Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, mountains often serve as significant locations where God reveals His power and presence. One of the most striking manifestations of God's presence on a mountain is when He causes it to smoke. This phenomenon is a vivid demonstration of His majesty and holiness, often accompanying divine revelation or judgment.Mount Sinai: The most notable instance of a mountain smoking due to God's presence is Mount Sinai. In Exodus 19:18 , it is recorded, "Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. The smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently." This event occurred as God prepared to give the Ten Commandments to Moses, marking a pivotal moment in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The smoke signifies God's holiness and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence, emphasizing the seriousness of the covenant being established. Theophany and Divine Revelation: The smoking mountain is a theophany, a visible manifestation of God to humankind. It serves as a backdrop for divine revelation, where God communicates His will and law. The imagery of smoke and fire is consistent with other biblical descriptions of God's presence, such as the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) and the pillar of cloud and fire that guided the Israelites (Exodus 13:21-22). These elements underscore God's transcendence and the reverence due to Him. Symbolism of Smoke: Smoke in the biblical context often symbolizes the presence of God, His glory, and His judgment. In Deuteronomy 4:11 , Moses recounts the Sinai experience, saying, "You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness." The smoke and fire represent God's unapproachable holiness and the fearsome nature of encountering the divine. Judgment and Power: The smoking mountain also conveys God's power and authority to judge. In Psalm 104:32 , it is written, "He looks at the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they smoke." This verse highlights God's sovereign control over creation, where even the mountains respond to His touch with smoke, a sign of His overwhelming power. New Testament Reflection: While the New Testament does not directly reference mountains smoking, the imagery of God's presence in smoke and fire is echoed in the description of the final judgment and the new creation. In Revelation 15:8 , the temple is filled with smoke from the glory of God, indicating His majestic presence and the impending execution of His righteous judgments. In summary, the biblical depiction of mountains smoking due to God's presence serves as a powerful symbol of His holiness, authority, and the profound impact of His revelation to humanity. This imagery calls believers to a posture of reverence and awe before the Almighty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 104:32He looks on the earth, and it trembles: he touches the hills, and they smoke. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 144:5 Library God's Gentle Power The Signs of Pentecost. The Preacher as a Man of God. The Sixth Season What are the Clouds? They Shall be Called the Children of God The Rent Veil The Northern Mountains A Treatise of the Fear of God; The Swift Destroyer Resources What does it mean to be still and know that I am God? | GotQuestions.orgCan the flood mentioned in Genesis be proven? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to “remember Lot's wife” in Luke 17:32? | 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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