A mountain of God
The phrase "a mountain of God" signifies a place of divine presence and power. In Hebrew, the word for God here is "Elohim," which often denotes majesty and might. Mountains in biblical literature frequently symbolize stability, strength, and a place where heaven meets earth. This phrase suggests that the mountain is not just a physical location but a spiritual one, imbued with the presence and authority of God. It evokes the imagery of Mount Sinai, where God revealed Himself to Moses, and Mount Zion, the spiritual center of Jerusalem.

is the hill of Bashan
Bashan was a region known for its fertile land and mighty oaks, located east of the Jordan River. The "hill of Bashan" refers to the mountainous area within this region. Historically, Bashan was a place of great significance, often associated with strength and abundance. The Hebrew word for "hill" here can also mean "mountain," indicating a place of prominence. This phrase highlights the grandeur and importance of Bashan, suggesting that it is a place worthy of being called a "mountain of God."

a mountain of many peaks
This phrase emphasizes the majesty and complexity of Mount Bashan. The Hebrew word for "many peaks" can also be translated as "ridges" or "summits," indicating a landscape that is varied and impressive. The imagery of multiple peaks suggests a place of grandeur and awe, reflecting the multifaceted nature of God's creation. It also implies a sense of challenge and adventure, as many peaks would require effort and determination to explore fully.

is Mount Bashan
By reiterating "Mount Bashan," the verse underscores its significance. In biblical times, mountains were often seen as places of divine encounter and revelation. Mount Bashan, with its many peaks, serves as a metaphor for the greatness and mystery of God. It invites believers to reflect on the majesty of God's creation and His presence in the world. The repetition of the name "Bashan" reinforces its importance and calls the faithful to recognize the divine hand in the natural world.

1. God
The central figure in the Psalm, representing divine power and majesty.

2. Mount Bashan
A region known for its fertile land and majestic mountains, often symbolizing strength and grandeur.

3. Hill of Bashan
A specific reference to the elevated and impressive terrain within the region of Bashan.

4. Mount Zion
While not directly mentioned in this verse, it is often contrasted with other mountains in the Psalms as the chosen dwelling place of God.

5. David
Traditionally considered the author of this Psalm, he uses vivid imagery to convey God's power and presence.God's Sovereignty Over Creation
The imagery of Mount Bashan highlights God's dominion over even the most majestic parts of creation. We are reminded that no matter how grand or powerful something may seem, God is greater.

The Significance of God's Chosen Place
While Mount Bashan is impressive, God chooses Zion as His dwelling. This teaches us that God's choices are based on His purposes, not human standards of greatness.

Spiritual Elevation Over Physical Grandeur
The contrast between Bashan and Zion encourages believers to seek spiritual elevation and closeness to God rather than worldly status or power.

Trust in God's Plan
Just as God chose Zion, He has a specific plan and purpose for each of us. We should trust in His wisdom and timing, even when it doesn't align with our expectations.(15-18) A third retrospect follows--the third scene in the sacred drama of Israel's early fortunes. It sets forth the glory of God's chosen mountain. A finer passage could hardly be found. The towering ranges of Bashan--Hermon with its snowy peaks--are personified. They become, in the poet's imagination, envious of the distinction given to the petty heights of Judaea. (Perhaps a similar envy is implied in Psalm 133:3.) The contrast between the littleness of Palestine and the vast extent of the empires which hung upon its northern and southern skirts, is rarely absent from the minds of the prophets and psalmists. (See Isaiah 49:19-20.) Here the watchful jealousy with which these powers regarded Israel is represented by the figure of the high mountain ranges watching Zion (see Note below) like hungry beasts of prey ready to spring. And what do they see? The march of God Himself, surrounded by an army of angels, from Sinai to His new abode.

(15) The hill of God is . . .--Better,

"Mountain of God, mount Basan;

Mountain of peaks, mount Basan."

Even if the range of Hermon were not included, the basalt (basanite, probably from the locality) ranges, always rising up before the eyes of those looking eastward from Palestine, must have been doubly impressive from their superior height, and the contrast of their bold and rugged outlines with the monotonous rounded forms of the limestone hills of Judaea. And it is quite possible that, in a poetic allusion, the term "mountains of Bashan" might include all the heights to the eastward of Jordan, stretching southward as well as northward. There would then be an additional propriety in their introduction as jealously watching the march of Israel from Sinai to take possession of the promised land. Why these trans-Jordanic ranges should be styled "mountains of God" has been much discussed. Some explain the term to denote ancient seats of religious worship; others take it simply as a general term expressing grandeur--"a ridge of god-like greatness."

Verse 15. - The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; rather, a mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan. A sudden transition, and perhaps a quotation from an ancient poem. The special object of the psalmist's thought is not Bashan, but Mount Zion; and what he is about to celebrate is Jehovah's choice of Mount Zion for his dwelling place, and his establishment on it. But he prefers to introduce the subject by a contrast with the great range of Canaan. Bashan, he says, is truly "a mountain of God" - i.e. a very great mountain (see the comment on Psalm 36:6) - "one which seemed in an especial degree to show forth creative power." It is also an high hill; or rather, a mountain of peaks, containing numerous pointed summits. Yet God did not choose one of these for his habitation.

Parallel Commentaries ...


A mountain
הַר־ (har-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

of God
אֱ֭לֹהִים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

[is] the hill
הַר־ (har-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

of Bashan;
בָּשָׁ֑ן (bā·šān)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1316: Bashan -- 'smooth', a region East of the Jordan

a mount
הַ֥ר (har)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

of many peaks
גַּ֝בְנֻנִּ֗ים (gaḇ·nun·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1386: A peak, rounded summit

[is] Mount
הַר־ (har-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

Bashan.
בָּשָֽׁן׃ (bā·šān)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1316: Bashan -- 'smooth', a region East of the Jordan


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OT Poetry: Psalm 68:15 The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains (Psalm Ps Psa.)