Mount Zion: Yahweh's Presence, Rule, and Eschatological Hope

Abstract

<p> Mount Zion has long been a focal point for followers of Yahweh, and central to the cultic practices of the Israelites in the Old Testament. A diachronic examination of the spatial significance of Mount Zion in scripture is undertaken along with its contribution to Zion theology. In the Psalter, Mount Zion is a present reality representing the presence of Yahweh and his established kingdom. Isaiah affirms the inviolability of Mount Zion, concluding that Zion will again be the center from which Yahweh will rule. Scripture depicts Mount Zion as the iconic example of Yahweh's desired place to gather the nations, rule and execute his justice and peace that subsequently spills to the whole earth. In Hebrews, the earthly Mount Zion is seen as an archetype of the heavenly reality. Hebrews reminds its audience of the eternal heavenly city of the living God. In this way, the Mount Zion portrayed in the NT points us to our eschatological hope that recalls the images in the Psalter, Isaiah, and other OT passages. The purpose of this work is to bring a better understanding of the biblical references to "Mount Zion" in relation to its geographical location and the implications for the way we think about Zion in the church today.</p>