Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Called: Zion of the Holy One of Israel

◄ Jerusalem: Called: Zion of the Holy One of Israel ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem, a city of profound historical and theological significance, is often referred to as "Zion of the Holy One of Israel" in the Scriptures. This designation underscores its central role in the religious and spiritual life of the Israelites and its enduring importance in biblical prophecy and eschatology.

Biblical Significance

Jerusalem is first mentioned in the context of Melchizedek, the king of Salem, in Genesis 14:18. However, its prominence as the city of David and the capital of the united kingdom of Israel is established in 2 Samuel 5:6-9, where David captures the stronghold of Zion and makes it his royal city. The term "Zion" is often used interchangeably with Jerusalem, particularly in poetic and prophetic literature, to denote the city as the dwelling place of God and the center of His divine activity.

Zion: The Holy Mountain

The name "Zion" is frequently associated with the Temple Mount, the site of Solomon's Temple, which was the focal point of Jewish worship and the location where God's presence dwelt among His people. Isaiah 8:18 refers to Zion as the dwelling place of the Lord: "Here am I and the children the LORD has given me as signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD of Hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion."

Prophetic and Eschatological Role

Jerusalem's role as "Zion of the Holy One of Israel" is further emphasized in the prophetic writings, where it is depicted as the future center of God's kingdom on earth. Isaiah 2:2-3 envisions a time when "the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains... and all nations will stream to it." This prophetic vision highlights Jerusalem's future glory and its role as a beacon of divine truth and justice.

A City of Divine Favor and Judgment

Throughout the Scriptures, Jerusalem is portrayed as both the recipient of God's favor and the subject of His judgment. In Isaiah 60:14, the city is promised restoration and honor: "The sons of your oppressors will come bowing before you; all who despise you will bow down at your feet and call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel." Yet, the city is also warned of impending judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness, as seen in Jeremiah 6:6-8.

Symbol of God's Covenant Faithfulness

Jerusalem, as Zion, symbolizes God's enduring covenant with His people. Despite periods of exile and destruction, the city remains a testament to God's promises and His plan for redemption. The Psalms frequently celebrate Jerusalem as the city of God, a place of refuge and joy for His people. Psalm 48:1-2 declares, "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain. Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King."

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jerusalem continues to hold a place of significance. It is the setting for key events in the life of Jesus, including His crucifixion and resurrection. The Book of Revelation envisions a new Jerusalem, descending from heaven, as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan (Revelation 21:2). This new Jerusalem represents the culmination of God's promises and the eternal dwelling place of His people.

In summary, Jerusalem, as "Zion of the Holy One of Israel," is a city deeply woven into the fabric of biblical history and prophecy. It stands as a symbol of God's presence, His covenant faithfulness, and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 60:14
The sons also of them that afflicted you shall come bending to you; and all they that despised you shall bow themselves down at the soles of your feet; and they shall call you; The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The New Jerusalem.
... mountain, and shewed me the holy city Jerusalem, descending out ... of the millennium,
when those who are called to the ... thee, The city of the Lord, The Zion of the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.htm

The Millennium in Relation to Israel.
... Early in the Millennium Jerusalem will be rebuilt: "Thus saith ... appoint unto them
that mourn in Zion, to give ... of heaviness; that they might be called Trees of ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/4 the millennium in relation.htm

Assumptions Concerning the Book of Isaiah.
... forty-fifth chapters of the book, as the restorer of Jerusalem. ... The God of the whole
earth shall he be called.". ... call thee the city of the Lord, the Zion of the ...
/.../vi assumptions concerning the book.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... The Lord had "chosen Zion," He had "desired it for ... stayed the angel of justice, I
have called thee to ... Christ saw in Jerusalem a symbol of the world hardened in ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... The Lord had "chosen Zion," He had "desired it ... utterance in the mournful words:
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that ... the angel of justice, I have called thee to ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

"The House of Israel"
... Israel, through Zechariah, the assurance: "I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell
in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 59 the house of.htm

Visions of Future Glory
... the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of ... Awake, awake; put on
thy strength, O Zion; Put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the Holy City ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 60 visions of future.htm

"The Prophets of God Helping Them"
... And I called for a drought upon the land, and ... God had commanded that Jerusalem be
rebuilt; the vision of ... "Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 46 the prophets of.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... the day of his rebuilding the New Jerusalem, so visibly ... prey, when a multitude of
shepherds are called forth against ... thee The city of the Lord, the Zion of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

The Redeemed on Mount Zion.
... by the connection to be Christ,"here called by one ... comforted his people, he hath
redeemed Jerusalem." Ib ... The standing of the Lamb on Mount Zion, symbolizes an ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the redeemed on mount zion.htm