Unlike many other biblical locations, references to Zion are also found in the New Testament, specifically in Matthew, John, Romans, Hebrews, 1 Peter, and most notably, Revelation. It is clear that the Theology of Zion formed through three separate streams of scripture; Historical, Poetic (Psalms) and Prophetic (Isaiah onwards). Mat 23: 37)” (p. 23). Zion can refer to the original territory of Jerusalem conquered by and lived in by David and where the Ark of the Covenant was placed (1Kings 8:1, 2Chronicles 5:2). If refuge under God’s ‘wings’ is the locus of Israel’s protection, then Zion is God’s ‘nesting place’ and Israel is her brood (cf. Zion is mentioned throughout Scripture, but there is a higher concentration of references in the Psalms and the Prophets. Out of the Depths. In the early days of this dispensation, Church leaders counseled members to build up Zion by emigrating to a central location. Whilst it is evident Zion Theology emerged from the Historical books leading to the conquest of Jerusalem by David, Levenson (1996) highlights the dozens of Zion traditions prominent in the prophetic book of Isaiah including 8:5-10; 17:12-14; 24:21-23; 25:6-12 and 60- 62 to name a few. Yet have I set my king on my holy hill of Zion. God’s chosen King in reign, and the temple, epicenter of God’s worship on earth. A zion was a citadel that was in the center of Jerusalem, which explains why it means “highest point.” Today it’s known as the biblical term for the Promised Land; Zionism refers to the movement to establish a Jewish homeland. This is astounding! Consider well … Jeremiah’s heartfelt sermon given at the gates of Zion (Jerusalem) emphasizes the condition of the people; King David captured this stronghold and it was renamed City Of David. To the people at the time, Zion the City of David, represented a refuge and the pinnacle of God’s presence amongst them. By all the means you can. Louisville, KY: Westminister John Knox press. What is the role and importance of Zion in Christianity? In biblical times, Mount Zion was the place where God’s temple stood. 5:6-7). The Psalms speak for us today. 1. originally a stronghold captured by David (the 2nd king of the Israelites); above it was built a temple and later the name extended to the whole hill; finally it became a synonym for the city of Jerusalem 2. 1.8K likes. It is to this that the passage here refers; and the meaning is, that in that metropolis or capital God had constituted his Messiah king, or had appointed him to reign over his people. Living in such a city with the assurance of God’s protection, vividly manifested in such physical existence, would no doubt afford a sense of security. Mount Zion is likely a term that you have heard before or read in Scripture, but you may not have given much thought to what or where it is. Strong, J. T. (1997). David, who wrote Psalm 2, conquered Zion when it was a city of the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:7). We looked for peace, but no good came; for a time of healing, but behold, terror.”, Zechariah 9:13 - “For I have bent Judah as my bow; I have made Ephraim its arrow. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”, Former Australia Post chief executive did not have board approval for Cartier watch gifts, report finds, 'Read the room': Indigenous cricketer Dan Christian tells PM to follow CA's lead on Australia Day, Aged care sector 'disappointed' science does not support mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for workers, China mine rescue: Survivors to remain trapped at least two more weeks, Indonesia plane crash probe focusses on autothrottle, Google threatens to withdraw search engine from Australia, Soldier of Christ – Army Major Jeff Struecker – Inspiring Story of Survival, Martin Luther King and His Partner in the Cause. Some examples of this include: Psalm 2:6 - “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.”, 2 Kings 19:31 - “For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. Zion glossary term meaning as seen in the King James Bible. zi'-on (tsiyon; Sion): 1. You can read more of his writing at habitsofholiness.com. The noblest thing a man can do is, just humbly to receive, and then go  amongst others and give.”, “Many of those who once were so passionately in love with Christ now run about  pursuing their own interests. Some examples of this include: Isaiah 46:13 - “I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay;  I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory.”, Jeremiah 14:19 - “Have you utterly rejected Judah? And yet it is they who will save many and be saved themselves.”, Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. Arnold (1999)states “Today, God still expects sincere commitments from his children. At the same time, there are many who view this as referring to Christ in heaven, standing in victory on a symbolic Mount Zion. The apostle Paul states “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. The sovereign Creator of the universe will set His King—the Lord Jesus Christ, Israel's Messiah—on Mount Zion, His holy hill. Psalm 110:1,2 A Psalm of David. 354. My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth” (Ps. Any Jewish person would know exactly what Mount Zion is and why it is important, and Christians should also understand the grand significance of this iconic place. You are your own holy and sacred place where you can be present with the Lord. Meaning of the Word: A name applied to Jerusalem, or to certain parts of it, at least since the time of David. Definition of zion : originally a stronghold captured by David (the 2nd king of the Israelites); above it was built a temple and later the name extended to the whole hill; finally it became a synonym for the city of Jerusalem - Jewish republic in southwestern Asia at eastern end of … It is clear that the term Zion extended to encompass both the city and the people themselves and through the Davidic line of Kings a level of protection was extended to them whilst they remained faithful to Yahweh. Doubleday: New York. Your body serves as its own Zion, a temple of the Lord’s presence. When Solomon went on to build his own, larger temple, the area to which the term Zion referred expanded to include the land upon which the new temple stood. A proper understanding of Zion not only helps the Christian appreciate biblical history, but also helps the Christian appreciate the wonder of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As Brown (2002) states “Indeed those ‘born in [Zion]’ are ‘registered’ in a list of faithful worshippers (Ps 87: 5-7). Some scholars believe that the name also belonged to the “stronghold of Zion” taken by David (2 Samuel 5:7), which may have been the fortress of the city. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Cor 6:19-20). exegesis hymns. The Temple that was built there is situated in an area of several hills. A glimpse of how the Israelites must have felt living in the City of David, Kingdom of Zion and home of the eternal God begins to emerge. The Anchor Bible Dictionary. “Only he who believes is obedient and only he who is obedient believes.”, “Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the  impossible.”, “Do not think me mad. Abbreviations resource “ do not have to make money that I believe in Christ. From here that confidence in Zion ’ s Bible Commentary: Volume 5 throughout the Testament. 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