Zion
From Psalms: Layer by Layer
Key Words
| Word/Phrase | Gloss | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| צִיּוֹן | "Zion" | Ps. 2:6 |
| הַר קֹדֶשׁ | "sacred mountain" | Ps. 2:6 |
Ancient Setting
Zion is “an ancient name for various parts of Jerusalem, of Judah and all the land.”[1]
Target Domains
Jerusalem
“Zion is a symbol or metaphor for the historical city of Jerusalem. But behind this metaphor lies a complex cluster of interlocking themes of immense theological significance. In various parts of the Scriptures we find the following concepts associated with the city of Zion: the temple as Yahweh’s dwelling place; the covenant people of God...; the royal Davidic kingship...; the world center from which God’s law will be promulgated and to which the Gentile nations of the world will flow; the renewed heavens and earth...”[2]
- In Psalm 2, the image of the sacred temple-mountain called "Zion" maps onto the city and temple of Jerusalem. Yahweh's king, depicted as a metal idol, is placed in this sacred temple as a symbol of Yahweh's rule.