Topical Bible: Mountains: Gilboa

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Topical Encyclopedia

Mount Gilboa is a significant geographical and historical location in the biblical narrative, primarily known for its association with the tragic end of King Saul and his sons. This mountain range is situated in the northern part of Israel, forming part of the eastern boundary of the Jezreel Valley. Its biblical importance is underscored by its frequent mention in the context of Israel's early monarchy and its role in the dramatic events that unfolded during the reign of Saul, the first king of Israel.

Biblical References and Historical Context

Mount Gilboa is most notably referenced in the First Book of Samuel. The mountain is the site of the pivotal battle between the Israelites, led by King Saul, and the Philistines. In 1 Samuel 28:4 , it is recorded, "The Philistines assembled and came and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa." This sets the stage for the ensuing conflict that would have dire consequences for Saul and his lineage.

The narrative reaches its climax in 1 Samuel 31, where the battle's outcome is detailed. The Israelites are defeated, and Saul's sons, including Jonathan, are killed. In 1 Samuel 31:1-2 , it states, "Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons and killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua." The defeat is compounded by Saul's own death, as he falls on his sword to avoid capture, as described in 1 Samuel 31:4 .

The lamentation over Saul and Jonathan by David, recorded in 2 Samuel 1, further immortalizes Mount Gilboa in the biblical narrative. David's poignant elegy includes a curse upon the mountain: "O mountains of Gilboa, may you have neither dew nor rain, nor fields of offerings, for there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, no longer anointed with oil" (2 Samuel 1:21). This curse reflects the deep sorrow and loss felt by David and the nation of Israel.

Theological Significance

Mount Gilboa serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the tragic downfall of a leader who once held God's favor. Saul's reign, marked by initial promise, ultimately ends in despair and defeat due to his repeated failures to fully obey God's commands. The events at Gilboa highlight the themes of divine judgment and the importance of faithfulness to God's will.

The mountain also stands as a testament to the deep bond between David and Jonathan, whose friendship transcended political rivalry and personal ambition. David's lamentation over Jonathan's death on Gilboa underscores the profound love and loyalty that characterized their relationship, offering a model of covenantal friendship.

Geographical and Archaeological Insights

Mount Gilboa is part of a range that extends approximately 18 kilometers (11 miles) in length, with its highest peak reaching about 508 meters (1,667 feet) above sea level. The region is characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic location, which historically provided a natural defense barrier and a vantage point for military engagements.

Archaeological studies in the area have uncovered evidence of ancient settlements and fortifications, attesting to its historical significance and the strategic importance it held in biblical times. The Jezreel Valley, adjacent to Mount Gilboa, has been a fertile and contested region throughout history, further emphasizing the mountain's role in the biblical narrative.

In summary, Mount Gilboa is a site of profound historical and theological importance within the biblical tradition. Its association with the fall of Saul and the lament of David ensures its enduring legacy in the scriptural account of Israel's early monarchy.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 31:1
Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 1:6,21
And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance on mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned on his spear; and, see, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Cheating and Dishonest Ways of Making Money are Utterly Unfit for ...
... that he spared him was a small matter; he also grieved for him when slain in war,
and mourned for him with tears, saying: "Ye mountains of Gilboa, let neither ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ix cheating and dishonest.htm

The Story of Gideon and his Three Hundred Soldiers
... They met beside a great spring on Mount Gilboa, called "the fountain of Harod."
Mount Gilboa is one of the three mountains on the east of the plain of Esdraelon ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of gideon and.htm

Demonstration xvii. --Of Christ the Son of God.
... And if they should say that it is spoken of Saul, for Saul was killed in the mountains
of Gilboa in the battle with the Philistines, and if they should say ...
/.../aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xvii of christ the son.htm

The Growth of the Old Testament Prophetic Histories
... of the uncircumcised exult. Ye mountains of Gilboa, may no dew descend,
Nor rain upon you, O ye fields of death! For there was the ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/vi the growth of the.htm

Sundry Sharp Reproofs
... How many are like Gideon's dry fleece, and like the mountains of Gilboa! There is
no dew upon them. Did Christ bleed for sin, and can you not weep? ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/7 sundry sharp reproofs.htm

David's Lament
... Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain upon you, Neither fields of
offerings: For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away, The shield ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/v davids lament.htm

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... Thus regarded, it would include names to which such reminiscences attach as "the
mountains of Gilboa," where "Israel and Saul fell down slain"; little Hermon ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 3 in galilee at.htm

Rom. xiii. 1
... For he made an address to the mountains which received him as he died, in the words,
"Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there fall on you neither rain nor dew ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxiii rom xiii 1.htm

His Name --The Counsellor
... Saul, the son of Kish, died before the Lord upon the mountains of Gilboa, and in
the book of Chronicles it is written, he died because he asked not counsel of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/his namethe counsellor.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... also, the battle was fought in which Saul and Jonathan perished (for the plain of
Esdrelon is bounded on the south-east by the mountains of Gilboa), and so ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm