I/W: 2026 General, Theory
Introduction
The breadth of Zion is immense. A deal of it is shrouded in mystery (Deut 29:29), naturally, as God dwells in Zion, and is still not completely understood. Nevertheless, this blog post will explain Zion in simple terms by outlining its framework and significance.
What Is Zion?
Zion is composed of three parts: the temple, the people, and the land. The temple is where God resides (Ex 25:21-22, Nu 35:34) and is the heart of Zion. The people are the house of Israel who live around the temple, managing it, and following the covenant between God and them. The land is where the temple is located and the house of Israel lives surrounding the temple.
The land God designated for Zion is current-day Israel but really Zion can be anywhere. Throughout Israel’s fleeing from Egypt and travelling to enter the promised land (current-day Israel), Zion was set up mobile as they travelled with a portable temple (the tabernacle). Regardless, God wants the fixed Zion to be in current-day Israel (the term is traditionally and historically associated with this setup). This is his directed desire all over the Torah, the following passage being one example. He views the earth as his (Ex 19:5) and is recorded as being its creator (Ge 1:1) which explains him giving land to a specific people.
12 And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! 13 And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Genesis 28:12-13
The passage above is a dream of Jacob (Israel) and is essentially the essence of what Zion is, where heaven and earth meet.
The term dates roughly to 1000 BC,, the approximate first time of Zion being set up in Jerusalem, Israel. The term occurs all over the place throughout the Bible and acts as its core everything revolves around. There’s nothing on earth post-Eden eviction God has given more attention to than Zion. Not even remotely close. God conceived and designed Zion. Its existence gives hope for humanity, that there’s a being set to bring humanity to redemption (Nu 14:21), this being the place where his good works happen. As this post looks at what Zion is, I wrote another that looks at the good Zion produces:
(to be posted)
4 As the glory of the Lord entered the temple by the gate facing east, 5 the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple. Ezekiel 43: 4-5
For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: Psalm 132:13
Zion Is a Place for All Nations
A general reading and understanding of God’s plans with humanity is he’s looking to redeem all of it and not just the house of Israel. So Zion is for everyone as it’s the essential part of the redemption.
these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” Isaiah 56:7
41 “Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a far country for your name's sake 42 (for they shall hear of your great name and your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays toward this house, 43 hear in heaven your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to you, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house that I have built is called by your name. 1 Kings 8:41–43
18 He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Deuteronomy 10:18
In the 2 Kings passage, Solomon speaks to God, asking him to let the temple be a place for everyone to come. Prior context to understand is Solomon was Israel’s king handpicked by God, so what he would desire for the temple would presumably be aligned with what God desires for it.
In the Deuteronomy verse after, Moses, who had more direct contact with God than any other person, speaks of God’s love for the sojourner.
It’s also worth noting all humanity is made in God’s image (Ge 1:27).
Conclusion
I’ll conclude with what the ultimate purpose of Zion is. It’s to return humanity to the garden of Eden and restore their access to the tree of life, that is, the powers of the universe.
Related Posts
The Tower of Babel Story Explained: The Universal Language
Biblical Examples That Humans Also Exist Outside Earth
God, Abraham, and Sarah’s Child Isaac, Israel, and God’s Plan of What’s to Come
How Long It Takes for God’s Spirit to Leave People and Enter People