Topical Bible: Beasts: Found in Mountains

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In the biblical narrative, mountains often serve as significant locations for divine encounters, revelations, and symbolic representations of God's majesty and strength. Within these elevated terrains, various beasts are mentioned, each carrying symbolic and literal significance.

1. Leopards: The leopard is a creature associated with swiftness and stealth, often found in mountainous regions. In the Bible, the leopard is used metaphorically to describe the speed and ferocity of certain nations or individuals. Habakkuk 1:8 states, "Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves at dusk." This imagery underscores the formidable nature of the leopard, a beast that thrives in rugged, mountainous habitats.

2. Bears: Bears are another type of beast mentioned in the context of mountains. Known for their strength and ferocity, bears are depicted in the Bible as creatures to be feared. In 2 Kings 2:24 , we read about the bears that came out of the woods and mauled forty-two boys. The mountainous regions provide a natural habitat for these powerful animals, symbolizing danger and divine judgment.

3. Lions: While lions are typically associated with plains and savannas, the Bible occasionally references them in mountainous contexts. The lion is a symbol of power and authority, often used to describe the might of God or the strength of a leader. In Song of Solomon 4:8 , the bride is invited to come from the "lions' dens, from the mountains of leopards," indicating the presence of these majestic creatures in elevated terrains.

4. Goats: Wild goats are specifically mentioned as inhabitants of mountainous regions. In Job 39:1 , God questions Job, "Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Have you watched the doe bear her fawn?" This highlights the natural habitat of goats in the mountains, symbolizing agility and surefootedness. The wild goat's ability to navigate rocky terrains is often seen as a metaphor for spiritual resilience and steadfastness.

5. Deer: Deer are also associated with mountainous areas, known for their grace and speed. In Psalm 18:33 , David praises God, saying, "He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights." This imagery reflects the deer's ability to traverse difficult landscapes, symbolizing divine enablement and protection.

6. Eagles: Although not a beast in the traditional sense, the eagle is frequently mentioned in the context of mountains. Known for their ability to soar to great heights, eagles are symbolic of strength and vision. Isaiah 40:31 states, "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles." The eagle's presence in mountainous regions serves as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and ascension.

In summary, the beasts found in mountains within the biblical text serve as powerful symbols of strength, agility, and divine attributes. These creatures, whether literal or metaphorical, contribute to the rich tapestry of biblical imagery, illustrating the majesty and complexity of God's creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 4:8
Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm 104
... did haste them fast away. ^8They by the mountains do ascend,. ... which thou for
them didst found. ... 11They to all beasts of field give drink,. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 104.htm

Elijah
... mountains and vast forests, full of wild beasts, lions and ... He had found out that
the Lord was God, and ... poor wild peasant out of the savage mountains stands up ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xix elijah.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Noah
... grown higher fifteen cubits above all the mountains, that it ... ark with him, and also
on the beasts and fowls ... no more again, for peradventure she found some dead ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of.htm

The Northern Mountains
... fashions of the strange birds and beasts of these ... on the other, which, cracked, are
found full of ... hedges of scarlet Hibiscus; the wooded mountains shading them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm

An Exhausting Day
... Having wandered an hour upon the mountains, through rocks ... good hostler and miner
thought good to mount our beasts. ... Williams, whom, upon inquiry, I found to live ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/an exhausting day.htm

Psalm XXXVI.
... found it out, and hated it; now thou hast found it out ... tend towards the mountains;
but yet remain not on the mountains. ... Is not the saving of beasts also from God ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxvi.htm

We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ...
... and thighs, the legs and feet) corresponding with the four beasts " it will be found
that when ... the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/we arrive now at a.htm

The Son is of one Substance with the Father. ...
... also saith: "Make mourning upon the mountains, and beat ... word of substance: from flying
fowl to beasts of burden ... into the likeness of men, and found in fashion ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiv the son is.htm

God's Dealings with the Earth During the Tribulation Period.
... the horrors of war, famine, and wild beasts, there will ... they said to the rocks and
the mountains, Fall on ... Hitherto they were more often found at Race-meetings ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 gods dealings with the.htm

Index of First Lines.
... er me, Holy Spirit, 175 How beauteous on the mountains, 460 How ... is not death to die,
484 I've found the pearl ... to thee, 311 Not all the blood of beasts, 190 Now ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/index of first lines.htm