Before we argue about Zionism, do we know what the Bible means by Zion?

We hear the word Zionism everywhere, but we may be talking about very different things.

In the opening conversation of our series, we start with the question underneath the debate: What is Zion? We follow the word through Scripture, from the stronghold David captured to Jerusalem, God’s holy mountain, and the longing of Jewish exiles.

We explore the promise of return, the connection to Jesus the Messiah, and the prophets’ vision of nations coming to learn God’s ways.

Along the way, we distinguish the ancient longing for Zion from modern Zionism and introduce the questions we’ll take up as the series continues. Our goal is to help us explain what we believe and understand why.

Key Takeaways

• Zion begins as a real stronghold David captured, identified as the city of David.
• Scripture connects Zion with Jerusalem, God’s presence, and His people.
• Exile deepens the longing for Zion; the prophets hold out hope of return.
• The New Testament carries Zion’s story forward in connection with the Messiah.
• Modern Zionism is a political movement; the Jewish longing for Zion is ancient.

Chapter Markers

1. What Is Zion? Starting Before the Debate
2. From David’s Stronghold to God’s Holy Mountain
3. Exile, the Longing for Return, and the Messiah
4. Zion, the Nations, and the Heavenly Jerusalem
5. Defining Modern Zionism and the Questions Ahead

Resources

Explore more biblical teaching with us at thejewishroad.com/zionism.