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INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIPSMOF CHRISTIANS AND JEWSThe Mountains andWaters of IsraelThe “Gray–Haired” MountainDeuteronomy 3:8-11;Psalm 133:1-3Viewing the beautiful, snow-covered peaks ofMount Hermon in northern Israel is one of thebreathtaking sights that await a visitor to theHoly Land. Towering some 9,200 feet above sealevel, it is the highest point in Israel. A clusterof three distinct peaks of about the same height,Mount Hermon was the northern boundary ofthe Promised Land as recorded by Moses, andalso the farthest point north in the conquest byJoshua (see Joshua 11:17).The “dew of Hermon,” the snow melt that thepsalmist referred to poetically, runs down themountain’s western and southern slopes,forming several streams and rivers that flowdown to become the source of the Jordan River.Mount Hermon was considered a sacred site, itsname meaning “a consecrated place” or “asanctuary.”Unfortunately, the mountain was used for theworship of the Canaanite god Baal during theperiod of the judges (Judges 3:3 calls it “MountBaal Hermon”), and many temples and shrineshave been found there. Hermon’s peaks arecovered with snow for much of the year;another name for it translates as “the grayhairedmountain.”Something to Think About:1. How were the Israelites under Moses able toconquer the powerful kingdoms that held thePromised Land as far north as Mount Hermon?(Hint: Read Deuteronomy 3:3.)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. What can we learn from Israel’s experiencein Deuteronomy 3 about the “mountains” andother obstacles we face in our lives?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. Our unity as Jews and Christians who sharethe same spiritual roots is compared to therefreshing “dew of Hermon” in Psalm 133:3. Inwhat ways can we be refreshed by this unity?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. List three ways that you can help strengthenthe unity we share as Jews and Christians.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The refreshing dew of Mount Hermon has been flowing for thousands of years—truly a symbol ofboth the Lord’s goodness to Israel and His desire for the spiritual unity the psalmist longed andprayed for. Pray that as members of The Fellowship, we will stand together on the commonground of our heritage while respecting the differences in our faith communities.4
INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIPSMOF CHRISTIANS AND JEWSThe Mountains andWaters of IsraelZion, The “City of David”Psalm 125:1–126:6; Joel 2:32; Micah 4:7Mount Zion is one of the largest, oldest, andmost significant sites in Israel. This mountain,which is the southeastern hill of the city ofJerusalem, was a Jebusite fortress that KingDavid captured over 3,000 years ago and madehis capital. Mount Zion became so identifiedwith David that it was called the “city ofDavid,” and is believed by many to be his finalresting place. Mount Zion was also consideredto be the dwelling place of God—perhapsbecause it is the tallest locale in Jerusalem,looking out over the entire city.As the verses above show, the name Zion cameto be used not only of Jerusalem, but of Israelherself. The Bible is full of references to MountZion, with the name appearing over 150 timesin the Tanakh, or Bible. The meaning of theterm is uncertain—it may mean “stronghold”—but there is no doubt about God’s promisesconcerning Israel as represented by Zion. Godpromises to pour out His blessing on His peoplefrom Mount Zion, and that it will stand instrength forever. The Bible also speaks of theLord forming a wall of protection around thosewho live in Zion. It is easy to see why thismountain holds such an important place in theBible and in Israel.Something to Think About:1. Why did the Lord choose to “dwell” onMount Zion?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. What symbolism is there in the fact thatMount Zion is the tallest point in Jerusalem?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. In what ways do the words of Psalm 125 givepeace and comfort to God’s people today?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. Both Joel and Micah prophesy a future daywhen the remnants of Israel will return toMount Zion—speaking of the Holy Land—andcome under God’s protection. What can we doto support this prophesied ingathering of Israel?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Many times the Bible uses objects such as mountains to symbolize the power of God. The pictureof Mount Zion towering over Jerusalem paints a strong word portrait of a powerful, all-knowingGod who cares about His people and watches over them from a superior vantage point. Spend afew minutes thanking God that He is ever watchful over His people today.5
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