Topical Bible: Mountains: God: Set Fast

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Mountains hold a significant place in the biblical narrative, often symbolizing strength, stability, and the divine presence of God. Throughout Scripture, mountains are depicted as places where God reveals Himself, establishes His covenant, and demonstrates His unchanging nature.

God's Creation and Sovereignty

The Bible frequently emphasizes God's role as the Creator who set the mountains in place. In Psalm 65:6 , it is written, "You formed the mountains by Your power, having girded Yourself with might." This verse highlights God's omnipotence and His ability to establish the mountains as a testament to His strength and authority over creation.

Symbol of Stability and Permanence

Mountains are often used metaphorically to represent stability and permanence, reflecting God's eternal nature. In Psalm 125:1-2 , the psalmist declares, "Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forevermore." Here, the mountains surrounding Jerusalem serve as a symbol of God's unwavering protection and enduring presence with His people.

Divine Revelation and Covenant

Mountains are frequently the setting for divine revelation and the establishment of covenants. Mount Sinai is a prominent example, where God gave the Law to Moses. Exodus 19:18 describes the scene: "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 underscores the mountain as a sacred place where God communicates His will and establishes His covenant with Israel.

Mountains in Prophecy and Eschatology

In prophetic literature, mountains often symbolize the coming kingdom of God and His ultimate reign. Isaiah 2:2 prophesies, "In the last days, the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it." This vision portrays the mountain of the Lord as the center of divine authority and worship, drawing all nations to acknowledge God's sovereignty.

Jesus and the Mountains

In the New Testament, mountains continue to serve as significant locations for divine encounters. Jesus often withdrew to mountains to pray and teach. One notable event is the Transfiguration, which took place on a high mountain. Matthew 17:1-2 recounts, "After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." This moment reveals Jesus' divine glory and affirms His identity as the Son of God.

Faith and the Moving of Mountains

Mountains also serve as a metaphor for faith and the power of God to overcome obstacles. In Matthew 17:20 , Jesus tells His disciples, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." This teaching emphasizes the potency of faith in God, who is able to accomplish what seems insurmountable.

Throughout the Bible, mountains stand as enduring symbols of God's power, presence, and promises. They remind believers of the steadfastness of God's character and His unchanging commitment to His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 65:6
Which by his strength sets fast the mountains; being girded with power:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

At a Public Fast in July, First Sabbath, 1650. (257)
... ye lose the creature's comfort and defence, yet ye are on your rock, which is
established before the rocks and mountains. ... So God hath set prosperity and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i at a public.htm

Sky, Earth, and Sea: a Parable of God
... 6. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; Thy judgments ... thoughts which they
contain, but only to set forth the ... of our text sets before us God in the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/sky earth and sea a.htm

He Then once More Excellently, Appropriately, and Clearly Examines ...
... by David to understand peace by the "mountains," and righteousness ... of as "the winds,"
so that he is set apart to ... chosen vessel to bear the name of God, who, as ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 2 he then once.htm

The Eternity of God
... Goats climb upon high mountains, while Christ's sheep are in ... Though we had nothing
here, God has time enough to ... The crown of eternity shall be set upon their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 the eternity of god.htm

The City and River of God
... 'The hills melted like wax'; 'The mountains flowed down ... by Him when we can say,
'My Lord and my God!'. Mark, too, how there is here set forth the twofold ground ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the city and river of.htm

God's People Delivered.
... The mountains shake like a reed in the wind, and ragged ... Prison walls are rent asunder,
and God's people, who have ... held in bondage for their faith, are set free ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

God's People Delivered
... The mountains shake like a reed in the wind, and ragged ... Prison walls are rent asunder,
and God's people, who have ... held in bondage for their faith, are set free ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

The Wrath of God
... Who is able to lie under mountains of wrath? ... must take heed of, which will provoke
the fire of God's wrath ... James says, The tongue is set on fire of hell;' chap 3 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/3 3 the wrath of god.htm

The Waldenses.
... God had set fast the mountains, and girded them with strength; no arm but
that of Infinite Power could move them out of their place. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /4 the waldenses.htm

The Waldenses
... God had set fast the mountains and girded them with strength; no arm but
that of Infinite Power could move them out of their place. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 4 the waldenses.htm