In the beginning, Zion was the name of the Jebusite fortress built on a narrow hill south of the future temple mount, in Jerusalem, near the spring of Gihon, then the only running water in the region. David conquered that fortress and made it his capital, calling it the City of David.
There David brought the ark of the covenant, sign of God’s presence among his people. Years later, Solomon carried the ark from Zion to the newly built temple, and the name came to cover the temple mount as well and, over time, all of Jerusalem.
In the Psalms, Zion becomes an image of the dwelling place chosen by God, a place of security and praise. The prophets announce to Zion promises of judgment as well as restoration and comfort.
In the New Testament, Mount Zion takes on an even broader meaning. Hebrews describes it as the heavenly Jerusalem, and Revelation shows the Lamb gathered with the redeemed on Mount Zion, a sign of God’s final victory.
