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

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

Zion as a symbol of God’s people

A symbol of Jerusalem Ps 9:14 See also Isa 52:1-2; La 2:8-10; Mic 4:6-8; Mt 21:5 pp Jn 12:15; Zec 9:9

A symbol of Judah Ps 78:68 See also Jer 14:19

A symbol of Israel La 2:1 See also Isa 46:13

Zion as the object of God’s attention

The object of God’s love Ps 87:2 See also Ps 102:13-16

The object of God’s blessing Ps 133:3 See also Ps 132:13-16; Ps 147:12-14

The object of God’s judgment Jer 26:18 See also Mic 3:12; Isa 1:8-9; Jer 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 Ps 46:4-7 See also Ps 48:1-14; Ps 125:1-2; Isa 37:22-23 pp 2Ki 19:21-22; Joel 3:16

The restoration of Zion because of God’s promises Jer 30:17-22 See also Ps 126:1-3; Jer 29:10-14; Jer 31:38-40; Mic 4:6-7

The salvation of Zion because of God’s coming king and Saviour Zec 9:9-10 pp Mt 21:5 pp Jn 12:15 See also Isa 62:11-12; Mic 4:8

Zion destined to be a city for all peoples Ps 102:21-22 See also Ps 87:4-6; Isa 2:2-4 pp Mic 4:1-3; Isa 56:3-7; Zec 14:16

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

Heb 12:22-23 See also Ro 9:33; 1Pe 2:6; Isa 8:14; Isa 28:16; Heb 11:16; Rev 14:1

See also