15 The mountains of Bashan are majestic,
with many peaks stretching high into the sky.
16 Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountains,
at Mount Zion, where God has chosen to live,
where the Lord himself will live forever?
17 Surrounded by unnumbered thousands of chariots,
the Lord came from Mount Sinai into his sanctuary.
18 When you ascended to the heights,
you led a crowd of captives.
You received gifts from the people,
even from those who rebelled against you.
Now the Lord God will live among us there.
19 Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!
For each day he carries us in his arms. NLT
Background Info: This section references specific mountains. The Bashan mountains include Mount Hermon, a 9,200 ft peak which today borders Syria, Lebanon, and the Golan Heights in Israel. From this region flows the Jordan River southward towards the Sea of Galilee and then to the Dead Sea at -1,400 ft below sea level. Mt Zion, for reference, stands at 2,500 ft.
Have you ever seen majestic mountains? What was that experience like?
With that feeling in mind, what recognition does David give to the mountains of Bashan in verse 15?
And yet, in verse 16, what feelings does David suggest the mountains of Bashan have about Mt. Zion, even thought it is nearly 7,000 ft shorter than Mt. Hermon? Why would this be?
Verses 17-18 refer to another mountain, Mt. Sinai. What role does Mt. Sinai historically have to God and Israel… and how does this relate to Mt. Zion? What “gifts” did the Lord give on the top of Mt. Sinai?
::::: DIGGING DEEPER ::::: Psalm 68:17 is quoted in Ephesians 4:7-10. Why?
Verse 18 ends dramatically. What is it about this final statement that makes the other mountains pale in comparison to Mt. Zion?
::::: EQUIPPING CHALLENGE :::::
The Lord wants to dwell in you, whether you feel powerful (like Mt. Hermon), strategic (like Mt. Sinai), or humble (like Mt. Zion)… The Lord wants to live among you. Emmanuel, God with us. Take a moment to meditate on these verses and ask God to dwell in you in a personal way.
Related articles
