Use of the term “Zion”Used 38x in Psalms of 154 in the OT (9 = ‘from’)

Used only 7x in the NT; only Heb 12:22 & Rev 14:1 are not direct OT quotes. Both Jewish!

Used most in 48 (3x), 102 (3x), 87 (2x)Synonyms for “Zion”

SanctuaryHill/Mountain, 84:1

Daughter Zion, 9:14

City of God

JerusalemSalemIt has gates & towers

Tribe of JudahThe entire nation

Canaanite BackgroundPantheon (Elohim) was led by “El”The Palace of El was on Mt. ZaphonCf. Clifford, Cosmic Mountain in Canaan and the OT (Cambridge: Harvard, 1972):

Then they set face toward El at the sources of the Two Rivers, in the midst of the pools of the Double-Deep...Come and I will seek it. In the midst of my mountain, divine Zaphon, in the holy place, the mountain of my heritage, in the chosen spot, on the hill of victory.

Canaanite BackgroundPantheon (Elohim) was led by “El”The Palace of El was on Mt. ZaphonZaphon was 25 miles N.E. of Ugarit (Syria), or E. of the Jordan River within Israel, cf. 87:4.

Great is the Lord (Yhwh) and greatly to be praised in the city of our God (Elohim). His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north (in the thigh of Zaphon), the city of the great King. (Psa 48:1-2)

This site of Zaphon can This site of Zaphon can hardly be considered a hardly be considered a

high place.high place.

See A. Robinson, “Zion and See A. Robinson, “Zion and saphonsaphon in in Psalms XLVIII 3,” Psalms XLVIII 3,” Vetus TestamentumVetus Testamentum

24 (1974): 118-23.24 (1974): 118-23.

Jahweh is WarriorThe idea of God as Israel’s ‘general’ permeates the Zion psalms.

• God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble...The Lord of Hosts is with us.... He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God!” Psa 46:1, 7, 9-10a.

Jahweh is WarriorWithin its citadels God has shown himself a sure defense. Then the kings assembled, they came on together. As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic, they took to flight (Ps 48:3-5)....his dwelling place in Zion. There he broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. ... At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned. (Ps 76:2-3, 6).

Jahweh is WarriorThough this idea is very ancient, it shows up as late as the exilic Psalm 137. (Read)

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity. (Ps 122:6-9).