Zion: The Fortified City of God

Introduction

Hymns about Zion are invigorating. By faith, they instill a sense of confidence and gift us with comfort. We know that when we sing such songs, that Zion represents the eternal city of God that Christians enter at the return of Christ. Therefore, such songs are meant to encourage us to long to be with God. But what is the beginning of Zion’s story? What does it mean beyond the context of the hymns we sing? The OT gives a rich history of Zion that teaches us the glories of spending eternity with God. Let’s turn to 2 Samuel 5:6-10 and find the first time Zion is named in the word of God.

Understanding David’s Conquest

He makes war as a devoted king (Exodus 23:23-24; Deuteronomy 7:1-2; 17:19; 20:17).

David and his army are taunted by the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6).

David and his army capture the fortified city of Zion through a “water tunnel” (2 Samuel 5:8).

God’s enemies are spoken of sarcastically and figuratively as “blind” and “lame” because of the taunt they made, and they are not allowed to enter the city (2 Samuel 5:8). David is not making fun of his enemies, but speaking truth about their condition without God.

David’s victory would have been impossible without “the Lord God of armies” (2 Samuel 5:10).

Applying David’s Conquest to Jesus’ Conquest

David is a type of Jesus, because Jesus is the son of David (Matthew 22:42-46).

David and his army invaded Zion, we are marching into the heavenly Zion (Hebrews 12:22-24). Christians have “come to Mount Zion,” but not entered it.

The facts of 2 Samuel 5:6-10 match the imagery of Hebrews 12:22-24. Similar to David’s army, we are in a battle, but in the “last days” (Hebrews 1:1-2).

The Hebrew writer is addressing the problem of persecution. The enemies of God were in a way taunting His people. Trying to get them to turn back and leave King Jesus behind. Hebrews is meant to encourage them to keep marching, not give up (Hebrews 12:1-2).

We Are Marching into Zion, the Fortified City of God

Zion’s “architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). It is an unshakable city with “foundations” (Hebrews 11:28). Cities built with the hands of man cannot continue in prosperity, nor last forever. They succumb to natural disasters, economic upheaval, and the ravages of war. But God’s city, the eternal kingdom, is unshakeable. Built on a sure foundation and fortified with impregnable walls.

Like the Zion of old, but much better, we should find great comfort knowing that the heavenly Zion is fortified. It means that nothing of the enemy can enter it. It is shut off to all except God’s people. David and his army went into Zion by a narrow passage, a “water tunnel” (2 Samuel 5:8). The church shall enter heavenly Zion by following Jesus through the “narrow gate” (Matthew 7:13-14).

““Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13–14, NASB95)

Because the way to eternal life is difficult, we have needs that must be meet. We need...

The Savior—Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. There may be some value in human wisdom, but it often leads God’s people astray. God has spoken today through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2; 2:1-4). Instead of paying close attention to human wisdom, let us do such with the gospel.

To know who our our enemies. Satan is the author of confusion. He wants to get in our heads, so that we think the friends of God are our enemies and the enemies of God are our friends. Before we enter the fray, we must identity our true enemies. Let us be wise.

A fighting spirit—like David and his army. When the enemy taunts us, we must speak truth back. Let us be courageous.

It is God who banished the enemy of Israel the Jebusites, and it is God who banishes all of our enemies in the heavenly Zion. Nothing of harm and danger can ever touch us after we enter heavenly Zion.

There is a habitation, built by the living for all of every nation, to seek that grand abode.

A city with foundations firm as the eternal throne, no wars, no desolations, shall ever move a stone.

No night, is there no sorrow, no death and no decay; no yesterday, no morrow, but one eternal day.

Within its pearly portals, angelic armies sing; with glorified immortals, the praises of its king.

O Zion, Zion, I long thy gates to see; o Zion, Zion, when shall I dwell with thee.

Conclusion

Do you long for heavenly Zion? Are you marching into it? If so, keep marching. Trust the Savior, know who are your enemies, and fight to the end. Our victory is in Jesus and the saving gospel (Read 1 John 5:1-4 and offer invitation).