Topical Bible: the First Temple was Called: Mount Zion

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Topical Encyclopedia

Mount Zion holds a significant place in biblical history and theology, often associated with the First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple. This sacred site is deeply embedded in the narrative of Israel's relationship with God and serves as a symbol of divine presence and covenant.

Biblical References and Significance

Mount Zion is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a central location for worship and divine encounter. In 2 Samuel 5:7 , it is recorded, "Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)." This passage marks the beginning of Zion's prominence as a religious and political center. King David established his capital there, and it became the focal point for the united tribes of Israel.

The construction of the First Temple on Mount Zion was a pivotal event in Israel's history. King Solomon, David's son, fulfilled his father's vision by building the Temple as a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant. In 1 Kings 8:1 , it states, "Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes, and the leaders of the families of the Israelites before him in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the City of David, which is Zion."

The Temple on Mount Zion was not only a physical structure but also a spiritual epicenter for the Israelites. It was here that sacrifices were offered, festivals were celebrated, and the Law was taught. The Temple symbolized God's presence among His people and His covenantal promises to Israel.

Theological Implications

Mount Zion is more than a geographical location; it represents the meeting point between God and humanity. The Psalms frequently celebrate Zion as the dwelling place of God. Psalm 132:13-14 declares, "For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His home: 'This is My resting place forever and ever; here I will dwell, for I have desired this home.'"

The prophetic literature also emphasizes Zion's future significance. 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 eschatological vision underscores Zion's role in God's redemptive plan for all nations.

Historical Context

The First Temple stood on Mount Zion for nearly four centuries, from its completion in the 10th century BC until its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC. This period was marked by both faithfulness and apostasy among the Israelites, with the Temple serving as a constant reminder of God's holiness and the need for repentance.

Despite its destruction, the memory of the First Temple and its location on Mount Zion continued to inspire hope and longing for restoration among the Jewish people. The post-exilic prophets, such as Haggai and Zechariah, encouraged the rebuilding of the Temple, which was eventually completed in the form of the Second Temple.

Conclusion

Mount Zion, as the site of the First Temple, remains a powerful symbol of God's covenant with Israel and His enduring presence among His people. Its theological and historical significance continues to resonate within the Judeo-Christian tradition, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the eschatological vision of a new Jerusalem.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 74:2
Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old; the rod of your inheritance, which you have redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein you have dwelled.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Mountains Round Mount Zion
... and, on the south, another hill, the so-called 'Hill of ... Thus, if we live in the Temple,
and keep inside its ... of the sacred city is that, at first sight, the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/mountains round mount zion.htm

The Maccabees.
... Thee, O Lord, among the gods?" the first letters of ... garrison to take refuge in a
fortress called Akra, on ... The courts of the Temple were overgrown with shrubs ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xviii the maccabees.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... only, did the second temple exceed the first in glory. ... prediction of the overthrow
of the temple, and they ... and to these the disciples had called the attention ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... only, did the second temple exceed the first in glory. ... prediction of the overthrow
of the temple, and they ... and to these the disciples had called the attention ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

First Latin Form.
... And he said: The body which is called most holy ... quickly returned to where they had
at first been, to ... the Lord, always kept his most sacred temple the blessed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the passing of mary/first latin form.htm

At the Feast of Tabernacles - First Discourse in the Temple
... Moed - as the non-sacred part of the festive week, the half-holy days were called. ...
But Jesus did not appear in the Temple during the first two festive ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi at the feast.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... shall be gathered in to make the church of the first-born, whose ... Why is the church
called the temple? ... true that he did not wholly dwell in the temple made with ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

Discrepancy of the Gospel Narratives Connected with the Cleansing ...
... We must consider the statements, and in the first place that of ... And He went into
the temple and began to cast ... and Bethany at the mount that is called the Mount ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/15 discrepancy of the gospel.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... First and foremost was the great transformation in ... shops,' or booths, on the Temple
Mount, which belonged ... The Temple called thousands of priests, many of them ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

Palm Branches.
... the Tombs of the Prophets, and that called the 'Mount ... At this point the first view
is caught of the south ... The Temple and the more northern portions are hid by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xviii palm branches.htm