Most of the time the authors of Scripture, particularly the Old Testament ones just assumed that their eventual readers of their texts knew the geography of the land. Just as the writers of the ancient text were familiar with things like the topography of regions, the locations of hills and valleys, and distances between cities, so were their readers. This is one reason why information in the text about the land and culture of the Bible was almost said in passing because of everyone’s familiarity with the context already.
It’s a different story for most western readers of the Bible. Reading the Bible without even a remote understanding of the land, geography, and topography of the setting of the Bible will result in a limited appreciation for the meaning of a text. In other words, without any knowledge of the land and context of the ancient text, so much can be lost in understanding the passage in the fullest measure.
One example from Scripture exemplifies this reality. It is one of my own favorite verses in all of Scripture, mainly because of the hundred’s of times over the course of the last 30 years where I can see and appreciate the topology or setting of this verse unfold before my eyes. The verse is Psalm 125:2. It reads, “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people both now and forevermore.”
While standing on the Mt. of Olives, you can understand what the psalmist precisely meant with this almost passing reference to Jerusalem “being surrounded by mountains.” Trust me when I say that the hundred’s of people who have traveled with me on Israel trips most likely could not appreciate the meaning of the text without knowing what the psalmist assumed his own readers knew. But to be sure, travelers who look down to the ancient city of Jerusalem from the vantage point of the Mt. of Olives will never read Psalm 125:2 the same way once they literally “see the verse” unfold before their eyes!
Quite literally, the ancient City of David known as Jerusalem, as well as the entire Temple Mount of Solomon, lies hundreds of feet lower in elevation than the eastern range known as Olivet. The northern hills also provide a vantage point that looks down to Old City as well. To the west, the area known today as Mt. Zion, this area, too, is higher than the city captured by David from the Jebusites. Even the hill to the south, on the southern side of the Hinnom Valley where it raps around from the west to join the Kidron Valley, is several hundred feet higher than even the walls of Jerusalem below.
Knowing and appreciating Jerusalem’s topography really puts an exclamation point to the fact of God’s remarkable care for His people, doesn’t it? Just imagine the inexhaustible ways God surrounds us with His continual care. Consider the height of His love that reaches us even in the depth of despair and discouragement. This is how God surrounds His people! This is how God surrounds us!
I have always loved geography, even taught it, and can appreciate a text better if I know it’s location. Thanks for sharing this verse.
Linda Smith
Thanks that i have learnt Jerusalem’s landscape
Dr DeLancey thanks so much for sharing. This has helped me understand better how God’s love has framed me in. I have often read Ps 125:2 and thought it was just David’s using words figuratively I did not know it is a reality. God bless you sir
I enjoyed thank you for sharing this
This is very good explanation. So the Jerusalem is actually surrounded by mountains and hills? I want more pictures or diagrams since I have never physically been in Jerusalem
I invite you to join us for an upcoming tour. Nothing like seeing Jerusalem in person! :). Let me know how I can help or assist in any way!
Thanks Dr John for wonderfully explaining Psalm 125:2. It will help me a lot in giving my graduation speech in 2023. I remain Byaruhanga Jan’s (LLB. UCU.)
God bless you Dr. for your impressive post.
I would love to visit Jerusalem its ma wish thank u God Bless you
Beautifully said I’ve been to Israel 5 times now… taking a group again next yr God willing. Mt Olives is still one of my favourite places. I get and understand what the Psalmist meant.
HalleluYAH,
This is very encouraging to a Daughter of Zion. Thanks be to our AB YAHUAH for your message on one of my Fave song verses came to life as I deliberately searched for mountains surrounding Jerusalem.
You did a beautiful job bringing the visualization to mind. Like I was there. 🙂 (Yerushalayim) Brought a smile to my face by the end as I acknowledged our AB YAHUAHS love for us…HIS Set Apart People. YAHUAH our ALUAH Bless you in HIS EVERLASTING RUACH N TRUTH. P.S “Would love to know when you Tour again and the details to plan in advance.” Thanks HadaYAH