Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Called: Zion

◄ Jerusalem: Called: Zion ►

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Introduction

Jerusalem, often referred to as Zion, holds a central place in biblical history and theology. It is a city of profound spiritual significance, serving as the political and religious heart of ancient Israel. The name "Zion" is frequently used interchangeably with Jerusalem, symbolizing not only the physical city but also the spiritual and eschatological hopes of the people of God.

Biblical References

The term "Zion" first appears in the Bible in reference to a specific location within Jerusalem. Originally, Zion referred to the Jebusite fortress captured by King David, which he then established as his royal city. "Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)" (2 Samuel 5:7). Over time, the name Zion came to represent the entire city of Jerusalem and, by extension, the people of Israel and their spiritual aspirations.

Zion as the City of God

Zion is frequently depicted as the dwelling place of God, a theme that underscores its sacred status. The Psalms, in particular, celebrate Zion as the chosen city of God. "For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His home" (Psalm 132:13). This divine selection elevates Zion as a symbol of God's presence and favor.

Zion in Prophecy and Eschatology

The prophetic literature of the Old Testament often uses Zion to convey future hope and restoration. The prophets speak of a time when Zion will be exalted and all nations will stream to it, seeking the wisdom and justice of God. "In the last days, the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it" (Isaiah 2:2). This eschatological vision positions Zion as the focal point of God's redemptive plan for the world.

Zion in the New Testament

In the New Testament, Zion continues to hold theological significance. It is often used metaphorically to describe the spiritual reality of the Church and the heavenly Jerusalem. The author of Hebrews writes, "But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem" (Hebrews 12:22). This passage highlights the continuity between the Old and New Covenants, with Zion representing the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.

Zion as a Symbol of Hope and Deliverance

Throughout the Bible, Zion is a symbol of hope and deliverance for God's people. It represents the assurance of God's protection and the promise of future glory. The psalmist declares, "Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but endures forever" (Psalm 125:1). This enduring image of stability and divine faithfulness offers comfort and encouragement to believers.

Conclusion

While the entry does not include a conclusion, it is evident that Zion, as a name for Jerusalem, encapsulates a rich tapestry of historical, theological, and eschatological themes. It serves as a powerful symbol of God's presence, promises, and ultimate plan for redemption.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 48:12
Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 33:20
Look on Zion, the city of our solemnities: your eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Redeemed on Mount Zion.
... The Lamb is shown by the connection to be Christ,"here called by one of his
metaphorical names. ... The names of Mount Zion, and Jerusalem, were both used to ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the redeemed on mount zion.htm

Zion Awakened
... you: for when he was but one I called him, and I ... foundations of the earth, and say
unto Zion, Thou art ... Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, Which hast drunk at ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/zion awakened.htm

Mountains Round Mount Zion
... in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot ... 2. As the mountains are round about
Jerusalem, so the ... The so-called 'Songs of Degrees,' of which this psalm is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/mountains round mount zion.htm

Messiah's Entrance into Jerusalem
... as here, contradistinguished from each other, Zion, the city ... ecclesiastical and civil
state; and Jerusalem may be ... They are therefore called upon to rejoice in ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xi messiahs entrance into.htm

The Maccabees.
... this force, drove it back to Antioch, and then marched to Jerusalem, and forced
the Greek garrison to take refuge in a fortress called Akra, on Mount Zion. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xviii the maccabees.htm

Matthew's Story of the Entry into Jerusalem. Difficulties Involved ...
... Hence it was that when He entered Jerusalem, the whole ... is written, My house shall
be called a house ... 5065] "Rejoice greatly, thou daughter of Zion, proclaim it ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/17 matthews story of the.htm

Zion's Joy and God's
... 'Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem....17. ... Zion is called to rejoice in God because ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/zions joy and gods.htm

The Entry into Jerusalem.
... they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the ... as it is written, Fear not,
daughter of Zion: behold, thy ... that was with Him when He called Lazarus out ...
/.../ii the entry into jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... From the crest of Olivet, Jesus looked upon Jerusalem. ... the joy of the whole earth,
is Mount Zion, ... ... whose power had conquered death, and called its captives ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Sixth
... And what will be the blessing of Zion and Jerusalem when, as ... Then it is that the
promise is given, "Thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth.htm