While studying for some Encounter lessons I realized the importance of mountains.  References to mountains or mounts occur over 500 times in Scripture.  In fact, God’s story of salvation can be seen by mapping out mountains.  First, God gave the Law on Mt Sinai. Second, Mt Carmel became a symbol of the power and validation of the prophets when Elijah battled the prophets of Baal. Third, Jesus showed how he was the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets on the Mount of Transfiguration. Finally, on Mount Calvary, Jesus willingly laid down his life.  

So mountains are important in the biblical story and mountains continue to be important symbols for us today.  They are symbols of protection, power, beauty, and worship. Mountains, especially in the past, provided protection for cities from traveling armies. When you are in a battle is generally good to have the “high ground,” because it is easier to defend and you can track your enemies’ movements much easier.  Mountains are also viewed as symbols of power as they dominate the landscape around them. Also, because of their magnitude, we can view the beauty of the landscape.  I am from Tennessee and I think the Smoky Mountains are beautiful.  Then I went to Yosemite Park, then to Rocky Mountain National Park and all of those mountains were awe-inspiring and beautiful too.  Mountains invoke worship because they reach up to the heavens in such a dramatic way. This is why we read in the Psalms and the prophets that the people go up to God.  Worship is often a “mountain top” experience.