Topical Encyclopedia Mountains in biblical times were often seen as places of refuge, worship, and divine encounter. They also served as habitats for various forms of wildlife, providing sustenance and resources for the people who lived nearby. The abundance of game in mountainous regions is a theme that can be traced through several biblical passages, reflecting the natural richness and providence of God's creation.The mountainous regions of ancient Israel and surrounding areas were home to a variety of animals that were hunted for food and other purposes. The Bible makes several references to the wildlife that inhabited these areas, highlighting the diversity and abundance of game available. In the book of Genesis, Esau, the brother of Jacob, is described as "a skillful hunter, a man of the field" (Genesis 25:27). This description implies that the fields and surrounding mountainous areas were rich with game, providing Esau with ample opportunity to hone his skills as a hunter. The Song of Solomon also alludes to the presence of wildlife in the mountains. In a poetic expression of love, the beloved is compared to a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of Bether (Song of Solomon 2:17). This imagery not only conveys beauty and grace but also suggests the presence of such animals in the mountainous regions. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the abundance of wildlife in the context of God's provision and the restoration of creation. In Isaiah 35:9, the prophet describes a future where "no lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there." This passage implies that while certain dangerous animals may be absent in the eschatological vision, the presence of other forms of wildlife is part of God's good creation. The mountains of Israel, such as Mount Carmel and the hills of Gilead, were known for their lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems, which supported a variety of game. The prophet Amos, in his denunciation of Israel's complacency, refers to the "cows of Bashan" (Amos 4:1), indicating the presence of livestock and possibly wild cattle in the fertile regions of Bashan, which included mountainous areas. In the Psalms, the mountains are often depicted as places of refuge and strength, not only for humans but also for animals. Psalm 104:18 states, "The high mountains are for the wild goats; the cliffs are a refuge for the rock badgers" . This verse highlights the natural habitat provided by the mountains for specific species, emphasizing the Creator's provision for all creatures. The abundance of game in the mountains is also reflected in the dietary laws given to the Israelites. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 list clean and unclean animals, many of which could be found in the mountainous regions. The presence of these animals provided the Israelites with food options that were in accordance with God's commandments. Overall, the biblical portrayal of mountains as abounding with game underscores the richness of God's creation and His provision for both humans and animals. The mountains served as a vital resource for sustenance and survival, reflecting the intricate balance and interdependence within the natural world as ordained by God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 26:20Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one does hunt a partridge in the mountains. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The visit to Media. The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus. section ii. Chapter x The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt A Discourse The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty The Rise of the Assyrian Empire Paul's Departure and Crown; The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria 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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