This chapter somewhat parallels our chapter from yesterday, including another account of David’s anointing and the capture of the Jebusite stronghold in Jebus (Jerusalem). There is also an accounting of David’s mighty men, those who stuck with him through his flee-Saul and weather-Ish-bosheth campaigns.
“And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, that is, Jebus, where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land. The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, ‘You will not come in here.’ Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David.” (v4-5)
Chronologically speaking, this (and the parallel reference in 2 Sam 5:7 from yesterday) is the first mention of Zion in the Bible. What is the significance of Zion in the Bible? Well, the name typically refers to one of three places.
– The first place is the mountaintop stronghold David captures in Jerusalem, also called “the Lord’s holy mountain” (Psa 2:6) or “Mount Zion”.
– The second place referred to is the greater city of Jerusalem which was rebuilt by David and his men (“…the city of David, which is Zion.” 2 Chr 5:2)
– The third place is God’s spiritual kingdom. In 1 Pt 2:1-10 we read about God’s children being living stones and Jesus being the chosen cornerstone laid in Zion (this passage is about the greater church, not just a finite physical location in Jerusalem)
For us today, Zion is not a physical place, it is the Kingdom of God, in which we are living stones and Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the one the builders rejected (see 1 Pt 2:1-10). God’s temple is also no longer a physical place made of gold and bronze, because our hearts (bodies) have become God’s temple (1 Cor 6:19-20).
Zion is God’s kingdom, His dwelling place, and we are His people helping to build that kingdom, one living stone at a time. After Jesus has come again, the New Heaven and New Earth will be established, and we will all live together with God in Zion for all eternity. (Rev 21-22)
My encouragement for today is to actively help build Zion. David and his men built/rebuilt the physical Zion, but our task is far greater – to ally with God and the Holy Spirit to help build Jesus’ eternal kingdom comprised of living stones (Christ followers). The more people who come to know Jesus, the more people we will see in eternity with God. It’s a win-win – their soul is saved, and we have one more brother/sister to share eternity with.
Father God, our Gracious and Merciful Lord, holy is Your name. You have given us Jesus as our Savior and King, and we praise You for Your wisdom and generosity. We ask now for Your Spirit’s help in seeking and saving those who are not yet members of Your kingdom. May You soften their hearts, and speak / act through us to usher them into Your kingdom. All honor, glory, praise and thanksgiving be unto You, forever and ever, amen.