The Mountains Around Jerusalem
The mountains.
We might not call the mountains around Jerusalem majestic. Some people might refer to them as hills instead of mountains. Yet God uses these mountains to describe His presence with us.
Jerusalem is the city Jews call home. It’s built near mountains. Scripture talks about these mountains. These mountains describe the the presence of God.
Psalm 125 tells us this:
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken, but endures forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.
If God surrounds us like the mountains around Jerusalem, what are these mountains? There are no mighty peaks, although there are mountains. Fire and earthquakes cannot destroy these mountains. They are there and will remain, steadfast and sure.
Here are some facts you might want to know about these mountains:
The average height of the Judaean mountains is . . . 2,953 ft, and they encompass the cities of Ramallah, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Hebron. The northern section of the Judaean mountains is referred to as Jerusalem Hills, and the southern one as Hebron Hills.
The analogy is beautiful. There is strength and beauty in these mountains. They are always there, these mountains. Located on a plateau, the Judaean Mountains lie between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. They have been there since Creation. As God’s chosen people lived in the area or moved away from Jerusalem, the mountains stayed the same.
Point of reference
Folks, who live in an area with a prominent mountain, will tell you that their mountain becomes a point of reference. Can they see the peak? Do clouds or fog cover the peak? Is it hidden by snow, dimmed by rain or sleet, or visible in bright sunlight? On any given day, their particular mountain is a point of reference for weather, for location, and for travel.
That’s how it is for us as Christians. Just as there are mountains around Jerusalem, there is the Presence of God around His people. This is our point of reference. He does not change. He is with us, surrounding us, always.
It’s a promise! Claim it. Live it well.
One of the Nathan Good family’s recordings includes the song As the Mountains are Round About Jerusalem. To hear them sing this song, click below. Composer unknown.
To get a copy of this recording or other recordings by the Good family, contact Benjamin at: useyourtalents@gmail.com. CDs can be purchased locally at Windmill Farm Bake Shop.