Topical Encyclopedia Mountains hold a significant place in biblical narratives, often serving as sites of divine revelation and worship. However, they are also frequently depicted as locations for idolatrous practices, where the people of Israel and surrounding nations engaged in the worship of false gods. This duality highlights the spiritual conflict between the worship of the one true God and the allure of pagan rituals.Throughout the Old Testament, mountains are repeatedly mentioned as settings for idolatrous worship. The high places, often situated on mountains or hills, were sites where altars and shrines were erected for the worship of deities other than Yahweh. These high places were a persistent issue for the Israelites, as they were drawn to the practices of the surrounding nations. In 1 Kings 14:23 , it is recorded, "For they also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree." This verse illustrates the widespread nature of idolatrous worship among the Israelites, who adopted the customs of the Canaanites and other neighboring peoples. The high places were often associated with the worship of Baal, Asherah, and other deities, which were in direct violation of the covenantal commands given to Israel. The prophet Ezekiel also condemns the use of mountains for idolatrous practices. In Ezekiel 6:13 , the Lord declares, "And they will know that I am the LORD, when their slain lie among their idols around their altars, on every high hill, on all the mountaintops, under every green tree and every leafy oak—the places where they offered fragrant incense to all their idols." This passage underscores the judgment that would come upon Israel for their unfaithfulness and idolatry, emphasizing the mountains as central locations for these transgressions. Despite the prevalence of idolatry on mountains, these locations also serve as reminders of God's sovereignty and the call to exclusive worship. The contrast between the idolatrous high places and the true worship of Yahweh is starkly illustrated in the account of Elijah on Mount Carmel. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest to demonstrate the power of the true God. The dramatic showdown on the mountain results in the vindication of Yahweh as the only God worthy of worship, as fire from heaven consumes Elijah's sacrifice. The persistent issue of idolatry on mountains serves as a cautionary tale for the people of God. It highlights the temptation to conform to the practices of the world and the need for vigilance in maintaining pure worship. The biblical narrative consistently calls the faithful to tear down the high places and to worship God alone, as seen in the reforms of kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, who sought to restore true worship by removing these sites of idolatry (2 Kings 18:4, 23:5-8). In summary, mountains in the biblical context are often depicted as places of idolatrous worship, reflecting the spiritual struggle between fidelity to God and the seduction of pagan practices. The biblical call is clear: to forsake the high places of idolatry and to worship the Lord in spirit and truth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 12:2You shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which you shall possess served their gods, on the high mountains, and on the hills, and under every green tree: Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 21:11 Library The Mystery Bunsen's Biblical Researches. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... A Traveler's Note-Book The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Footnotes Resources What does “how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news” mean in Isaiah 52:7? | GotQuestions.orgCan faith really move mountains? | GotQuestions.org What is the seven mountain mandate, and is it biblical? | 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 |
    |