Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Surrounded by Mountains

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem, the ancient and enduring city, holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. One of the notable geographical features of Jerusalem is its location amidst a range of mountains, a fact that carries both literal and symbolic meaning in the biblical narrative.

Geographical Context

Jerusalem is situated in the Judean hills, approximately 2,500 feet above sea level. The city is surrounded by several notable mountains, including the Mount of Olives to the east, Mount Scopus to the northeast, and the hills of the Judean wilderness to the south and west. This topography has historically provided natural fortification and a strategic military advantage, contributing to Jerusalem's role as a central and contested city throughout history.

Biblical References

The Bible frequently references the mountains surrounding Jerusalem, often using them as metaphors for divine protection and stability. Psalm 125:2 states, "As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forevermore." This verse highlights the enduring protection and presence of God with His people, likening it to the steadfast and immovable mountains encircling the city.

The mountains also serve as a backdrop for significant biblical events. The Mount of Olives, for instance, is the site of many key moments in the life of Jesus Christ, including His ascension (Acts 1:9-12). The proximity of these mountains to Jerusalem underscores their importance in the biblical narrative and their role in God's redemptive plan.

Symbolic Significance

In addition to their physical presence, the mountains surrounding Jerusalem carry deep symbolic meaning. They represent God's unchanging nature and His covenantal faithfulness to His people. The imagery of mountains conveys strength, permanence, and divine oversight, assuring believers of God's unwavering commitment to His promises.

The mountains also serve as a reminder of the spiritual elevation and sanctity of Jerusalem. As the city chosen by God for His dwelling place, Jerusalem is often depicted as a spiritual high point, a place where heaven and earth meet. The surrounding mountains enhance this imagery, emphasizing the city's unique role in God's plan for humanity.

Prophetic Implications

The mountains around Jerusalem are also significant in eschatological contexts. Prophecies concerning the end times often involve Jerusalem and its surrounding geography. Zechariah 14:4 describes a future event where the Mount of Olives will be split in two, creating a valley as part of God's divine intervention. Such prophecies highlight the continued importance of Jerusalem and its mountains in God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

Conclusion

The mountains surrounding Jerusalem are more than just geographical features; they are integral to the biblical narrative, symbolizing God's protection, faithfulness, and the spiritual significance of the city. As believers reflect on these mountains, they are reminded of the enduring presence and promises of God, both in the past and for the future.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 125:2
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from now on even for ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm CXXV.
... He briefly describes it. "The mountains stand around Jerusalem" (ver.2). Is it
anything great, that we are in a city surrounded by mountains? ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxv.htm

The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
... Bar Bar Channah saith, Rabbi Jochanan saith, from Jerusalem to Jericho ... Strabo speaks
like things, "Jericho is a plain surrounded with mountains, which in ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 46 the country of.htm

The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
... THE ORDER OF THOUGHT WHICH SURROUNDED THE DEVELOPMENT OF ... a renewed earth and a new
Jerusalem; sometimes it ... Those mountains, that sea, that azure sky, those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter iv the order of.htm

The Security of the Church
... It is surrounded by a natural rampart of hills; and ... David looked upon the city of
Jerusalem, and he thought ... David said in his day, "As the mountains are round ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the security of the church.htm

The Death of Pilate, who Condemned Jesus.
... a grievous disease, and understanding that there was at Jerusalem a certain ... from
themselves, and sunk him in a certain pit surrounded by mountains, where to ...
/.../unknown/the death of pilate who condemned jesus/the death of pilate who.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with ... let them which are in Judea flee to the
mountains; and let ... 41) After the Romans under Cestius had surrounded the city ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... "When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with ... them which are in Judea flee to the
mountains; and let ... After the Romans under Cestius had surrounded the city, they ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

Jesus Living at Nazareth and visiting Jerusalem in his Twelfth ...
... sat on semi-circular benches and thus partially surrounded by their ... them.51 And he
went down with them [Jerusalem was among the mountains, Nazareth among ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvi jesus living at nazareth.htm

The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70
... the wailings of the people, now surrounded with fire ... The echo from all the mountains
around, even to ... Jerusalem was razed to the ground; only three towers of ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 38 the jewish war.htm

In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ...
... Far across the river rise the mountains of Moab, on ... attached - Jesus was going up
to Jerusalem to meet ... how different thoughts from theirs - surrounded by His ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiv in jericho and.htm