In hymn “Come we that love the Lord”, the lyrics are
…We’re marching to Zion, Beautiful, Beautiful Zion
…We’re marching upward to Zion, the Beautiful city of God.
Zion frequently appears in hymns and the Bible, with over 100 references to Zion or Sion in the scripture. Mount Zion, situated in Jerusalem, is a notable hill. Quick online searches reveal numerous facts and photos related to this place.
In 2 Samuel 5 & 1 Chronicles 11, David’s army grew in strength and numbers. His commanders were men with extraordinary strength and skillful in combat. God was with David in the battle campaign against the Canaanites. David defeated the Jebusites who were the inhabitants of Jerusalem at Zion. Then David re-built the stronghold in Zion and the city around it so that he could stay there. This city was called the City of David (1 Kg 8:1). While David was in the city, he wanted to build a permanent house for the Ark of Covenant, but God forbade him (1 Ch 17:4).
God spoke through Nathan that David’s kingdom shall reign over all Israel. God also revealed that one of David’s descendants shall be Son of God (1 Chr 17:11-14, 2 Sam 7:12-13,16). David kept the covenant in his heart as he knew the prophecy was to reveal God’s salvation plan. This was recorded in Psa 14:7 and 53:6:
“Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion.
When the Lord brings back the captivity of His people,
Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad”
It is also recorded that God loves the gate of Zion and called it “city of God” (Psa 87:1-3). There have also been numerous moments of emphasis on Zion, where salvation should happen. Isaiah also mentioned that Zion is the Holy city of the Lord (Isa 60:14). He prophesied that God placed salvation in Zion (Isa 46:13, 60) and that His redeemer and deliverer shall come out of Zion (Isa 59:20, Rom 11:26). Isaiah also prophesied that God will give peace to Jerusalem, so that Christians shall see God’s righteousness (Isa 62:1-2).
“The Gentiles shall see your righteousness…you are called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name”.
Zion held significant meaning to both Israelites and the Gentiles because of David’s covenant. Eventually the covenant was fulfilled. Our Saviour Jesus Christ, offspring of David (Rev 22:16) came and brought his gospel so that God’s salvation plan can reach mankind (Rom 1:16).
Looking back at the Zion of David, it is a fortress for David’s kingdom. An earthly ground where the promise of God’s kingdom would establish through our Saviour.
Looking forward at Zion as a symbol for Christians, it is a promise of heavenly Zion (Heb 12:22), a place where Christians meet God (Rev 22:3-4), a place where there is no more death or suffering and a place where God will wipe off our tears (Rev 21:4). A place - “I long thy gates to see, O Zion O Zion when shall I dwell in thee” (Hymn: “There is a Habitation”). What a wonderful place Heavenly Zion is!