Topical Bible: Church: Holy Mountain

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The concept of the "Holy Mountain" in the Bible is a profound symbol representing the dwelling place of God, a place of divine revelation, and a site of worship and spiritual significance. Throughout Scripture, mountains are often depicted as places where God reveals Himself to His people, where covenants are established, and where significant events in salvation history occur.

Biblical References:

1. Mount Sinai (Horeb): One of the most significant mountains in the Bible is Mount Sinai, also known as Horeb. It is here that Moses encountered God in the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-2) and later received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19:20). The mountain is described as holy because of God's presence: "Now Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire" (Exodus 19:18).

2. Mount Zion: Often referred to as the "Holy Mountain," Mount Zion holds a central place in biblical theology. It is the site of Jerusalem, the city of David, and the location of the Temple. Psalm 2:6 declares, "I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain." Zion symbolizes God's eternal kingdom and His covenant with His people.

3. The Transfiguration: In the New Testament, the Mount of Transfiguration is another significant holy mountain. Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, revealing His divine glory. This event is recorded in Matthew 17:1-2: "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."

4. Mount of Olives: This mountain is significant in the life of Jesus, serving as a place of teaching, prayer, and prophecy. It is from the Mount of Olives that Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-12). Zechariah 14:4 prophesies a future event: "On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem."

Theological Significance:

The "Holy Mountain" is a symbol of God's presence and His interaction with humanity. It represents a place where heaven and earth meet, where God reveals His will, and where His people are called to worship. The mountains in Scripture are often settings for divine encounters, emphasizing the transcendence and holiness of God.

In the prophetic literature, the "Holy Mountain" is also a vision of the eschatological hope for God's people. Isaiah 11:9 speaks of a future peace: "They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the sea is full of water."

Spiritual Application:

For believers, the "Holy Mountain" serves as a metaphor for drawing near to God, seeking His presence, and living in obedience to His commandments. It is a call to ascend spiritually, to seek holiness, and to dwell in the presence of the Almighty. Hebrews 12:22-24 encourages believers with the imagery of Mount Zion: "But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem."

In summary, the "Holy Mountain" in the Bible is a powerful symbol of God's presence, His revelation, and His eternal kingdom. It invites believers to a deeper relationship with God and a life of worship and holiness.

Nave's Topical Index

Zechariah 8:3
Thus said the LORD; I am returned to Zion, and will dwell in the middle of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Psalm XLVIII.
... For they are worthy of the name of "firmament." The Church of Christ, then, in those ...
ver.1)....That is, "in the city of our God, in His holy mountain." This is ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlviii.htm

The Service Common to Two or Many Hierarchs.
... the lawgiver in the fire and the bush on the mountain. ... tended the people with the
staff of the Holy Spirit, and have driven away from the church of God the ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xi the service common.htm

Psalm III.
... out of His holy mountain." This is the prayer of all the Saints, the odour of sweetness,
which ascends up in the sight of the Lord. For now the Church is heard ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm iii.htm

False Teachings of the Apostasy.
... mountain where they shall not hurt nor destroy. What is God's holy mountain?
It is Zion, the church. "And it shall come to pass in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter iii false teachings of.htm

On the Mountain
... They came without Him to 'the mountain where Jesus had ... are the three things by which
the Church recognises and ... of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/on the mountain.htm

The Sacrament of Marriage; Marriage Indissoluble; the World's Law ...
... And so complete is the observance of this bond in the city of our God, in His holy
mountain [2093] "that is to say, in the Church of Christ"by all married ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 11 x the sacrament of.htm

The Lord's Day --The Worship of the Apostolic Church --Its ...
... when describing the ingathering of the Gentiles and the glory of the Church in the ...
hold of my covenant"even them I will I bring to my holy mountain, and make ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter i the lords daythe.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... Such is the song which gushes in silence from the mountain lifting its head to the
sky, covering its face sometimes ... That one church is his holy place, where ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

Christ's Connection with the Creator Shown Many Quotations Out of ...
... and He heard me out of His holy mountain." [3913] You ... action of the Evangelizer;
you have a mountain for the ... gems to shed lustre upon the church's sacred robe ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xiii christs connection with the.htm

Who May be Said to Walk Without Spot; Damnable and Venial Sins.
... to the Ephesians: That He might present to Himself a glorious Church, not having ...
who shall sojourn in Thy tabernacle, or who shall rest on Thy holy mountain? ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter ix 20 who may be.htm