Thanks for joining this mo-mountain-ous study with a range of biblical references. There are so many that today we discuss mountains in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and, next week, the New. But, before we “Climb Every Mountain,” I want to thank readers who continue to send me emails and know that I try to respond to each one. However, life is challenging, and my to-do list grows like wildflowers at the foot of Mt. Rainier.
Let’s begin with a “Go Tell It On the Mountain” sing-a-long to set the mood for this Bible study. There are two paths we will take. First is a brief discussion of biblical mountains where significant events occurred. Second, we review selected verses about the relationship between God, Man, and mountains. Since mountains are closer to Heaven, God called Bible characters to meet on His turf.
Often, when we discuss a specific word, I note the first time it appears in Scripture. Describing the flood waters, “mountains” make their debut in Genesis 7:19:
“They rose greatly on the earth, and all the high mountains under the entire heavens were covered.”
Interestingly, the first chapter of Genesis does not mention God creating mountains. Obviously, He did, but there is no official record until seven chapters later when Noah’s Ark landed on a range of mountains (note the plural):
“…and on the seventeenth day of the seventh month the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat ” (Genesis: 8:4). Has the ark been located? For extra credit, check out this recent discovery.
The most famous mountain in the Hebrew Bible is Mount Sinai, where God summoned Moses. Their encounter was recorded in Exodus chapters 19, 20, and 24 when Moses received the 10 Commandments and God gave him marching orders:
“ ‘Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites’ ” (Exodus 19: 5-6).
Next is Mount Zion, with its vibrant history and previously known as Mt. Moriah. There, Abraham planned to sacrifice his son Issac to demonstrate obedience to the Lord. Mount Zion is famously known as the City of David, the site of Solomon’s Temple. David’s son Solomon built the lavish house of worship to house the Holy of Holies, enshrining the Ark of the Covenant — a physical artifact affirming what God told Moses that we read in Exodus 19: 5-6.
Finally is Mt. Carmel, where God called Elijah to bring the prophets of Baal to prove He was the Almighty One, recorded in 1 Kings 18.
Now, kids, don’t get antsy and be patient. Next week, we will discuss the Mount of Olives and Mount Tabor, the mountains associated with Jesus.
Let’s turn to mountain-related Hebrew Bible Scripture, starting with prophecies from Isaiah. The mountain mentioned is thought to be Mt. Zion, and the Temple Mount is where God dwelled. Some Bible scholars believe this prophecy refers to the Messianic Era when Christ returns:
“In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it” (Isaiah 2:2). Compatible with this Scripture is another Isaiah prophecy:
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’ ” (Isaiah 52:7).
Below is part of a long Isaiah prophecy subtitled “Future Glory of Israel,” but first, there will be turmoil and suffering:
“ ‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you’ ” (Isaiah 54:10).
It’s time for the praise portion of our study, with Psalm quotes mentioning mountains as part of God’s glory:
“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Psalms 90:2).
I love the opening verses of Psalm 95:
“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.” (Psalm 95:1-5).
Our final Psalm excerpt is short, sweet, and powerful:
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).
Equally powerful is this verse from the rarely referenced Hebrew Bible book of Nahum:
“The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it” (Nahum 1:5).
While researching this study, I found a comprehensive piece about mountains in the Bible with the following segment you might find enlightening:
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“A mountain was Satan’s headquarters when he ruled before Adam (Ezekiel 28:13-16).
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God chose a mountain as the site for the earthly temple (Genesis 22:14, 2 Chronicles 3:1).
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God denoted mountains for mountains of cursing and blessing (Deuteronomy 11:29, 27:4-13).
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Both Moses and Aaron were commanded to die on mountains (Deuteronomy 32:49-51).
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Mountains are used throughout the Bible as places of refuge (Genesis 14:10, 19:17, 30, and Matthew 24:16, Hebrews 11:38).
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The capital of Israel was located on a mountain (1 Kings 8:1, 2 Chronicles 5:2).
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Christ will return on a mountain (Zechariah 14:1-5).”
On God’s great earth, we can enjoy mountains as a place of solitude to seek Him, pray, and praise His glory. However, mountains can also represent obstacles to be conquered through faith. Is that why God created them? He is God, and we can always find him in the mountains of our minds.
While writing this study, a final thought came to mind:
Near where I live are some giant landfills. They are methane gas-producing trash hills high above the flat Florida landscape and locally known as “Mt. Trashmore.” The lesson is God creates mountains — humans create mountains of trash.
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. Her book, “Bible Study For Those Who Don’t Read The Bible,” reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. “Part 2,” with the same title, reprints Vols. 57-113. Order it here.
Myra is also the Executive Director of SignFromGod.org and the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. Both are educational donor–supported ministries dedicated to building a permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit in Washington, D.C., and promoting the $1 Million Challenge to replicate the Shroud. Contact: <MyraAdams01@gmail.com>
