I. Name

Zion, a name for Jerusalem of uncertain etymology, referred originally to the fortified acropolis of the pre-Israelite city. The ‘stronghold of Zion’ (mĕṣūdat ṣiyyôn, 2 Sam. 5.7 = 1 Chron. 11.5; 1 Kgs. 8.1 = 2 Chron. 5.2) was located on top of the southeastern hill, overlooking the Valley of Kidron. David conquered it and renamed it for himself (2 Sam. 5.9), and the meanings of both names—‘Zion’ and ‘City of David’—were expanded as the city grew.

Zion does not occur as a divine name in the Bible…