April 2004

Contents of this issue of the Joan K. Snipes e-newsletter:
- biblical mountains;
- questions related to biblical mountains;
- upcoming Bible workshops.

Dear Readers,

A few weeks ago, I was looking through a magazine in the waiting room at my hairdresser's salon. In it was a photo of Mount Ararat. This mountain is so beautiful it took my breath away. The caption noted that although the photo was taken in Armenia, the people there are not allowed to cross the border into Turkey to climb the mountain.

Until recent years, I was not particularly interested in the geography of Bible lands. The characters, the plot, and the spiritual significance of the Bible stories all fascinated me. The settings did not. That all changed thanks to an excellent Bible workshop I attended. The instructors, Kristy Christian and Kathy Merrill, asked some thought-provoking questions, such as why did the events recorded in the Bible take place where they did. Since then, I've become much quicker to grab a Bible atlas and learn more about the settings for our beloved stories. I've also had the privilege of visiting the Holy Land, where the names of places come alive.

This newsletter focuses on biblical mountains. There are eleven mountain names listed below. Horeb and Sinai, however, are the same mountain, so there are just ten mountains. The others are Ararat, Carmel, Ebal, Gilboa, Gerizim, Hermon, Moriah, Nebo, and Tabor. I hope you'll locate each of these mountains on a map, perhaps seek out a photo or two on the Internet, read the stories, and share your insights with your Sunday School class.

Ararat - Traditionally linked with the resting place of Noah's ark, Mount Ararat is located in present-day Turkey. It's elevation is 16,940 feet. Some question if modern day Mount Ararat is the spot mentioned in the Bible. Both II Kings and Isaiah note that Sennacherib's sons escaped in the land of Ararat after they murdered him in Nineveh. Ararat is a dormant volcano. The upper third of the mountain is covered with snow year round. The mountain is strikingly beautiful. Genesis 8:4, II Kings 19:37, Isaiah 37:38

Carmel - Elijah and the prophets of Baal had their famous contest on Mount Carmel during the time of King Ahab. The range of hills known as Carmel is about 15 miles long. Carmel is located on the Mediterranean Sea coast of Israel, overlooking the modern-day city of Haifa. The mountain range, which reaches a height of 1742 feet, is also mentioned in connection with Judah's King Uzziah. Eleven books of the Old Testament include reference to Carmel. I Kings 18:16-40, II Chronicles 26:10

Ebal - Mount Ebal's rather barren appearance contrasts with the more lushly covered Mount Gerizim. The two mounts are well within sight of each other. During the time of Joshua, a ceremony of blessing and cursing took place on the two mountains; it is described in Deuteronomy 27:1-8. Representatives of six tribes stood upon Mount Ebal and pronounced curses on those who were guilty of certain heinous sins. The representatives of the remaining six tribes stood upon Mount Gerizim and pronounced blessings. Ebal rises 3,077 feet above the sea, and it is steep and rocky. Joshua built an altar unto the Lord on Mount Ebal. Joshua 8:30

Gilboa - King Saul and Jonathan were killed in a battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. David lamented their deaths, saying: "The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!" I Samuel 31:1-6; II Samuel 1:21

Gerizim - This steep, rocky mountain was the site of a rival temple to that of Jerusalem. According to Josephus, the temple was built by a foreigner named Sanballat. The erection of the temple, probably before 330 BCE, made Mount Gerizim the Samaritan sacred mountain. Jacob's well, the place where Jesus conversed with the woman of Samaria was at the foot of Mount Gerizim. John 4:20, 21

Hermon - About 20 miles north of the Sea of Galilee, this mountain has three snow covered peaks. At 9200 feet, it is the highest mountain in Israel, Lebanon and Syria. Its run-off feeds the Jordan River. It is mentioned in nine books of the Bible, including Psalm 133:3 and Song of Solomon 4:8. It is known by several different names, including Mount Sion and the Amorite name of Senir.

Horeb - Also known as Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Please see Sinai.

Moriah - Known as the Temple Mount today, Mount Moriah is in Jerusalem. Abraham took Isaac to Moriah and prepared to sacrifice him there. It is the hill on which was the threshing floor of Araunah, the Jebusite. David purchased the floor and erected an altar on it. According to II Chronicles, "Solomon began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem in mount Moriah." Genesis 22:2

Nebo - The modern day location is in Jordan. It's on the north end of the Dead Sea. Moses viewed the Promised Land from Mount Nebo before he died. Deuteronomy 32:49-52; 34:1-4

Sinai - Also known as Horeb, this is the peak in present-day Egypt where Moses received the Ten Commandments. The 7,497 foot mountain has 3,750 steps hewn out of stone by monks of St. Catherine's Monastery, which is located at the base of the mountain just to the North. The peak is accessible by the steps, or by a gentler path east of the monastery. The monastery was constructed by order of the Emperor Justinian between 527 and 565 CE and is a fascinating place to visit. Although established and patronized most of its history by the Russian Orthodox Church, the monastery is now under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Church. Most of its monks are also of Greek origin. Sinai is sometimes called Mount Moses. Exodus 19:20

Tabor - Deborah, the only woman judge, and Barak defeated Sisera near Mount Tabor. It is located in Galilee, in present day Israel. It is the traditional location of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. Three disciples, Peter, James and John, witnessed the transfiguration. The story is told in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36. Mount Tabor is not mentioned in the New Testament, and some scholars think the transfiguration may have occurred on one of the foothills of Mount Hermon. Mount Tabor is rises 1843 feet above sea level and the sides are steep. The top is flat and elliptical.

The present Basilica of Transfiguration was built on Mount Tabor in 1924 and includes chapels dedicated to Moses and Elijah. The first Basilica was built in the fourth century. From a terrace at the top, "you can enjoy one of the more beautiful panoramas of Galilee, if not absolutely the most beautiful: the valley of Esdraelon," according to one website.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO BIBLICAL MOUNTAINS

After the flood, Noah's ark rested "upon the mountains of Ararat." Before Noah left the ark, he sent out a raven and a dove. When the dove didn't return the second time it was released, Noah knew he and his family could safely leave the ark. A bow "in the cloud" became the symbol of God's covenant with mankind. What family members did Noah have with him in the ark?

Mount Moriah in Jerusalem is known today as the Temple Mount. The author of Chronicles writes that "Solomon began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem in mount Moriah." Mount Moriah is only mentioned one other time in the Bible. What significant event, recorded in the book of Genesis, occurred there? Genesis 22:2; II Chronicles 3:1

According to the book of Judges: "the stars in their courses fought against Sisera." These words are from a song attributed to Deborah and Barak. What do you know about Deborah? Judges, chs. 4 and 5

Mount Gilboa was the site of a battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. King Saul and three of his sons died "that same day together" on Mount Gilboa. Please name one of Saul's sons.
I Samuel 31:2

On which mountain did Elijah have a contest with the prophets of Baal?
A. Mount Gilboa
B. Mount Tabor
C. Mount Carmel

Please match the three mountains listed below with the correct person:

A. Mount Moriah 1. Moses
B. Mount Sinai 2. Noah
C. Mount Ararat 3. Solomon

UPCOMING BIBLE WORKSHOPS
During the next few months I have a busy travel schedule. I'll be giving Bible workshops in Pennsylvania, Arizona and New Jersey. In June, I'll be speaking at the annual Bible Study Seminar to be held at the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, California. Please email me for specifics on any of these talks.

In July, August, and September, my husband and I will be traveling in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. If you live in that area and your church or organization would be interested in sponsoring a workshop during that period, please contact me for details.

BOOKLET AVAILABLE
"Exploring the Bible: Essays, Worksheets and Resources," a 45-page booklet by Joan K. Snipes, is available from Bible Teaching Press. This booklet is a compilation of material written in the first 17 issues of this e-newsletter. The information has been reorganized, slightly rewritten, and edited. A two-page table of contents makes finding specific information easy. The booklets are printed on 8 1/2 x 11 paper and bound in a simple folder. The cost is $5.00 per booklet plus $2.00 shipping via first class mail for the first copy and $1.00 for each additional copy. Thus the total price for one copy is $7; for two copies, $13. To order, send a check to Bible Teaching Press.

Yours truly,

Joan Koelle Snipes

Volume 4; No. 2
Published six times a year by:
Bible Teaching Press
1070 Willowdale Drive
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
304-876-1332

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