I was at Mass today and heard about the City of David. Is this Bethlehem? is this Jerusalem? What about the city called Zion? -Angela

Angela,

I too get confused when I hear about the City of David.  Here's what I finally discovered - and which helped abate my confusion:

Zion was a fortress on a Mount Zion which was on the southwest side of Jerusalem.  In 2 Samuel 5:7-10, King David captures that fortress.  Upon his capturing that city, it then became called the City of David.  Because he captured it.  He then chose to live there and as it was so near the city of Jerusalem - and of course because he lived there others moved there and the living area spread, Zion became known as Jerusalem.   According to 1 Kings 2:10,  David was also buried in Jerusalem.  

In the New Testament, Luke calls Bethlehem the City of David.  (2:11)   Then, that title is referring to the place where David was born and raised.  

So, we have to go with the context of the stories when we are listening to the Bible stories.  And we just have to remember that in the Old Testament the City of David refers to Jerusalem, because that is the city he captured and made his headquarters when he was king.  

Your answer?  Usually,  note: Usually, the City of David refers to Jerusalem.  Once in a while it means the city where he was born - and then it is Bethlehem.  Let the context be your guide.

Crystal clear, right? !!