Mount Hermon

Overview

• Type: Geographic Feature
• Testament: Both
• Modern Location: The Hermon massif on the borders of Lebanon, Syria, and northern Israel

Biblical Significance

Mount Hermon is the towering, snow-capped peak that marks the northern boundary of the land Israel conquered east of the Jordan. It was reckoned the limit of Og’s kingdom of Bashan, and the Sidonians and Amorites called it Sirion and Shenir (Deuteronomy 3:8-9). Its great height made it a landmark of the north, paired with Tabor as praising the name of the Lord (Psalm 89:12). Its abundant dew became a picture of blessing: “as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore” (Psalm 133:3), an image of the refreshing unity of God’s people. Hermon overlooks the region of Caesarea Philippi, near where Peter confessed Christ; a high mountain in that area is the probable site of the Transfiguration, where Jesus’ face shone and Moses and Elijah appeared with Him.

Key Events

• Transfiguration — likely occurred on a high mountain in the Hermon region near Caesarea Philippi
• Marked the northern limit of Israel’s conquest east of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 3:8-9)

Key People Associated

• Moses — recorded Hermon as the bound of the conquered land
• Jesus Christ — transfigured on a high mountain in this northern region

Important Verses

• Psalm 133:3
• Psalm 89:12
• Deuteronomy 3:8-9

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy — Hermon as the boundary of Og’s kingdom
• Psalms — the dew of Hermon as a figure of blessing

Notes

• Its melting snows are a chief source of the Jordan River, feeding the life of the land.