Zion, God’s Dwelling Place

Background Scripture: Psalms 132; 48
Lesson Scripture: Psalms 87:1-7; 132:13-17

Introduction

God’s deep love for the people of Zion is revealed by Christ’s willingness to die, ensuring that the glory of his presence will continue there forever. The church, depicted as a city, is wholly built by God’s work of redemption and salvation. Its foundation is the solid rock upon the mountain of truth: a city on a hill which cannot be hidden (Matt. 5:14). The dying world around is watching the people of God, longing to be shown the way to eternal life. Let us point them to Zion, the city of God, a place of safety and security.

Key Verse

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels (Heb. 12:22).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The word Zion is the Hebrew name for the southeastern hill upon which the city of Jerusalem is built. It first appears in 2 Samuel 5:7, and the reference there is to what became known as the “old city” or the “city of David,” which he captured from the Jebusites early in his kingship and made his capital. The hill is well positioned for defense; deep valleys on three sides limit the opportunity for enemies to approach undetected.

The mountain immediately north of Zion, Mount Moriah, is believed to be the location where Abraham took his son Isaac to be a sacrifice to God. That same location was made the site of the temple during the reign of King Solomon and is still known today as the Temple Mount. The physical city of Jerusalem had walls and towers for defense and was blessed with a natural spring of water. Under King Hezekiah’s leadership, water was channeled into the city through a causeway, thereby better positioning the population inside for sustaining a siege.

No other city has been so intertwined with the plan of God as the city of Jerusalem built on Mount Zion. Jerusalem was the center of worship and the location of the temple for many years, housing both the altar and the ark of the covenant. It was in this city that Jesus was tried, crucified, and rose again. Later in history, the name Zion was applied to the entire city and even came to refer generally to the people of God.

The meaning of Zion in the context of today’s lesson takes on a much broader and deeper meaning than just the physical city of Jerusalem and its residents. The word appears at least 160 times in the Bible, with many of these being found throughout the Psalms and writings of Isaiah the prophet. These inspired writers of the Scriptures sought to communicate what the true and full meaning of Zion as God’s dwelling place really was.

Even though God is omnipresent, He does not rest or reside just anywhere. His Spirit remains in those places that have been consecrated and where He is pleased to dwell. In the Old Testament, God displayed his presence at both the tabernacle and the temple by an enveloping cloud. On the day of Pentecost, tongues of fire rested on those believers gathered together, showing the Holy Spirit descending upon each one. The Holy Spirit’s indwelling today is recognized by his fruit in the life of a Christian.

God’s plan has always been to dwell with mankind. He demonstrated this through his close walk with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, a relationship that was destroyed by sin. God covenanted with the patriarchs and then with the children of Israel, of whom the Savior was born. While He was on earth, Jesus made a couple of statements concerning the residents of Jerusalem that are recorded in Matthew 23:37, Luke 13:34, and Luke 19:42. From these accounts, He clearly desired to gather the scattered children of Israel and lead them into his peaceful kingdom. He also states their refusal. As the Son of God, Jesus clearly understood the unifying and redemptive work the Father desired to do. His sacrifice on the cross opened the way for fallen man to dwell with God eternally in Zion through faith in his atoning sacrifice.

A variety of nationalities are mentioned in Psalm 87 along with Rahab, who had a special place among the people of God after sheltering the Israelite spies before the fall of Jericho. Clearly, God’s plan does not exclude anyone because of where they come from but includes those from any time, culture, language, background, or geographical location.

Practical Truths for Today

God desires to commune with the children of men and has chosen the humble and contrite heart for his abode. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, promising to enter and fellowship with those who will let Him come in. May we not be among those rejecting the Shepherd who will lead his people to the eternal pasture. Through the transformational work of his mercy and grace, God invites the entire human race to partake of salvation.

The psalmist said that “all [our] springs are in thee” (Ps. 87:7). A spring is a source of ground water continually being renewed and never running dry. Where do we go for renewal and restoration? Only the living water flowing from the throne of God can guarantee that our thirst will not cause us to grow weary and faint.

God has declared that in Zion is salvation, but many other blessings are also supplied within its walls. He promises to sustain the population of his city with bread. Even those who feel they are poor in heart or mind, weak in faith, or struggle to have sufficient material provision can be assured that God will provide for them from his storehouse in his time. Residents of Zion find all their needs supplied and do not desire to be anywhere else.

Looking for fulfillment in the desert places of the world will leave a Christian unprepared to survive the disappointments and trials of life. If you have tasted the things of the world and find that you have wasted what God has given you (Luke 15:13), He promises to restore what “the locusts have eaten” (Joel 2:25). Even though the world may look on and mock the salvation-seeker, it is always worth walking the path to the cross for the cleansing of a repentance experience.

All through the ages of time, the Lord has had a people who are known by his name and chosen for his glory. The way that God has for his people to live comes from his Word and is not something of man’s formation or design. From ancient times prior to the Flood through the time of the patriarchs, the years following of the Israelites as a nation, and continuing on through Christ’s coming as He founded the New Testament church, God’s peculiar people have been set apart from the world.

Like the natural city of Jerusalem in the Old Testament, the spiritual city of God is well suited to be defended against the attacks of the enemy. God has given his people today everything that is needed to sustain the siege of the evil one. Implementing their own personal protections would mean relinquishing the safety, protection, and defense of the city set in place by God, thereby exposing them to enemies who will cause confusion and destruction. Without the walls of truth and towers of accountability around the city, the people within would fall prey to the evil forces outside. Jesus promised in Matthew 16:18 that the gates of hell would not prevail against the church. Isaiah 33:20 is also a prophecy concerning the enduring quality of God’s church. We can be assured that this city’s foundations, whose builder and maker is God, will endure to the end.

God is the ruler of Zion and will judge among the people at the last great day. Until He comes back, He has given authority to his church, saying through the prophet, “The law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Micah 4:2). The people of God proclaim his truth and share it with the world. The nonresistant nature of the people of God is also prophesied here in this same passage, saying that “neither shall they learn war anymore” (v. 3).

Palaces, as mentioned in Psalm 48, were places where special celebrations and events were held. The spiritual palaces of the church could be likened to those places where we gather collectively to sing songs of praise, celebrate weddings, remember faithful servants at funerals, and commission new leaders at ordinations. Fellowship meals held in each other’s homes also provide a time of renewal and grace our pathway with blessings. A great thankfulness should come upon us today concerning God’s provision.

Psalm 87 mentions that God counts his people, noting that He keeps track and knows each one. Clearly, God knows those who are his and has recorded this in heaven. Those who have a place in the Lamb’s Book of Life, which will be opened on that final judgment day, can have access to the River and Tree of Life in the New Jerusalem God is preparing. The treasures of living in Zion are for this life and eternity. They are solid, lasting, and sure. The pleasures of the world last for such a short time and leave us emptier than before. Let us cling to the salvation God’s grace provides so that we may share the privileges of Zion with the generations to come.

Illustration

In Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian journeys to the house of the Interpreter, who opens to him many truths. In one of the scenes Christian sees a beautiful palace where some clothed in golden raiment are walking. Many who desire to enter the palace are gathered near the entrance, but they are afraid of the difficulty they might encounter. A man gives his name to the one at the entrance and proceeds to fight valiantly against the soldiers keeping him from entering there, not giving up despite the difficulty and many wounds he receives at their hand. His courage and persistence are rewarded when, once he has gained the upper level, he is given golden raiment like the others and hears this song: “Come in, come in, Eternal glory thou shalt win.” 1

Questions

1. How can we remember to not take the blessings of Zion for granted, especially in our youth years?
2. Can the benefits of a citizenship in Zion be claimed if we make the choice to live outside the city walls?
3. God gave the greatest sacrifice of all time to build his dwelling place. What are the sacrifices required of us to live as residents in Zion?
4. 1 John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).