Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, mountains often symbolize strength, stability, and the presence of God. However, there are instances where mountains are depicted as places of desolation and waste, serving as powerful symbols of divine judgment and the consequences of sin. This entry explores the theme of mountains made waste, highlighting their significance in the biblical narrative.Biblical References 1. Mountains as Symbols of Judgment: Throughout the Bible, mountains are sometimes portrayed as sites of divine judgment. In the prophetic literature, mountains are often depicted as being laid waste as a result of God's wrath against sin and idolatry. For example, in Isaiah 13:9-10, the prophet speaks of the day of the Lord, when the land will be made desolate: "Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming—cruel, with fury and burning anger—to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it." 2. Ezekiel's Prophecies: The book of Ezekiel contains vivid imagery of mountains made desolate. In Ezekiel 6:3-6, the prophet declares God's judgment against the mountains of Israel due to the people's idolatry: "This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: 'I am about to bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places. Your altars will be demolished and your incense altars will be smashed; and I will slay your people in front of your idols.'" 3. Jeremiah's Lament: The prophet Jeremiah also speaks of mountains made waste as a result of God's judgment. In Jeremiah 4:23-26, he describes a vision of the earth in chaos and the mountains quaking: "I looked at the earth, and it was formless and void; and at the heavens, and they had no light. I looked at the mountains, and behold, they were quaking; all the hills were swaying." Theological Significance The imagery of mountains made waste serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine judgment. It underscores the biblical theme that God is not indifferent to human rebellion and idolatry. The desolation of mountains symbolizes the broader devastation that sin brings to creation and humanity. Redemption and Restoration While the Bible speaks of mountains made desolate, it also offers hope for redemption and restoration. The prophetic writings often juxtapose judgment with promises of renewal. In Isaiah 40:4, the prophet speaks of a future time when "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 vision points to the ultimate restoration that God promises through His redemptive work. Conclusion Mountains made waste in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of God's judgment against sin and idolatry. They remind believers of the seriousness of turning away from God and the consequences that follow. Yet, within the narrative of desolation, there is also a promise of hope and restoration, pointing to God's ultimate plan to renew and restore His creation. This dual theme of judgment and redemption is central to the biblical message, calling believers to repentance and faith in God's redemptive promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 42:15I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools. Torrey's Topical Textbook Malachi 1:3 Library Desolation of the Earth. Desolation of the Earth The Barbarian Desolation Zion Awakened Yezidees, or Worshippers of the Devil. Deliverance from Assyria The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes Joel's Rhapsody of the Locust Plague Demonstration xvii. --Of Christ the Son of God. Manasseh and Josiah Resources What is the significance of Mount Ebal in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWas Noah's flood global or local? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to have mustard seed faith? | GotQuestions.org Mountains: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mountains are the Sources of Springs and Rivers Mountains of God's Righteousness Mountains of Persons in Authority Mountains of Proud and Haughty Persons Mountains of the Church of God Mountains: (Breaking Forth Into Singing) of Exceeding Joy Mountains: (Burning) of Destructive Enemies Mountains: (Dropping New Wine) of Abundance Mountains: (Made Waste) of Desolation Mountains: (Threshing of) Heavy Judgments Mountains: A Defence to a Country Mountains: Abounded With: Deer Mountains: Abounded With: Forests Mountains: Abounded With: Game Mountains: Abounded With: Herbs Mountains: Abounded With: Minerals Mountains: Abounded With: Precious Things Mountains: Abounded With: Spices Mountains: Abounded With: Stone for Building Mountains: Abounded With: Vineyards Mountains: Abounded With: Wild Beasts Mountains: Afford Refuge in Time of Danger Mountains: Beacons or Ensigns often Raised Upon Mountains: Called: Everlasting Hills Mountains: Called: God's Mountains Mountains: Called: Perpetual Hills Mountains: Called: Pillars of Heaven Mountains: Called: The Ancient Mountains Mountains: Called: The Everlasting Mountains Mountains: Collect the Vapours Which Ascend from the Earth Mountains: God: Causes, to Melt Mountains: God: Causes, to Skip Mountains: God: Causes, to Smoke Mountains: God: Causes, to Tremble Mountains: God: Gives Strength To Mountains: God: Parches, With Draught Mountains: God: Sets the Foundations of, on Fire Mountains: God: Waters, from his Chambers Mountains: God: Weighs, in a Balance Mountains: Made to Glorify God Mountains: Many Exceedingly High Mountains: Nebo (Part of Abarim) Mountains: Often Selected As Places for Idolatrous Worship Mountains: Olives or Mount of Corruption Mountains: Pisgah (Part of Abarim) Mountains: Proclamations often Made From Mountains: Sometimes Selected As Places for Divine Worship Mountains: The Elevated Parts of the Earth Mountains: Volcanic Fires of, Alluded To Related Terms |
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