Originally the name of the southernmost hill on which the Canaanite fortress-city of Jebus was located. It was conquered by David around 1000 B.C. and renamed Jerusalem. Situated on the borders of Judah and Israel, it became David's capital. As the city expanded, the name Zion came to be applied to the whole city.
The name of Zion
1 Chronicles 11:4–5 parallel 2 Samuel 5:6–7
Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land. The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Nevertheless , David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).
The early history of Zion
Early mention of Zion
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine — since he was priest of God Most High —
Early attempts to take control of Zion
Joshua 15:63 parallel Judges 1:21
But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the descendants of Judah.
Zion as the City of David
Considered an impregnable fortress in David's time
2 Samuel 5:6 parallel 1 Chronicles 11:4–5 See also 2 Samuel 5:8
Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.”
Captured by David
2 Samuel 5:7 parallel 1 Chronicles 11:4
Nevertheless , David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).
Zion, established by David as his new capital and renamed
2 Samuel 5:9 parallel 1 Chronicles 11:7
So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces inward.
Further strengthened by David
1 Chronicles 11:8 parallel 2 Samuel 5:9
He built up the city around it, from the supporting terraces to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city.
The location of David's palace
2 Samuel 5:11 parallel 1 Chronicles 14:1
Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David.
The new resting place for the ark of the covenant
1 Chronicles 15:1–16:6 parallel 2 Samuel 6:1–23
Zion as the name of the extended city of Jerusalem
Isaiah 33:20 See also 2 Kings 19:20–21 parallel Isaiah 37:21–22; Isaiah 4:3; Lamentations 1:4–8; Joel 2:32; Zephaniah 3:14–16
Look upon Zion, the city of our appointed feasts. Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful pasture, a tent that does not wander; its tent pegs will not be pulled up, nor will any of its cords be broken.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.