 21:5 pp John 12:15 See also Isaiah 62:11-12; Micah 4:8

Zion destined to be a city for all peoples

Psalm 102:21-22 See also Psalm 87:4-6; Isaiah 2:2-4 pp Micah 4:1-3; Isaiah 56:3-7; Zechariah 14:16

Zion as an NT symbol of the new Israel, the church

Hebrews 12:22-23 See also Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:6; Isaiah 8:14; Isaiah 28:16; Hebrews 11:16; Revelation 14:1