Topical Encyclopedia Bashan is a region frequently mentioned in the Bible, known for its fertile land, rich pastures, and majestic mountains. It is located to the east of the Jordan River, in what is today part of modern-day Syria and Jordan. The area is renowned for its agricultural productivity and was historically famous for its cattle and oak trees.Geographical and Historical Context Bashan's geographical features include a range of mountains that are part of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. The region's topography is characterized by its highlands and volcanic soil, which contribute to its lush vegetation and suitability for livestock. The mountains of Bashan are often associated with strength and grandeur in biblical literature. Biblical References The Bible frequently references Bashan in the context of its natural resources and its formidable kings. In Deuteronomy 3:10, the land of Bashan is described as a territory conquered by the Israelites under Moses' leadership: "We captured all the cities of the plain and all Gilead and all Bashan as far as Salecah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan." The region is also noted for its strong and mighty inhabitants. In Deuteronomy 3:11, Og, the king of Bashan, is described as the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants: "For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. Behold, his bed was made of iron. Is it not in Rabbah of the Ammonites? It is nine cubits long and four cubits wide, by the standard cubit." Symbolism and Imagery The mountains of Bashan are often used symbolically in the Bible to represent power and majesty. In Psalm 68:15, the mountains of Bashan are depicted as a symbol of divine strength: "A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan; a mountain of many peaks is the mountain of Bashan." The imagery of Bashan's mountains is also employed in prophetic literature. In Ezekiel 39:18, the mountains of Bashan are mentioned in the context of a great sacrificial feast prepared by God: "You will eat the flesh of mighty men and drink the blood of the princes of the earth as if they were rams, lambs, goats, and bulls—all of them fattened animals from Bashan." Cultural and Theological Significance Bashan's mountains hold cultural and theological significance as they are often associated with God's provision and blessing. The region's fertility and abundance are seen as a testament to God's favor and the fulfillment of His promises to the Israelites. The defeat of Og, king of Bashan, is a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness in delivering His people. In summary, the mountains of Bashan are a prominent feature in biblical narratives, symbolizing strength, divine provision, and the triumph of God's people over formidable adversaries. The region's rich resources and strategic location made it a significant area in the ancient Near East, and its biblical references continue to evoke themes of God's sovereignty and blessing. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 68:15The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Psalm 68 Nahum's Doom of Nineveh Perea. Beyond Jordan. The Condition of the World when Our Lord Returns Proves that his ... Six Cities A vision of the Latter-Day Glories The Security of the Church Chapter xiv The Nations of the South-East Israel in Canaan. 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 |