The Bible has many names for persons and places that start with the letter "Z" Some familiar and not so familiar. In the NT is Zacchaeus, the tax-collector, and Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, and Zebedee, father of James and John, the apostles. In the Old Testament was Zebulun, the son of Jacob, and Zechariah and Zephaniah who wrote the OT books. Also, their was the high priest, Zadok and the kings, Zedekiah and Zerubbabel. Places called "The Wilderness of Zin" and Zanoah.
The word "Zion" is mentioned over 100 times in the Old Testament. Sometimes as a location in the city of Jerusalem and the Kingdom of Judah. Other times he refers to God Himself as King David refers to Him as Zion. The prophets such as Isaiah and Jeremiah speak of God as Zion. Symbolically, David speaks of Zion as a stronghold, a rock, or a dry place to find comfort and protection. It could also be running water for their enjoyment.
When David first became king of Judah and Israel at the age of 30, he entered into Jerusalem, but he had to overtake the Jebusites living in the land. he called it, "the stronghold of Zion, the City of David." (2 Samuel 5:7) At the time, he was living in a fort and then made it a place of safety. Verse 10 says "And David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him."
Years later, Solomon becomes the King and brings the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord into the Holy of Holies of the temple and calls it the City of David which is Zion.(1 Kings 8:1). David in all of his writings in the Psalms refers to God as the God of Zion. The temple is where God is worshipped and praised. Zion is a location to come to to meet God!
There were times when families were used to describe Zion, such as the "daughters of Zion and sons of Zion". When it is used in the New Testament which is not mentioned by Jesus in the Gospels, However, it is used a description of the "heavenly Jerusalem." (Hebrews 12:22) "But ye are come unto mount Zion and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to the innumerable company of angels.".
Conclusion: If David could speak to us now, he would say "Clap your hands, people of God, great is our God, and greatly to be praised. Beautiful for situations, the joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion, the city of the great King. God is known in her palaces for refuge." (Psalms 48:1-3) Amen.
Larry L. Vollink, Cedar Springs, MI, (616) 655-4129, lawrenceV@comcast.net
