Topical Encyclopedia The "Mount of Corruption" is a term used in the Old Testament to describe a specific location associated with idolatrous practices in ancient Israel. This site is traditionally identified with the southern part of the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. The Mount of Corruption is notably mentioned in the context of King Solomon's later years and the subsequent religious reforms of King Josiah.Biblical References: 1. 1 Kings 11:7 : "At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, and for Molech, the abomination of the Ammonites." This passage highlights Solomon's construction of high places for foreign deities, which led to the spiritual decline of Israel. The "hill east of Jerusalem" is understood to be part of the Mount of Olives, later referred to as the Mount of Corruption due to these idolatrous activities. 2. 2 Kings 23:13 : "The king also desecrated the high places east of Jerusalem, to the south of the Mount of Corruption, which Solomon king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites." This verse describes King Josiah's reform efforts to eradicate idolatry from the land. Josiah's actions included defiling the high places that Solomon had established, emphasizing the Mount of Corruption's association with pagan worship. Historical and Theological Context: The Mount of Corruption serves as a poignant symbol of Israel's struggle with idolatry and the consequences of turning away from the worship of Yahweh. Solomon's establishment of high places for foreign gods marked a significant departure from the exclusive worship of the God of Israel, leading to divine displeasure and eventual judgment upon the nation. Theologically, the Mount of Corruption represents the dangers of syncretism and the erosion of covenantal faithfulness. Solomon's alliances through marriage to foreign women introduced pagan influences that compromised the spiritual integrity of Israel. This period of spiritual decline underscores the importance of adhering to the commandments and statutes given by God, as deviation leads to moral and spiritual corruption. Josiah's reforms, as recorded in 2 Kings 23, highlight a return to covenantal faithfulness and the purging of idolatry from the land. His actions demonstrate the necessity of removing corrupt influences to restore true worship and align the nation with God's will. The destruction of the high places on the Mount of Corruption symbolizes a rejection of idolatry and a commitment to the exclusive worship of Yahweh. Geographical Significance: The Mount of Olives, including the Mount of Corruption, holds significant geographical and spiritual importance in biblical history. Located east of Jerusalem, it served as a site of both idolatrous practices and later, prophetic and messianic events. The Mount of Olives is also associated with Jesus' ministry, including His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and His ascension, further emphasizing its enduring spiritual significance. In summary, the Mount of Corruption serves as a historical reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the importance of maintaining covenantal faithfulness to God. Its mention in the biblical narrative underscores the ongoing struggle between faithfulness and apostasy, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 23:13And the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile. Nave's Topical Index Library The Sermon on the Mount. Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Mountains Round Mount Zion The Fact of the Redeemer's Return had a Spectacular Setting Forth ... The Sermon on the Mount Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of ... Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional. Resources Have Christians corrupted the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the correct translation of Psalm 22:16? | GotQuestions.org What are evil spirits? | GotQuestions.org Corruption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |