Topical Bible: Mountains: Hermon

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Topical Encyclopedia

Geographical and Historical Context

Mount Hermon is a prominent mountain cluster in the Anti-Lebanon mountain range, straddling the border between modern-day Syria and Lebanon. It is the highest peak in the region, with its summit reaching approximately 9,232 feet (2,814 meters) above sea level. The mountain is known for its snow-capped peaks, which are visible from great distances, and it plays a significant role in the geography and climate of the surrounding areas, contributing to the headwaters of the Jordan River.

Biblical Significance

Mount Hermon holds considerable significance in the biblical narrative. It is mentioned several times in the Scriptures, often symbolizing majesty and divine blessing. In the Old Testament, Hermon is associated with the northern boundary of the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 3:8, Moses recounts the conquest of the land from the Arnon Gorge to Mount Hermon: "At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites the land across the Jordan, from the Arnon Valley as far as Mount Hermon."

The mountain is also noted for its lush vegetation and abundant dew, which is celebrated in Psalm 133:3: "It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD has bestowed the blessing of life forevermore." This imagery underscores the mountain's role as a source of life-giving water and a symbol of God's provision and blessing.

Cultural and Religious Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, high places like Mount Hermon were often associated with the divine. The mountain's imposing presence and its snow-capped peaks made it a natural symbol of the divine majesty and transcendence. Some scholars suggest that Mount Hermon may have been a site of ancient worship, although the Bible does not explicitly confirm this.

In the New Testament, Mount Hermon is traditionally considered the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus, although the Gospels do not specify the exact location. The event is described in Matthew 17:1-2: "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." The association with Hermon is based on its proximity to Caesarea Philippi, where the preceding events in the Gospel narrative occur.

Theological Implications

Mount Hermon serves as a powerful symbol of God's majesty and the blessings He bestows upon His people. Its mention in the Psalms as a source of life-giving dew highlights the theme of divine provision and the unity of God's people, as the dew of Hermon is said to fall on the mountains of Zion, symbolizing the unity and blessing of the community of believers.

The possible connection to the Transfiguration further enhances Hermon's theological significance, as it becomes a place where the divine nature of Christ is revealed to His closest disciples. This event underscores the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God and serves as a foretaste of His future glory.

Conclusion

Mount Hermon, with its majestic peaks and biblical associations, stands as a testament to the grandeur of God's creation and His ongoing relationship with His people. Its presence in the biblical narrative invites believers to reflect on the themes of divine majesty, provision, and revelation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 13:11
And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan to Salcah;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Come from Lebanon, My Spouse, Come from Lebanon, Come; Thou Shalt ...
... come from Lebanon, come; Thou shalt be crowned from the top of Amana, from the peak
of Shenir and Hermon, from the dens of the lions, from the mountains of the ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/8 come from lebanon my.htm

The Woman of Samaria
... On the west lies the sea; on the south and on the east vast wildernesses of sandy
desert; and on the north, the mighty mountains of Hermon and Lebanon, which ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxvi the woman of.htm

Psalm CXXXIII.
... And so it is strange that he says thus: As the dew of Hermon, which fell upon the
mountains of Sion, since mount Hermon is far distant from Jerusalem, for it ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxiii.htm

Chapter iv.
... me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon; look from the top of Amana, from
the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions dens, from the mountains of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter iv.htm

Joshua's Conquest.
... Along the entire coast line there is a continuous coast plain. There are many
mountains, the most important being Hermon, Carmel and Gerizim. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter viii joshuas conquest.htm

Petilianus Said: "But He Thus Praises the Ointment of Concord ...
... Now are ye not in the mountains of Zion, the dew of Hermon on the mountains of Zion,
in whatever sense that be received by you; for you are not in the city ...
/.../chapter 105 238 petilianus.htm

The Joy of Unbroken Communion
... Look from the top of Amana,. From the top of Senir and Hermon,. From the lions'
dens,. From the mountains of the leopards. "Come with Me." It is always so. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/union and communion/section iii the joy of.htm

A Journey with Jesus.
... Upon these mountains grew the cedars that Solomon's servants cut down and carried
to ... Lebanon villages, and came at length to the foot of Mount Hermon, and to ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxv a journey with.htm

Song of Songs of Solomon
... come from Lebanon, come; Thou shalt be crowned from the top of Amana, from the peak
of Shenir and Hermon, from the dens of the lions, from the mountains of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/

The Story of the Angel by the Altar
... In the south was Hebron among the mountains; on the shore of the Great Sea were
Gaza ... Far up in the north, at the foot of snowy Mount Hermon, was another Caesarea ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of the angel.htm