Monday, September 17, 2012

Zion Theology

". . . three elements emerge in any discussion of Zion:  the city, Yahwistic religion[,] and kingship.  The relationship between these constitutes . . . what is known as the 'Zion tradition' or . . . 'Zion theology'. . . .
     "It is common to identify [five] central tenets of this tradition. . . . From these elements, scholars arrive at two central conclusions that impinge upon a Zion theology in the prophets:  first, God has chosen Zion for his holy abode; second, Zion is protected by God by virtue of his presence there. . . ."

     H. A. Thomas, "Zion," in Dictionary of the Old Testament prophets, ed. Mark J. Boda and J. Gordon McConville (Downers Grove, IL:  InterVarsity Press, 2012), 907 (907-914).