The Holy Mountain of God: A Unifying Theme in Scripture
From the lush gardens of Eden to the radiant city of New Jerusalem, the concept of a holy mountain is a recurring motif in the biblical narrative. This theme not only frames the Old Testament but also echoes throughout the entire Bible, illuminating God’s plan for his people and the ultimate goal of creation.
A Raised Position in the Middle of the World
In Genesis 2:10-14, the description of the rivers flowing out of Eden implies that the garden occupies a raised position in the middle of the world. The prophet Ezekiel later designates Eden as both “the garden of God” and “the holy mountain of God” (Ezek. 28:13-16). This picture is reinforced in the New Testament, where the author of Hebrews exhorts readers to remain faithful to the new covenant inaugurated by Jesus Christ, rather than returning to the older covenant associated with Mount Sinai.
A Holy Mountain City
The book of Revelation provides a similar image, where an angel carries the apostle John away “in the Spirit to a great, high mountain” and shows him “the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God” (Rev. 21:10). In both contexts, the mountain location of New Jerusalem resonates with the pattern found in the Old Testament. God dwells in a holy mountain city, and those who will dwell with him must be holy in order to live within this exalted metropolis.
A Model of Salvation
Viewed in its broader literary context, the whole exodus-Sinai story looks forward to the restoration of the harmonious situation that existed between God and humanity prior to Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God in the garden of Eden. With its emphasis upon the need to be made holy in order to ascend into God’s presence, the exodus-Sinai story provides a model of how salvation will come through the death of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Passover sacrifice.
Citizenship in God’s Holy City
The author of Psalm 15 begins his song by asking God: “O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? / Who shall dwell on your holy hill?” (Ps. 15:1). These questions recall the requirement to be holy in order to ascend Mount Sinai. The contents of Psalm 15 resonate with the covenant obligations set out in the Decalogue and the Book of the Covenant, highlighting the importance of moral holiness.
A Similar Idea in Psalm 24
A very similar idea comes in Psalm 24, where the author asks: “Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? / And who shall stand in his holy place?” (Ps. 24:3). Once again, the concept of “holy mountain” is associated with God’s presence in the sanctuary. As in Psalm 15, those who are permitted to ascend the mountain must display characteristics compatible with holiness.
Conclusion
The concept of a holy mountain is a unifying theme in Scripture, illuminating God’s plan for his people and the ultimate goal of creation. From the gardens of Eden to the city of New Jerusalem, this theme echoes throughout the biblical narrative, highlighting the importance of moral holiness and the need to be made holy in order to ascend into God’s presence.
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