Psalm 68:15–16: Why does God seem to favor multiple mountains when other biblical texts emphasize Zion as the central place of worship?

Overview of Psalm 68:15–16

Psalm 68:15–16 reads: “A mountain of God is the hill of Bashan; a high mountain is the hill of Bashan. Why do you gaze in envy, O mountains of many peaks? This is the mountain God chose for His dwelling, where the LORD will surely dwell forever.” In these verses, the psalmist poetically contrasts the majestic mountains of Bashan with the divinely chosen mountain of Zion. While other scriptural passages emphasize Zion (Jerusalem) as the primary location of worship, Psalm 68 affirms that God’s magnificence spans many mountains, yet He has established Zion, in a unique and lasting way, as His central earthly dwelling place.

1. The Poetic Context of Mountains

In biblical literature, mountains often symbolize majesty, strength, and divine presence. Mount Sinai, where Moses received the law (Exodus 19–20), and Mount Carmel, where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:19–39), are prime examples of sites demonstrating God’s power. The terrain of ancient Israel included many significant high places. The psalmist, writing in a poetic form, is well aware of these lofty heights and uses them to illustrate great majesty.

Psalm 68 contrasts the “mountain of God” in Bashan (likely referencing the Transjordan highlands) with the chosen status of Zion. Far from suggesting multiple centers of worship, the psalmist uses these mountains to highlight God’s sovereignty over all creation and His prerogative to select Zion as the special place where His name would dwell in a permanent covenantal sense.

2. The Chosen Nature of Zion

Elsewhere, Scripture consistently teaches that Zion is the unique, divinely selected location of worship and the seat of God’s earthly rule. The Book of Psalms itself underscores Zion’s singular position:

• “For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His home.” (Psalm 132:13)

• “Great is the LORD, who is greatly to be praised in the city of our God—His holy mountain.” (Psalm 48:1)

Thus, while God’s glory and presence can manifest on any mountain, He specifically chose Zion for His temple and for covenant worship. This identity became closely associated with the Davidic kingdom and ultimately with the Messiah who would come from David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12–16).

3. Harmonizing Zion’s Centrality with Multiple Mountains

God’s “favor” toward various mountains—such as Sinai, where He delivered foundational revelation to Moses—does not undercut Zion’s central role. Instead, these other mountains represent different episodes where the Almighty displayed His power, revealed His laws, or delivered His people. The overarching theme remains God’s sovereignty:

• Mount Sinai is the mountain of the Law (Exodus 19:11–20).

• Mount Moriah, identified with Zion, is the place where Abraham offered Isaac (2 Chronicles 3:1), foreshadowing Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.

• Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon are often celebrated in psalms (Psalm 89:12) as witnesses to God’s creative splendor.

Seen in harmony, these references affirm that the Creator is not confined to one geographical spot. Yet, Zion retains a distinct and irrevocable election as the place of the temple, the Davidic throne, and the epicenter of worship in biblical times.

4. Theological Emphasis on God’s Omnipresence

Psalm 68 underlines the limitless nature of God’s presence. Its vivid imagery implies:

• Although the mountains of Bashan appear more prominent, God’s preference remains fixed on Zion.

• No matter how imposing other heights may be, they cannot subvert God’s established plan.

This harmonizes with the broader biblical theme that God is omnipresent—“Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool.” (Isaiah 66:1)—while He has graciously condescended to dwell specifically in Zion to signify His covenant with His people.

5. Archaeological and Historical Corroborations

Archaeological discoveries in Jerusalem and its environs, such as the ancient stones of the Temple Mount area, provide tangible evidence that biblical references to Zion’s significance are rooted in real geography and real history. Unearthed artifacts from the City of David confirm the presence of a thriving Israelite administration in this capital city, bringing additional credibility to the biblical portrayal of Zion as the center of Israel’s worship and governance.

In parallel, inscriptions discovered in regions like Samaria and the Transjordan territories remind us that the biblical narrative interactively mentions various highland areas. Yet the singular place chosen for the temple and Davidic monarchy remains Jerusalem. Such findings reinforce the biblical text’s accuracy concerning how Israel’s faith practices and civil rule converged in Zion.

6. Old Testament Unity with New Testament Fulfillment

The choice of Zion in the Old Testament finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who taught that true worshipers would worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:23). While Jerusalem was central under the Old Covenant:

• Jesus’s sacrifice transcends any one mountain.

• Believers become the “temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19), manifesting God’s presence globally.

Still, Zion’s biblical symbolism endures, signifying both the historical seat of God’s chosen people and a prophetic herald of God’s eternal kingdom (Hebrews 12:22).

7. Conclusion: God’s Universal Majesty and His Chosen Dwelling

Psalm 68:15–16 poetically illustrates how the Creator of all mountains chose one in particular—Zion—for His unique covenant presence. While He reveals Himself on many heights, Zion stands as His selected place for temple worship, Davidic heritage, and foreshadowing the Messiah’s coming. Other scriptural references to mountains enrich the tapestry of God’s activities across time, yet they do not detract from Zion’s central, God-ordained function.

In summary, the psalmist’s portrayal of multiple mountains underscores God’s power and omnipresence while simultaneously highlighting His sovereign decision to make Zion the focal point of worship under the Old Covenant. This interplay affirms the continuity and consistency of Scripture: many mountains testify to God’s majesty, but Zion remains pivotal in His overarching redemptive plan.