In biblical literature, the term "hillside" often refers to the sloping terrain found in the regions of ancient Israel and surrounding areas. These landscapes play a significant role in the biblical narrative, serving as settings for key events and as metaphors for spiritual truths.

Geographical Significance

The topography of the ancient Near East is characterized by a variety of landscapes, including hills and valleys. Hillsides were common in regions such as Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. These areas were often used for agriculture, as the slopes provided fertile ground for vineyards and olive groves. The terraced hillsides allowed for effective water management and soil conservation, which were crucial for sustaining crops in the arid climate.

Biblical Events

Hillsides are frequently mentioned in the Bible as locations for significant events. One of the most notable is the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus delivered profound teachings to His followers. While the exact location is not specified, it is traditionally believed to have taken place on a hillside near the Sea of Galilee. In Matthew 5:1-2 , it is written, "When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them."

Another significant event is the Transfiguration of Jesus, which occurred on a high mountain, traditionally identified as Mount Tabor. This event, described in Matthew 17:1-2 , states, "After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them."

Symbolic Meaning

Hillsides in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings. They can represent places of revelation and divine encounter, as seen in the aforementioned events. Additionally, hillsides are sometimes used metaphorically to describe spiritual ascent or the pursuit of righteousness. In Psalm 24:3-4 , the psalmist asks, "Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully."

Prophetic Imagery

The prophets frequently used hillsides in their imagery to convey messages from God. In Isaiah 40:4 , the prophet declares, "Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain." This passage speaks to the transformative power of God, leveling the obstacles and preparing the way for His glory.

Agricultural Context

Hillsides were also important for their agricultural value. The Song of Solomon references the beauty and fertility of the hillsides, as in Song of Solomon 2:8 , "Listen! My beloved approaches. Look! Here he comes, leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills." This imagery highlights the abundance and vitality associated with these landscapes.

In summary, hillsides in the Bible serve as significant geographical locations, settings for divine encounters, and powerful symbols of spiritual truths. They reflect the rich tapestry of the biblical narrative, intertwining the physical and spiritual realms.(n.) The side or declivity of a hill.6763. tsela -- rib, side
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition rib, side NASB Word Usage boards (3),
chambers (1), hillside* (1), leaves (1), one...another (1), rib (1), ribs (1 ...
/hebrew/6763.htm - 6k

2022. har -- mountain, hill, hill country
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition mountain, hill, hill country NASB
Word Usage hill (16), hill country (91), hills (8), hillside* (1), mount (118 ...
/hebrew/2022.htm - 6k

"He Ordained Twelve"
... was Christ who spoke with Abraham under the oaks at Mamre; with Isaac as he went
out to pray in the fields at the eventide; with Jacob on the hillside at Bethel ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 30 he ordained twelve.htm

The Warning
... He preached on the hillside; He desired that a boat should be at His command upon
the lake; He prayed upon the mountain; He was transfigured beside the snows ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 26-31 the warning.htm

A Battle Without a Sword
... We can fancy how silently he and Phurah crept down the hillside, and, with hushed
breath and wary steps, lest they should stumble on and wake some sleeper, or ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a battle without a sword.htm

The Christian Sabbath --Peter's Confession of Faith.
... landing, followed the east side of Jordan until they passed near the place where
the five thousand had been fed by a miracle as they sat on the green hillside. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the christian sabbathpeters.htm

The Lost Sheep and the Seeking Shepherd
... it is going, or that it is going anywhere; it goes, and goes, and goes, and at last
it finds out that it is away from its beat on the hillside"for sheep keep ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the lost sheep and the.htm

Shepherds and Angels
... The glory died off the hillside quickly, and the music of the song scarcely lingered
longer in the ears of its first hearers; but its notes echo still in all ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/shepherds and angels.htm

Two by Two.
... in boats, and more in groups along the shore"men, women and children"and Jesus,
filled with love and pity for them, led them to a green hillside where He ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiii two by two.htm

The Encamping Angel
... To the one all the mountain blazed with fiery chariots, to the other it
was a lone hillside, with the wind moaning among the rocks. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the encamping angel.htm

Section 1
... Section 1. LIFE"the first glance would hardly find it on this African hillside
in the summertime. The hot wind of the desert has ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the christ-life/section 1.htm

The Memphite Empire
... to the low grounds, and meeting there in a foaming concourse, follow the fall of
the land; a few minutes later, and the space between one hillside and the ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Hillside (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hillside (6 Occurrences). Mark 5:11 Now on the
mountainside there was a great herd of pigs feeding. (See RSV NIV). ...
/h/hillside.htm - 8k

Watchman (19 Occurrences)
... the slope by the way of the Horons; and the watchman came and gave word to the king,
saying, I saw men coming down by the way of the Horons, from the hillside. ...
/w/watchman.htm - 14k

Flung (11 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 16:13 So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the
hillside opposite him, and cursed as he went, threw stones at him, and threw ...
/f/flung.htm - 9k

Dirt (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 16:13 So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the
hillside opposite him, and cursed as he went, threw stones at him, and threw ...
/d/dirt.htm - 9k

Miletus (3 Occurrences)
... Practically the only remaining object of unusual interest is theater, the largest
in Asia Minor, which was not built in a hollow of the hillside, as most ...
/m/miletus.htm - 9k

Parallel (6 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 16:13 So David and his men went on their way: and Shimei went by the hillside
parallel with them, cursing and sending stones and dust at him. ...
/p/parallel.htm - 10k

Almond (7 Occurrences)
... white hair of age. An almond tree in full bloom upon a distant hillside
has a certain likeness to a head of white hair. 2. A Rod ...
/a/almond.htm - 14k

Ab'salom (85 Occurrences)
... The young man who kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, many
people were coming by way of the hillside behind him. (See RSV). ...
/a/ab'salom.htm - 29k

Showering (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Samuel 16:13 So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the
hillside opposite him, and cursed as he went, threw stones at him, and threw ...
/s/showering.htm - 6k

Horonaim (5 Occurrences)
... the slope by the way of the Horons; and the watchman came and gave word to the king,
saying, I saw men coming down by the way of the Horons, from the hillside. ...
/h/horonaim.htm - 9k

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