The Gospel…of the Kingdom!
Acts 20:25 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.
Acts 28:23 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening.
Acts 28:30-31 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.
Acts 8:12 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike.
Hebrews 11:10 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Hebrews 13:14 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.
John 18:37 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
John 4:21 (ASV, American Standard Version)Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall ye worship the Father.
Luke 4:42-43 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)When day came, Jesus left and went to a secluded place; and the crowds were searching for Him, and came to Him and tried to keep Him from going away from them. But He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.”
Luke 8:1 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him,
Luke 9:2 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing.
Luke 9:60 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.”
Mark 8:36-38 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? “For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
Mark 9:1 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)And Jesus was saying to them, “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”
Matthew 10:7 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
Matthew 24:14 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 9:35 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.
Romans 14:17 (ASV, American Standard Version)for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Mark 4:10-11 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve, began asking Him about the parables. And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables,
Where will the Kingdom of God be?
On Earth
First Enoch 45:4-5 (RHCV, R.H. Charles Version)Then will I cause Mine Elect One to dwell among them. And I will transform the earth and make it a blessing:
Revelation 11:15 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.”
Land of Israel
Acts 1:6 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?“
River of Egypt to River Euphrates
Genesis 13:14-15 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; for all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever.
Genesis 15:18 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates:
Centered around Jerusalem
Isaiah 4:3-5 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)It will come about that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy–everyone who is recorded for life in Jerusalem. When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and purged the bloodshed of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning, then the LORD will create over the whole area of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, even smoke, and the brightness of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy.
Jeremiah 30:18-19 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“Thus says the LORD, ‘Behold, I will restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob And have compassion on his dwelling places; And the city will be rebuilt on its ruin, And the palace will stand on its rightful place. From them will proceed thanksgiving And the voice of those who celebrate; And I will multiply them and they will not be diminished; I will also honor them and they will not be insignificant.
Obadiah 1:17-21 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“But on Mount Zion there will be those who escape, And it will be holy. And the house of Jacob will possess their possessions. “Then the house of Jacob will be a fire And the house of Joseph a flame; But the house of Esau will be as stubble. And they will set them on fire and consume them, So that there will be no survivor of the house of Esau,” For the LORD has spoken. Then those of the Negev will possess the mountain of Esau, And those of the Shephelah the Philistine plain; Also, possess the territory of Ephraim and the territory of Samaria, And Benjamin will possess Gilead. And the exiles of this host of the sons of Israel, Who are among the Canaanites as far as Zarephath, And the exiles of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad Will possess the cities of the Negev. The deliverers will ascend Mount Zion To judge the mountain of Esau, And the kingdom will be the LORD’S.
Where does Zion come from?
Galatians 4:26 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother.
Hebrews 12:22-29 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.” This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.
Revelation 21:10 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
Revelation 21:2 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.
Revelation 3:12 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.
Second Corinthians 12:2-4 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago–whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows–such a man was caught up to the third heaven. And I know how such a man–whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows– was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.
Second Esdras [4th Ezra] 7:26 (1611 KJV, King James Version)Behold, the time shall come, that these tokens which I have told thee shall come to pass, and the bride shall appear, and she coming forth shall be seen, that now is withdrawn from the earth.
Second Esdras [4th Ezra] 7:26-28 (CPR, Cepher (Modified))Behold, the time is coming when the signs appear that I told you in advance, and the city will appear, appearing as a bride, and the land that is now hidden will be openly displayed. Everyone who is rescued from the evils spoken of will see my wonders. My Son the anointed one will be revealed along with those who are with him, and those who remain will rejoice within four hundred years.
Second Corinthians 5:1-5 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.
Acts 1:9-11 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”
When Zion Comes: The Day of the Lord
First Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Isaiah 24:21-23 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)So it will happen in that day, That the LORD will punish the host of heaven on high, And the kings of the earth on earth. They will be gathered together Like prisoners in the dungeon, And will be confined in prison; And after many days they will be punished. Then the moon will be abashed and the sun ashamed, For the LORD of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, And His glory will be before His elders.
Isaiah 27:13 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)It will come about also in that day that a great trumpet will be blown, and those who were perishing in the land of Assyria and who were scattered in the land of Egypt will come and worship the LORD in the holy mountain at Jerusalem.
Isaiah 34:8 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)For the Lord has a day of vengeance, A year of recompense for the cause of Zion.
Isaiah 66:8 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons.
Jeremiah 3:14 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Return, O faithless sons,’ declares the LORD; ‘For I am a master to you, And I will take you one from a city and two from a family, And I will bring you to Zion.’
Joel 2:1 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Blow a trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, For the day of the Lord is coming; Surely it is near,
What does Zion look like?
Ezekiel 47:6-12 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he brought me back to the bank of the river. Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river there were very many trees on the one side and on the other. Then he said to me, “These waters go out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah; then they go toward the sea, being made to flow into the sea, and the waters of the sea become fresh. “It will come about that every living creature which swarms in every place where the river goes, will live. And there will be very many fish, for these waters go there and the others become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. “And it will come about that fishermen will stand beside it; from Engedi to Eneglaim there will be a place for the spreading of nets. Their fish will be according to their kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea, very many. “But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. “By the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. They will bear every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.”
Hebrews 12:18-24 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them. For they could not bear the command, “IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED.” And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, “I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling.” But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.
Isaiah 51:3 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Indeed, the LORD will comfort Zion; He will comfort all her waste places. And her wilderness He will make like Eden, And her desert like the garden of the LORD; Joy and gladness will be found in her, Thanksgiving and sound of a melody.
Jeremiah 31:12 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“They will come and shout for joy on the height of Zion, And they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD–Over the grain and the new wine and the oil, And over the young of the flock and the herd; And their life will be like a watered garden, And they will never languish again.
Joel 3:16-21 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)The LORD roars from Zion And utters His voice from Jerusalem, And the heavens and the earth tremble. But the LORD is a refuge for His people And a stronghold to the sons of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, Dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain. So Jerusalem will be holy, And strangers will pass through it no more. And in that day The mountains will drip with sweet wine, And the hills will flow with milk, And all the brooks of Judah will flow with water; And a spring will go out from the house of the LORD To water the valley of Shittim. Egypt will become a waste, And Edom will become a desolate wilderness, Because of the violence done to the sons of Judah, In whose land they have shed innocent blood. But Judah will be inhabited forever And Jerusalem for all generations. And I will avenge their blood which I have not avenged, For the Lord dwells in Zion.
John 14:2-3 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
Psalm 48:1 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, In the city of our God, His holy mountain.
Psalm 50:2 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth.
Psalm 68:15 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan; A mountain of many peaks is the mountain of Bashan.
Revelation 21:15 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall.
Revelation 22:2 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Isaiah 11:6-10 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze, Their young will lie down together, And the lion will eat straw like the ox. The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea. Then in that day The nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious.
This is specifically occurring during the millennial reign.
Zechariah 8:3 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“Thus says the LORD, ‘I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.’
What will life be like in Zion?
Ezekiel 18:9 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)if he walks in My statutes and My ordinances so as to deal faithfully–he is righteous and will surely live,” declares the Lord GOD.
First Corinthians 7:31 (ASV, American Standard Version)and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
Isaiah 40:31 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
Leviticus 18:5 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)So you shall keep My statutes and My judgments, by which a man may live if he does them; I am the LORD.
Psalm 84:7 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)They go from strength to strength, Every one of them appears before God in Zion.
First Corinthians 2:9 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)but just as it is written, “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”
Joyful
Isaiah 30:19 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you.
Isaiah 35:10 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)And the ransomed of the LORD will return And come with joyful shouting to Zion, With everlasting joy upon their heads. They will find gladness and joy, And sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 61:3 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 51:11 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)So the ransomed of the LORD will return And come with joyful shouting to Zion, And everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, And sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 35:10 and Isaiah 51:11 texts match.
Restful
Isaiah 66:13 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; And you will be comforted in Jerusalem.”
Second Baruch [Apocalypse of Baruch] 73:1 (CPR, Cepher (Modified))And it shall come to pass , when he has brought low everything that is in the world, and has sat down in peace for the age on the throne of his kingdom, that joy shall then be revealed, and rest shall appear.
Second Esdras [4th Ezra] 10:24 (1611 KJV, King James Version)And therefore shake off thy great heaviness, and put away the multitude of sorrows, that the Mighty may be merciful unto thee again, and the Highest shall give thee rest and ease from thy labor.
Second Esdras [4th Ezra] 8:52 (1611 KJV, King James Version)For unto you is paradise opened, the tree of life is planted, the time to come is prepared, plenteousness is made ready, a city is built, and rest is allowed, yea, perfect goodness and wisdom.
Sirach [Ecclesiasticus] 36:13 (RSV, Revised Standard Version)Have pity on the city of thy sanctuary, Jerusalem, the place of thy rest.
Testament of Dan 5:12 (RHCVKJ, R.H. Charles Translation, Edited by Ken Johnson, Th.D.)He will give everlasting peace to those who call upon Him. The saints will rest in Eden, and the righteous will rejoice in the New Jerusalem, which will be to the glory of God forever and ever.
Keeping the law
First John 5:18-19 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
Jubilees 1:23-27 (RHCV, R.H. Charles Version)And their souls will cleave to Me and to all My commandments, and they will fulfil My commandments, and I will be their Father and they shall be My children. And they all shall be called children of the living God, and every angel and every spirit shall know, yea, they shall know that these are My children, and that I am their Father in uprightness and righteousness, and that I love them. And do thou write down for thyself all these words which I declare unto thee on this mountain, the first and the last, which shall come to pass in all the divisions of the days in the law and in the testimony and in the weeks and the jubilees unto eternity, until I descend and dwell with them throughout eternity.’ And He said to the angel of the presence: Write for Moses from the beginning of creation till My sanctuary has been built among them for all eternity. And the Lord will appear to the eyes of all, and all shall know that I am the God of Israel and the Father of all the children of Jacob, and King on Mount Zion for all eternity. And Zion and Jerusalem shall be holy.’
Second Baruch [Apocalypse of Baruch] 51:7-8 (CPR, Cepher (Modified))But those who have been saved by their works, and to whom the law has been now a hope, and understanding an expectation, and wisdom a confidence, shall wonders appear in their time. For they shall behold the world which is now invisible to them and they shall behold the time which is now hidden from them:
Testament of Levi 18:2 (RHCVKJ, R.H. Charles Translation, Edited by Ken Johnson, Th.D.)In his priesthood the Gentiles will be multiplied and knowledge on the earth and enlightened through the grace of the Lord. In his priesthood, all sin will come to an end. The lawless will rest from evil. And the just will rest in him. He will open the gates of Paradise and will remove the threatening sword against Adam. He will give to his Saints to eat from the tree of life. And the spirit of holiness will beyond them. Belial will be bound by him, and he will give power to his children to tread upon evil spirits. The Lord will rejoice in His children and will be pleased in His beloved forever. Then Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be joyful and be glad, will put on gladness.
Eating Food
First Enoch 25:4-7 (RHCV, R.H. Charles Version)the earth with goodness. And as for this fragrant tree no mortal is permitted to touch it till the great judgement, when He shall take vengeance on all and bring (everything) to its consummation for ever. It shall then be given to the righteous and holy. Its fruit shall be for food to the elect: it shall be transplanted to the holy place, to the temple of the Lord, the Eternal King. Then shall they rejoice with joy and be glad, Then blessed I the God of Glory, the Eternal King, who hath prepared such things for the righteous, and hath created them and promised to give to them.
First Enoch 32:3 (RHCV, R.H. Charles Version)I and from afar off trees more numerous than I these trees and great-two trees there, very great, beautiful, and glorious, and magnificent, and the tree of knowledge, whose holy fruit they eat and know great wisdom.
Luke 14:15 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)When one of those who were reclining at the table with Him heard this, he said to Him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!“
Zechariah 14:16-20 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths. And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, there will be no rain on them. If the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which the LORD smites the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. This will be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. In that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, “HOLY TO THE LORD.” And the cooking pots in the LORD’S house will be like the bowls before the altar.
Matthew 8:10-11 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel. “I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven;
Farming
Ezekiel 36:11-12 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)I will multiply on you man and beast; and they will increase and be fruitful; and I will cause you to be inhabited as you were formerly and will treat you better than at the first. Thus you will know that I am the LORD. Yes, I will cause men–My people Israel–to walk on you and possess you, so that you will become their inheritance and never again bereave them of children.’
Jeremiah 31:23-30 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “Once again they will speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities when I restore their fortunes, ‘The LORD bless you, O abode of righteousness, O holy hill!’ “Judah and all its cities will dwell together in it, the farmer and they who go about with flocks. “For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes.” At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant to me. “Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man and with the seed of beast. “As I have watched over them to pluck up, to break down, to overthrow, to destroy and to bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant,” declares the LORD. “In those days they will not say again, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children’s teeth are set on edge.’ “But everyone will die for his own iniquity; each man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth will be set on edge.
Light will come from YHVH
Isaiah 60:19-20 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“No longer will you have the sun for light by day, Nor for brightness will the moon give you light; But you will have the LORD for an everlasting light, And your God for your glory. “Your sun will no longer set, Nor will your moon wane; For you will have the LORD for an everlasting light, And the days of your mourning will be over.
Revelation 22:5 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.
How long will we be in Zion?
Daniel 2:44-45 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever. “Inasmuch as you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands and that it crushed the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold, the great God has made known to the king what will take place in the future; so the dream is true and its interpretation is trustworthy.”
First Thessalonians 4:17 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.
Psalm 125:1 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Those who trust in the LORD Are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever.
Psalm 133:3 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)It is like the dew of Hermon Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing–life forever.
Psalm 53:6 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores His captive people, Let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad
Second Baruch [Apocalypse of Baruch] 51:8-12 (CPR, Cepher (Modified))For they shall behold the world which is now invisible to them and they shall behold the time which is now hidden from them: And time shall no longer age them. For in the heights of that world shall they dwell and they shall be made like angels and be made equal to the stars, and they shall be changed into every form they desire, from beauty into loveliness, and from light into the splendor of glory. For there shall be spread before them the extents of paradise, and there shall be shown to them the beauty of the majesty of the living creatures which are beneath the throne and all the armies of the angels who are now held fast by my word, lest they should appear, and are held fast by a command, that they may stand in their places till their advent comes. Moreover, there shall then be excellency in the righteous surpassing that of the angels.
Yeshua rules from Zion
Isaiah 24:21-23 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)So it will happen in that day, That the LORD will punish the host of heaven on high, And the kings of the earth on earth. They will be gathered together Like prisoners in the dungeon, And will be confined in prison; And after many days they will be punished. Then the moon will be abashed and the sun ashamed, For the LORD of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, And His glory will be before His elders.
Isaiah 28:16 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.
Isaiah 59:20 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“A Redeemer will come to Zion, And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,” declares the LORD.
Psalm 110:2 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)The LORD will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.”
Psalm 149:2 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Let Israel be glad in his Maker; Let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King.
Psalm 2:6 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”
Psalm 48:2 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion in the far north, The city of the great King.
Jubilees 40:7 (RHCV, R.H. Charles Version)And he clothed him with byssus garments, and he put a gold chain upon his neck, and (a herald) proclaimed before him ‘ ‘El ‘El wa ‘Abirer,’ and placed a ring on his hand and made him ruler over all his house, and magnified him, and said unto him. ‘Only on the throne shall I be greater than thou.‘
Pharoh & Joseph is an image for YHVH & Yeshua
John 12:15 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“FEAR NOT, DAUGHTER OF ZION; BEHOLD, YOUR KING IS COMING, SEATED ON A DONKEY’S COLT.”
The Lord loves Zion
Isaiah 54:7-9 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“For a brief moment I forsook you, But with great compassion I will gather you. “In an outburst of anger I hid My face from you for a moment, But with everlasting lovingkindness I will have compassion on you,” Says the LORD your Redeemer. “For this is like the days of Noah to Me, When I swore that the waters of Noah Would not flood the earth again; So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you Nor will I rebuke you.
Isaiah 62:1 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep quiet, Until her righteousness goes forth like brightness, And her salvation like a torch that is burning.
Psalm 87:1-7 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)His foundation is in the holy mountains. The LORD loves the gates of Zion More than all the other dwelling places of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. Selah. “I shall mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me; Behold, Philistia and Tyre with Ethiopia: ‘This one was born there.’” But of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; And the Most High Himself will establish her. The LORD will count when He registers the peoples, “This one was born there.” Selah. Then those who sing as well as those who play the flutes shall say, “All my springs of joy are in you.“
Testament of Enos [4Q369, Fragment 1 Column 2] 1:1 (RHCVKJ, R.H. Charles Translation, Edited by Ken Johnson, Th.D.)You have divided your name for His inheritance so that He may establish your name there. She is the glory of your earthly Kingdom. You will eternally watch over her. In your glory will manifest there. She will be an eternal passion throughout all generations to his seed.
Garden of Eden
Jubilees 8:19-23 (RHCV, R.H. Charles Version)And he knew that the Garden of Eden is the holy of holies, and the dwelling of the Lord, and Mount Sinai the centre of the desert, and Mount Zion -the centre of the navel of the earth: these three were created as holy places facing each other. And he blessed the God of gods, who had put the word of the Lord into his mouth, and the Lord for evermore. And he knew that a blessed portion and a blessing had come to Shem and his sons unto the generations for ever -the whole land of Eden and the whole land of the Red Sea, and the whole land of the east and India, and on the Red Sea and the mountains thereof, and all the land of Bashan, and all the land of Lebanon and the islands of Kaftur, and all the mountains of Sanir and ‘Amana, and the mountains of Asshur in the north, and all the land of Elam, Asshur, and Babel, and Susan and Ma’edai, and all the mountains of Ararat, and all the region beyond the sea, which is beyond the mountains of Asshur towards the north, a blessed and spacious land, and all that is in it is very good. And for Ham came forth the second portion, beyond the Gihon towards the south to the right of the Garden, and it extends towards the south and it extends to all the mountains of fire, and it extends towards the west to the sea of ‘Atel and it extends towards the west till it reaches the sea of Ma’uk -that (sea) into which everything which is not destroyed descends. And it goes forth towards the north to the limits of Gadir, and it goes forth to the coast of the waters of the sea to the waters of the great sea till it draws near to the river Gihon, and goes along the river Gihon till it reaches the right of the Garden of Eden.
Zion likened to Paradise
Isaiah 49:16 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.
Second Baruch [Apocalypse of Baruch] 59:5-8 (CPR, Cepher (Modified))But then also he showed to him the measures of the fire, also the depths of the abyss, and the weight of the winds, and the number of drops of rain: And the suppression of anger, and the multitude of longsuffering, and the truth of judgment: And the root of wisdom , and the riches of understanding, and the fount of knowledge: And the height of the air, and the greatness of Paradise, and the consummation of the ages, and the beginning of the day of judgement.
Second Corinthians 12:2-4 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago–whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows–such a man was caught up to the third heaven. And I know how such a man–whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows– was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.
Garden of Eden likened to Paradise
Second Esdras [4th Ezra] 3:1-6 (1611 KJV, King James Version)In the thirtieth year after the ruin of the city, I was in Babylon, and lay troubled upon my bed, and my thoughts came up over my heart: For I saw the desolation of Zion, and the wealth of them that dwelt at Babylon. And my spirit was sore moved, so that I began to speak words full of fear to the most High, and said, O Lord, who bears rule, thou spoke at the beginning, when thou didst plant the earth, and that thyself alone, and commanded the people, And gave a body unto Adam without soul, which was the workmanship of thine hands, and didst breathe into him the breath of life, and he was made living before thee. And thou lead him into paradise, which thy right hand had planted, before ever the earth came forward.
Zion likened to the Garden in Eden
First Enoch 60:8 (RHCV, R.H. Charles Version)But the male is named Behemoth, who occupied with his breast a waste wilderness named Duidain, on the east of the garden where the elect and righteous dwell, where my grandfather was taken up, the seventh from Adam, the first man whom the Lord of Spirits created.
Isaiah 51:3 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Indeed, the LORD will comfort Zion; He will comfort all her waste places. And her wilderness He will make like Eden, And her desert like the garden of the LORD; Joy and gladness will be found in her, Thanksgiving and sound of a melody.
Jeremiah 31:12 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“They will come and shout for joy on the height of Zion, And they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD–Over the grain and the new wine and the oil, And over the young of the flock and the herd; And their life will be like a watered garden, And they will never languish again.
Testament of Dan 5:12 (RHCVKJ, R.H. Charles Translation, Edited by Ken Johnson, Th.D.)He will give everlasting peace to those who call upon Him. The saints will rest in Eden, and the righteous will rejoice in the New Jerusalem, which will be to the glory of God forever and ever.
Testament of Dan 5:3 (RHCVKJ, R.H. Charles Translation, Edited by Ken Johnson, Th.D.)He will give everlasting peace to those who call upon him. The Saints will rest in Eden, and the righteousness will rejoice in the new Jerusalem, which will be to the glory of God forever and ever. No longer will Jerusalem endure desolation, nor Israel be led captive. The Lord will be in the midst of her dwelling among men, even the Holy One of Israel, reigning over them in humility and in poverty. He who believes on Him will reign in truth in the heavens.
The Garden was on Earth
Genesis 2:8-17 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)The LORD God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. Out of the ground the LORD God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers. The name of the first is Pishon; it flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. The gold of that land is good; the bdellium and the onyx stone are there. The name of the second river is Gihon; it flows around the whole land of Cush. The name of the third river is Tigris; it flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. The LORD God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”
Genesis 3:24 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)So He drove the man out; and at the east of the Garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life.
Jubilees 2:7 (RHCV, R.H. Charles Version)And on that day He created for them all the seas according to their separate gathering-places, and all the rivers, and the gatherings of the waters in the mountains and on all the earth, and all the lakes, and all the dew of the earth, and the seed which is sown, and all sprouting things, and fruit-bearing trees, and trees of the wood, and the garden of Eden, in Eden and all plants after their kind.
Jubilees 4:23 (RHCV, R.H. Charles Version)And he was taken from amongst the children of men, and we conducted him into the Garden of Eden in majesty and honour, and behold there he writes down the condemnation and judgment of the world, and all the wickedness of the children of men.
The Land of Eden was destroyed
Ezekiel 36:35 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“They will say, ‘This desolate land has become like the garden of Eden; and the waste, desolate and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.’
Isaiah 51:3 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Indeed, the LORD will comfort Zion; He will comfort all her waste places. And her wilderness He will make like Eden, And her desert like the garden of the LORD; Joy and gladness will be found in her, Thanksgiving and sound of a melody.
Isaiah 54:9-11 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)“For this is like the days of Noah to Me, When I swore that the waters of Noah Would not flood the earth again; So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you Nor will I rebuke you. “For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, And My covenant of peace will not be shaken,” Says the LORD who has compassion on you. “O afflicted one, storm-tossed, and not comforted, Behold, I will set your stones in antimony, And your foundations I will lay in sapphires.
Jubilees 4:22-24 (RHCV, R.H. Charles Version)And he testified to the Watchers, who had sinned with the daughters of men; for these had begun to unite themselves, so as to be defiled, with the daughters of men, and Enoch testified against (them) all. And he was taken from amongst the children of men, and we conducted him into the Garden of Eden in majesty and honour, and behold there he writes down the condemnation and judgment of the world, and all the wickedness of the children of men. And on account of it (God) brought the waters of the flood upon all the land of Eden; for there he was set as a sign and that he should testify against all the children of men, that he should recount all the deeds of the generations until the day of condemnation.
Enoch was taken to the garden
Genesis 5:23-24 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.
Hebrews 11:5 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.
Jubilees 4:21-23 (RHCV, R.H. Charles Version)And he was moreover with the angels of God these six jubilees of years, and they showed him everything which is on earth and in the heavens, the rule of the sun, and he wrote down everything. And he testified to the Watchers, who had sinned with the daughters of men; for these had begun to unite themselves, so as to be defiled, with the daughters of men, and Enoch testified against (them) all. And he was taken from amongst the children of men, and we conducted him into the Garden of Eden in majesty and honour, and behold there he writes down the condemnation and judgment of the world, and all the wickedness of the children of men.
The Tree of Life is now in Zion
First Enoch 25:4-6 (RHCV, R.H. Charles Version)the earth with goodness. And as for this fragrant tree no mortal is permitted to touch it till the great judgement, when He shall take vengeance on all and bring (everything) to its consummation for ever. It shall then be given to the righteous and holy. Its fruit shall be for food to the elect: it shall be transplanted to the holy place, to the temple of the Lord, the Eternal King. Then shall they rejoice with joy and be glad,
Revelation 2:7 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’
Revelation 22:14-19 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying. “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.
Healing in the tree
Ezekiel 47:6-12 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he brought me back to the bank of the river. Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river there were very many trees on the one side and on the other. Then he said to me, “These waters go out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah; then they go toward the sea, being made to flow into the sea, and the waters of the sea become fresh. “It will come about that every living creature which swarms in every place where the river goes, will live. And there will be very many fish, for these waters go there and the others become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. “And it will come about that fishermen will stand beside it; from Engedi to Eneglaim there will be a place for the spreading of nets. Their fish will be according to their kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea, very many. “But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. “By the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. They will bear every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.“
Revelation 22:1-2 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Zion: Earthly Jerusalem
Amos 6:1 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Woe to those who are at ease in Zion And to those who feel secure in the mountain of Samaria, The distinguished men of the foremost of nations, To whom the house of Israel comes.
Lamentations 1:4 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)The roads of Zion are in mourning Because no one comes to the appointed feasts. All her gates are desolate; Her priests are groaning, Her virgins are afflicted, And she herself is bitter.
Second Chronicles 5:2 (NASB, New American Standard Bible)Then Solomon assembled to Jerusalem the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers’ households of the sons of Israel, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.