Why 'Roots of Zion'? The Meaning Behind the Name

Baruch Hashem!

It is wonderful to reconnect with you all. I hope this blog finds everyone in good spirits. In today’s blog we will dive into the significance and mysteries behind the name Roots of Zion. 

Before we unpack the meaning of the title, let me introduce to you all the heart of this journey,

                                                                   ‘Yerushalayim (Jerusalem)’

When it came to naming this blog, I knew one thing for certain, it needed to include ‘roots.’ That word felt deeply significant, but I wasn’t quite sure how to complete it. I shortlisted a few names and shared them with a close, cherished person in my life. She instantly picked ‘Roots of Zion,’ and in that moment, it just clicked. I knew it captured everything I wanted this blog to be. 

What are these roots?

 In Romans 11:17 Apostle Paul writes, “It is as if some of the branches from an olive tree have been broken off, and the branch of a wild olive tree has been joined to that first tree. If you are not a Jew, you are the same as that wild branch, and you now share the strength and life of the first tree.” This verse marks a profound revelation that Abba wants us to know. Throughout Scripture, the olive tree is repeatedly used as a symbol, representing Israel and its covenant with Abba. The green olive tree, or the native olive, has always been closely associated with Israel. If you didn’t know this, now you do and let that truth sink in. Where there is mention of the green olive, there is inevitably a reference to the wild olive. And who are the wild olives? We, the Gentiles, are the wild branches grafted into the life giving root of Israel.

(Joining of wild branch to a Green olive tree). 

So, as you read, we the wild olives were carefully grafted into the green olive tree, joining Israel in the rich, life giving covenant of Abba.

Now, you may be wondering “Hold on, Anju, I get the wild olive part, but why would anyone break a branch of the green olive tree? What’s the point of that?” Great question! Here’s the thing, Paul is saying that some branches of the olive tree those representing Israel were cut off because they didn’t believe. And in their place, by Abba’s incredible mercy, we the wild olives, the Gentiles were grafted in!

Wooohoooooo! How amazing is that? We’ve got a place on that green olive tree! But wait does that mean we’re somehow better than those branches that were broken off? Absolutely not! In the very next verses, Paul warns us writing, “Don’t boast about being better than those branches that were broken off”. Here’s the catch, it’s not the branches that give life to the tree, the roots do.

So, what does this mean for us? Don’t get proud. Don’t act like you’re entitled. Remember this, it’s not about what you’ve done to earn that place on that tree but, the grace of Abba. Be humbled. Be grateful.  If Abba didn’t spare the natural branches, He won’t spare you if you stop believing.

Zion

In the Bible, Zion is known as Yerushalayim, the city of Abba. It’s not just a city, but the very place where Abba chose to make His dwelling among His people. Zion is also symbolized as a mountain, a powerful reminder of Abba’s holiness and the Kingdom Abba reigns over (Psalm 2:6). When I think about the significance of Zion, the choice becomes clear. It wasn’t hard to pick Zion, knowing its deep meaning the place where my Abba resides. Hence, the roots come from Zion, that is Yerushalayim. It’s in this sacred ground that the foundation of everything truly begins. This is why I call it The Roots of Zion, a place where divine presence, peace, and purpose flow from.

Time for a plot twist!!!!! Wink

When I mentioned the wild olive branch and the Gentiles, did you think I was talking about you, the Gentile? Well, hold on I’ve got something to share that will really make you think! You may soon discover whether you've truly been grafted into the right tree or if you’re still hanging on to a wild, dry branch. Trust me, this is something you’ll want to hear! 

You might be wondering, "Is it really necessary to be joined to the green olive tree that is Israel? What happens if I’m not? Should I even care? And why Israel, anyway? Jews, who?" All these questions will be answered in the next blog post. Until then, stay blessed and be happy!

All praises and glory to Abba alone. Toda Abba.