Topical Bible: Mountains: Called: The Ancient Mountains

◄ Mountains: Called: The Ancient Mountains ►

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In the biblical narrative, mountains hold significant spiritual and symbolic meaning, often representing stability, permanence, and the divine presence. The term "ancient mountains" is used to convey the timeless and enduring nature of these majestic landforms, which have stood since the creation of the world.

Biblical References:

1. Deuteronomy 33:15 · In the blessing of Moses upon the tribes of Israel, the "ancient mountains" are mentioned as part of the rich inheritance given to Joseph: "with the best of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills." . Here, the ancient mountains symbolize the enduring blessings and the steadfastness of God's promises to His people.

2. Habakkuk 3:6 · The prophet Habakkuk describes a theophany, a divine appearance, where the power and majesty of God are illustrated through the imagery of mountains: "He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations. The ancient mountains crumbled; the perpetual hills collapsed. His ways are everlasting." . This passage emphasizes God's sovereignty and the transient nature of even the most enduring earthly features in comparison to His eternal nature.

Symbolism and Significance:

· Permanence and Stability: Mountains, especially those referred to as "ancient," symbolize the unchanging and eternal aspects of God's creation. They serve as a reminder of the constancy of God's presence and His unshakeable promises.

· Divine Encounter: Throughout the Bible, mountains are often the setting for significant encounters with God. For instance, Mount Sinai is where Moses received the Ten Commandments, and the Mount of Transfiguration is where Jesus was transfigured before His disciples. The "ancient mountains" thus also represent places of divine revelation and covenant.

· Blessing and Abundance: In the context of Deuteronomy 33:15, the ancient mountains are associated with the richness and abundance of the land promised to the descendants of Joseph. This reflects the idea that God's blessings are as enduring and reliable as the mountains themselves.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the reference to "ancient mountains" underscores the belief in God's eternal nature and His unchanging faithfulness. Just as the mountains have stood through the ages, so too do God's promises endure through time. The imagery of ancient mountains invites believers to trust in the steadfastness of God's word and His eternal plan for creation.

In summary, the "ancient mountains" in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of God's enduring presence, His eternal promises, and the divine encounters that shape the faith and history of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 33:15
And for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That the Years in those Ancient Times were of the Same Length as ...
... For so scant a year, if the ancient usage dignified it ... of the month were the tops
of the mountains seen." [811 ... thirtieth part of three days was then called a day ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 14 that the years in.htm

The Northern Mountains
... the tall stately brown policeman, Thompson, called forward and ... cat, common enough
on the mountains which lay ... owner, a French gentleman of ancient Irish family ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm

The Preparations of the Greeks for Defense.
... and escapes from the great valley through a narrow and romantic pass lying between
the Mountains Olympus and Ossa. This pass was called in ancient times the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter vii the preparations of.htm

Called to Reach a Higher Standard
... air and awoke the echoes of the surrounding hills and mountains. ... the Corinthians
to the experience of ancient Israel, to ... the way for sins that called forth the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 30 called to reach.htm

Jewish Chronology.
... are, as we have explained, shown to this day in the mountains called Ararat, which ...
existence of a nation of worshippers of the true God, more ancient than all ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxvi jewish chronology.htm

Demonstration xvii. --Of Christ the Son of God.
... our habitation for generations, before the mountains were conceived ... Jesus was beforehand
promised from ancient times in the Prophets, and was called the Son ...
/.../aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xvii of christ the son.htm

Ancient Civilisation {5} {6}
... who will ape the outside of our so-called civilisation, even ... the few first chapters
of the most ancient and most ... They have crossed the neighbouring mountains. ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/ancient civilisation 5 6.htm

Of the Birth of Jesus from the virgin; of his Life, Death, and ...
... He called the Most High God the Ancient of days ... I will go before Thee, and will make
the mountains level; and I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xii of the birth of.htm

Ancient Civilisation.
... who will ape the outside of our so-called civilisation, even ... the few first chapters
of the most ancient and most ... They have crossed the neighbouring mountains. ...
/.../lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture v ancient civilisation.htm

How Every Nation was Denominated from their First Inhabitants.
... inhabited so, that, beginning at the mountains Taurus and ... the Thobelites, who are
now called Iberes; and the ... is also a mark of their ancient denomination still ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how every nation.htm