Topical Encyclopedia Mountains hold a significant place in biblical narratives, often serving as sites of divine revelation, refuge, and monumental events. Beyond their spiritual and symbolic importance, mountains were also practical sources of materials, particularly stone, which was essential for construction and building in ancient times.Stone for Building The ancient Israelites, like many other civilizations, utilized the abundant stone found in mountainous regions for constructing altars, temples, and other structures. The durability and availability of stone made it a preferred material for building, especially in a land where wood was less abundant. Biblical References 1. Solomon's Temple: One of the most notable uses of stone in the Bible is in the construction of Solomon's Temple. The temple, a central place of worship for the Israelites, was built using large quantities of stone. In 1 Kings 5:17 , it is recorded, "At the king’s command they removed from the quarry large blocks of high-grade stone to provide a foundation of dressed stone for the temple." 2. Altars: Throughout the Old Testament, altars were often constructed from stone, symbolizing permanence and dedication to God. For instance, in Genesis 12:7 , Abram built an altar to the LORD who had appeared to him, likely using stones from the surrounding area. 3. City Walls and Fortifications: The defensive walls of cities such as Jerusalem were constructed using stone from nearby mountains. Nehemiah 4:2 highlights the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, where the enemies mocked, "Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?" 4. Monuments and Memorials: Stones from mountains were also used to create memorials. Joshua 4:20-22 describes how Joshua set up twelve stones taken from the Jordan River as a memorial for the Israelites, signifying their crossing into the Promised Land. Symbolic Significance The use of stone from mountains in biblical construction also carries symbolic weight. Stones represent strength, stability, and endurance, qualities attributed to God and His covenant with His people. In Isaiah 28:16 , the LORD declares, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken." Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, stone was a critical resource for building due to its availability and resilience. The mountainous terrain of regions like Judea and Samaria provided ample stone, which was quarried and transported for various construction projects. The skill of stonecutting and masonry was highly valued, and the labor-intensive process of quarrying and shaping stone was a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of the builders. The biblical use of stone from mountains not only reflects practical considerations but also underscores the theological themes of God's unchanging nature and the enduring legacy of His promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 5:14,17And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram was over the levy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 2:45 Library The "Demonstrations" of Aphrahat. The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt John Chapter i. 34-51 Vespasian, when He had Taken the City Gadaea Marches to Jotapata. ... The Rise of the Assyrian Empire A Discourse The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty Chaldaean Civilization The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria A Treatise of the Fear of God; Resources What does “how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news” mean in Isaiah 52:7? | GotQuestions.orgCan faith really move mountains? | GotQuestions.org What is the seven mountain mandate, and is it biblical? | 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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