Zion (city of/Law of)

Pronunciation: ZAI-uhn

Occurrences: 155

First Reference: Beginnings 6:9

For this day shall I give into your keeping the Law of Zion, which law shall be for the uplifting of the righteous, that they might be strengthened in the day of affliction, that they might go forth from Zion to bless the children of men in the name of God, the Eternal Father and Mother.

See: Adami, Bashia, Enoch, Sumer, Tabernacle of Peace, Xion, Yasher-Baal, Zion (Holy One of)

Summary: (c. 8,850 BCE) Zion the Beautiful, the city of peace, was founded near the shores of Lake Ishan not far from the walls of the first ancient city of Sumer. The prophet Enoch was called by Michael, the Ancient of Days, to gather the righteous throughout the lands of Ur and Nod in ancient Mesopotamia, and establish a city of holiness — a “tabernacle of peace” comprised of citizens bound by covenant to walk with God in their daily lives. Enoch was given the “Law of Zion...for the uplifting of the righteous...that they might go forth from Zion to bless the children of men in the name of God” (B:6:5-15).

The journey of Enoch and his followers — many of whom were refugees from the war-torn cities of the Sethian Empire in Egypt (1:3:29-30) — eventually brought them to the walls of Sumer (B:6:15). There, Enoch conversed with Cain, the city’s founder and king. Enoch asked Cain to provide water for his people and flocks, but the lands of Sumer had been afflicted by drought for four years, and Cain was hesitant to provide. Enoch promised that if Cain gave them water, God would bless him and end the drought. Cain agreed, and three days after providing Enoch and his following with water, it began to rain (B:6:15-44).

Being both gracious and cunning, Cain assisted Enoch in building a city near the borders of Sumer by the waters of Lake Ishan, providing both supplies and resources to Enoch and his following (B:7:1-11). This angered many of Cain’s numerous sons, who were in a constant struggle for inheritance and power. Above all of Cain’s sons stood Yasher-Baal, the twin brother of Adami (who was counted among Enoch’s following). Resenting his father for accommodating Enoch, Yasher-Baal eventually murdered Cain, to place himself upon the throne of Sumer (B:7:17-36). Cain’s body was thrown out of the city, yet retrieved by Adami and Enoch, who had Cain’s body cleansed and buried within the walls of Zion (B:7:41-43).

Having assumed the throne, Yasher-Baal immediately set about establishing an oppressive, tyrannical theocracy based in priestcraft and blood atonement. Creating three massive armies, Yasher-Baal initiated a military campaign that included among its ambitions the destruction of Zion and its inhabitants (B:7:44-67).

The city of Zion was delivered from the destruction of Yasher-Baal on two separate occasions. The second act of deliverance resulted in an all-inclusive removal of the citizens of Zion, whereupon every person was taken away to the realms of Heaven. Upon entering the gates of the city, Yasher-Baal and his men were deeply perplexed to discover piles of treasure on the temple porch, but not a single person was found. The city of Zion and Lake Ishan were later completely destroyed during an earthquake (B:19:73-74). The only remaining citizens not included in the ascension were Enoch’s son Methuselah, and his wife Japhia (B:20:1). With the mysterious disappearance of Zion and the High Priestess, Bashia (whom he had become infatuated with), Yasher-Baal became overcome with madness (B:19:75-77).

The City of Zion Beginnings 10

(c. 8,850 — 8,770 BCE) It is unknown exactly where or for how long the city of Zion existed. The narrative states Zion dwelt in peace for forty years (B:8:1), and the “days of her glory were many” (B:10:1), having a population of some 30,000 souls (B:10:2). Zion grew to encompass Lake Ishan. Around the perimeter of the city was built three garden-covered walls of varying height, designed by Adami the Artificer and Amram, son of Tobid. The walls were made “white as alabaster”, while the gates of the city were made of brass, the posts of which covered with amethyst, gold and silver (B:10:4-5).

Scripture provides a detailed description of the temple of Zion. Under the direction of Enoch, the temple was constructed mostly of white marble and adorned with gold. On each side of the temple the roof was supported by twelve pillars covered in sapphire, gold and silver. The upper roof was supported by seven pillars on each side, also adorned with sapphire and gold. On the east side of the temple were bronze doors overlaid with gold. The outer pavement of the temple court was made a brilliant red color (vermilion), trimmed with gold. Within the borders of the temple grounds was a gathering place for the Patriarchy and a separate court for the Matriarchy. The inner pavement of the temple was made the color of sapphire, bordered with silver. This was where Bashia, the High Priestess, would come to offer the prayers of the people. The altar and mercy seat were found on the upper floor of the temple, where Enoch would offer prayers and incense on behalf of Zion (B:10:6-20).

The beauty and glory of Zion became a well-known fact throughout the land. It was a prosperous and wealthy city that exported various commodities including frankincense, myrrh, cloth, and olive oil. However, the greatest and most prized resource offered by Zion was its wine — the first of its kind, created by the woman, Hazar-Gabatha.

First Siege Against Zion Beginnings 9

The city of Zion was protected by God against two attacks waged by the armies of Yasher-Baal. The first siege was interrupted by a sudden onslaught of whirlwinds, which event was forecasted by Zion’s High Priestess, Bashia, when she and her two counselors, Adora and Hypatia, approached Yasher-Baal in his camp outside the walls of Zion. Bashia was filled with the power of God as she withstood Yasher-Baal and proclaimed the deliverance of Zion before the king and his mighty men (B:9:6-41).

Second Siege Against Zion Beginnings 17—19

Years later, Yasher-Baal waged a second attack against Zion. As the armies began surrounding the walls of Zion, Enoch went to the temple, where he was visited by Michael, the Ancient of Days. Enoch was told to gather the citizens of Zion in the temple where God would deliver them from the evil of Yasher-Baal. According to the counsel of God, Enoch requested the citizens of Zion to collect all of their possessions of great value, to place the treasures Zion on the porch of the temple. For it was Enoch’s intent that Yasher-Baal possess “all the riches of this world” (B:17:1-25).

While praying in the temple, the High Priestess Bashia and her counselors, Hypatia and Adora, were visited by the Heavenly Mother, Sher-el of Valhaladea. In this most auspicious event, Sher-el promises the deliverance of Zion and instructs Bashia to unite the woman Japhia with her husband Methuselah, who was traveling abroad teaching the people. It was determined that the priesthood of God remain intact upon the earth through Japhia and Methuselah. Sher-el continued to instruct Bashia regarding the events to come, assuring her that God would deliver in the moment of need (B:17:26-50).

Bashia and her counselors met with Yasher-Baal and secured the safe passage of Japhia from the lands of Sumer, promising in return that after three days, the gates of Zion would be opened to Yasher-Baal and his men (B:18:1-46). As was promised, the gates of Zion were opened, but the men of Yasher-Baal found the city completely deserted, with vast treasures piled on the porch of the temple.

Citizens of Zion Mentioned in Scripture

Adami, Adora, Amram, Azotus, Bashia, Enoch, Hazar-Gabatha, Hypatia,

Japhia, Larisha, Marisa, Methuselah I, Ramoth

Notes/References:

Yet did Seth, as faithful son, gather into one the teachings of his parents, to make from scattered shards of glowing light a brightly burning flame; which flame did hold at bay the darkness of the Demiurge; to become itself the star of Zion which to the Heavens fled, in the days of Yasher-Baal.

Wisdom 29:7

But notwithstanding so great a sorrow, the Spirit of God did reach out among the desolate to call forth that remnant which still clung to the priesthood of God, and these did we cause to rise up and go eastward unto Enoch.

And Enoch built a city, even Zion the Beautiful, and for a season it did prosper greatly upon the land; yet did evil rush forth quickly to destroy, evensomuch that God did descend to save his people, and Zion fled the earth unto glory and was no more.

1st Endowment 3:29-30

For out of Zion shall the law go forth unto all the earth, and from his habitation shall the word spring up readily.

Yeshua 10:78

For the Lord shall come from Heaven, from his holy habitation shall he go forth; and he shall gather his people, and in the land of promise shall Zion be established forever; in the bosom of God shall Zion prosper; in the hollow of his hand shall Zion safely dwell.

Wisdom 4:23

Zimagayah

Zion (figurative)