Zion

2023-12-27

Definition

Zion is defined the first time it appears in the Scriptures. “And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither. Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David” (2 Samuel 5:6-7).

The Jebusites were non-Israelites that were left over from the conquest. The Israelites could not completely drive them out though they defeated them. “As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day” (Joshua 15:63).

David had said that whoever would take the Jebusites first would be the chief captain, which is how his nephew Joab became his chief captain.

We see that this Zion was a “strong hold” and a “castle.” It was situated in a mountain with the same name. Likely, this was a difficult place to get to, since though the Jebusites and their king were defeated, they could hide out in this enclave. This castle of Zion was located within the city of Jerusalem, also known as Jebus.

The fortress of Zion became known as the City of David as defined in 2 Samuel 5:6-7 and 1 Chronicles 11:5.

Distinction Between Mount Zion and Mount Moriah

Mount Zion was distinct from the Temple mount. We see that the ark was brought up from Kirjathjearim/Baale, to the house of Obededom, to the city of David: “And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart” (1 Chronicles 15:29). From there, Solomon moved it to the Temple: “Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion” (2 Chronicles 5:2). This location is Mount Moriah: “Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite” (2 Chronicles 3:1).

However, as we go along, we see that sometimes the terms “City of David,” “Zion,” and “Jerusalem” are used interchangeably, as we will see in some of the upcoming examples.

Holy Hill

Zion is called a “holy hill”: “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion” (Psalm 2:6). The LORD reigns through His anointed at this holy place. “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King” (Psalm 48:1-2). Jesus reaffirms this: “But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King” (Matthew 5:34-35). Here we see Zion and Jerusalem being synonymous terms.

The LORD Himself dwells there: “Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings” (Psalm 9:11). Zion can be called holy because the LORD is there. Because of this, it is a place of justice. “Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments” (Psalm 48:11). “When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory” (Psalm 102:16).

The LORD’s mercy is there: “Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come” (Psalm 102:13).

This was the place the Lord chose for His king and His temple: “Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim: But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved” (Psalm 78:67-68). It is the place of His rule over the world: “The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies” (Psalm 110:2).

Zion abides forever, as do the people who trust in the LORD: “A Song of degrees. They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever” (Psalm 125:1).

A Place of Salvation

Zion is a place from where salvation comes. “Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad” (Psalm 53:6). And again, “For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession” (Psalm 69:35). And again, “Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt” (Psalm 74:2).

God’s people want to be there; it is there home: “A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream” (Psalm 126:1). “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion” (Psalm 137:1).

Fulfillment

There is much about the beauty of Zion as the dwelling place for the LORD and His King. Salvation and justice are there, it is eternal, and the heart of the people is there. We begin to see that Zion on earth is a mere picture of something far greater. Zion and all Jerusalem were destroyed by the Babylonians and the Romans. This Zion must point to a heavenly kingdom that is in fact the dwelling place of the LORD and a refuge for His people. Unlike the Jebusites’ Zion, this Zion is truly impregnable.

The division of earthly Zion and heavenly Zion is decided on the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you want the earthly or the heavenly? “Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass” (Matthew 21:5). “As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed” (Romans 9:33).

King Jesus will transform the earthy into the heavenly; He will be their deliverer. “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob” (Romans 11:26).