Topical Bible: the First Temple was Called: Zion

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Topical Encyclopedia

Zion is a term of profound significance in the biblical narrative, often associated with the First Temple, which was constructed by King Solomon in Jerusalem. The term "Zion" originally referred to the ancient Jebusite fortress that King David captured and established as the City of David. Over time, Zion came to symbolize not only the physical location of Jerusalem but also the spiritual heart of Israel and the dwelling place of God among His people.

Biblical References and Significance

The First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple, was built on Mount Moriah, which is traditionally identified with Zion. In 2 Chronicles 3:1 , it is recorded: "Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David, at the site that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite." This location, chosen by divine guidance, became the central place of worship for the Israelites.

Zion is frequently mentioned in the Psalms, where it is celebrated as the dwelling place of God. Psalm 132:13-14 states, "For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His home: 'This is My resting place forever and ever; here I will dwell, for I have desired this home.'" This passage underscores the theological importance of Zion as the chosen site for God's presence among His people.

Theological Implications

The First Temple on Zion was not merely a physical structure but a symbol of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It was the place where sacrifices were offered, and the Ark of the Covenant was housed, signifying God's throne on earth. The Temple served as a focal point for the religious life of the nation, where festivals were celebrated, and the law was taught.

Zion also holds eschatological significance, as it is often depicted in prophetic literature as the future site of God's ultimate reign and the gathering of His people. Isaiah 2:2-3 envisions a time when "the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains... and all nations will stream to it." This prophetic vision elevates Zion as a symbol of hope and divine promise.

Historical Context

The construction of the First Temple marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, transitioning from a nomadic existence centered around the Tabernacle to a settled, centralized worship in Jerusalem. Solomon's Temple stood for nearly four centuries before its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC, an event that profoundly impacted the Jewish people and their understanding of Zion.

Throughout the Old Testament, Zion remains a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness and the enduring hope of restoration. Even after the Temple's destruction, the prophets spoke of a future glory for Zion, as seen in Zechariah 8:3 : "This is what the LORD says: 'I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.'"

Conclusion

Zion, as the site of the First Temple, holds a central place in biblical theology and history. It represents the intersection of the divine and human, the temporal and eternal, and remains a powerful symbol of God's presence and promises to His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 84:1-7
How amiable are your tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Charge of the Watchers in the Temple
... 'We love Him because He first loved us ... Jew in 'Zion,' is opened for us in Jesus Christ
who stood in the very court of the Temple, and called in tones of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the charge of the watchers.htm

The Return of the Exiles
... who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the ... of Cyrus to aid them
in rebuilding the temple, and this should have called forth expressions ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

At the Feast of Tabernacles - First Discourse in the Temple
... Moed - as the non-sacred part of the festive week, the half-holy days were called. ...
But Jesus did not appear in the Temple during the first two festive ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi at the feast.htm

The Maccabees.
... Thee, O Lord, among the gods?" the first letters of ... garrison to take refuge in a
fortress called Akra, on ... The courts of the Temple were overgrown with shrubs ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xviii the maccabees.htm

The Temple Cleansed Again
... Carried down in prophetic vision to the first advent, the ... of the chief cornerstone
in the temple of Solomon ... He called it "a sure foundation." The entire world ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 65 the temple cleansed.htm

Index of First Lines.
... INDEX OF FIRST LINES. ... 981 For all who love thee and thy cause, 795 For a season called
to part ... we may not see, 786 God in his temple let us meet, 75 God, in the ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/index of first lines.htm

So Also were Sacrifices and Oblations.
... salvation.' [2003] Accordingly He neither takes sacrifices from you nor commanded
them at first to be ... For indeed the temple, which is called the temple ...
/.../chapter xxii so also were sacrifices.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... only, did the second temple exceed the first in glory. ... prediction of the overthrow
of the temple, and they ... and to these the disciples had called the attention ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

Mountains Round Mount Zion
... and, on the south, another hill, the so-called 'Hill of ... Thus, if we live in the Temple,
and keep inside its ... of the sacred city is that, at first sight, the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/mountains round mount zion.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... only, did the second temple exceed the first in glory. ... prediction of the overthrow
of the temple, and they ... and to these the disciples had called the attention ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm