Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, rocks and high places often serve as strategic locations for observation, offering a vantage point for surveying the surrounding landscape. These natural formations are frequently mentioned in Scripture, highlighting their significance in both practical and symbolic contexts.Strategic and Military Use Rocks and elevated terrains were commonly used for military purposes, providing a clear view of enemy movements and the lay of the land. In 1 Samuel 14:4-5, Jonathan and his armor-bearer use a rocky crag to approach the Philistine garrison: "Now there were cliffs on both sides of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost. One was called Bozez and the other Seneh." These rocks served as both a barrier and a strategic point for observation and attack. Similarly, in Judges 7:1, Gideon and his men camped by the spring of Harod, with the Midianite camp to the north, "by the hill of Moreh in the valley." The elevated position allowed Gideon to observe the enemy forces, contributing to his eventual victory. Prophetic and Spiritual Significance Rocks also hold prophetic and spiritual significance in the Bible. In Habakkuk 2:1, the prophet declares, "I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts; I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected." Here, the imagery of standing on a high place symbolizes vigilance and readiness to receive divine revelation. In the New Testament, Jesus often withdrew to mountains and solitary places for prayer and reflection, as seen in Matthew 14:23: "After He had sent them away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone." These high places provided a physical and spiritual separation from the world, facilitating communion with God. Symbol of Refuge and Strength Rocks are frequently depicted as symbols of refuge and strength, offering protection and a place of safety. In Psalm 18:2, David proclaims, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." This metaphorical use underscores the reliability and steadfastness of God as a protector. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, rocks and high places serve as crucial locations for observation, whether for military strategy, prophetic insight, or spiritual retreat. They symbolize strength, refuge, and divine revelation, reflecting the multifaceted role of these natural formations in the biblical landscape. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 33:21And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and you shall stand on a rock: Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 23:9 Library Composition and Style The Battle of Thermopylae. God's Gentle Power Gambling, Card-Playing Epistle Lxi. To Pomponius, Concerning Some virgins. The Parable of the Lost Sheep The Church of Christ Messiah's Innocence vindicated The Tenses The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth Resources What is Absalom's Monument? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He described His followers as the salt of the earth? | GotQuestions.org Who were Hymenaeus and Alexander, and what does it mean that their faith was shipwrecked? | GotQuestions.org Rocks: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rocks used as Places for Idolatrous Worship Rocks used as Places for Shelter by the Poor in Their Distress Rocks used as Places of Observation Rocks used as Places of Safety in Danger Rocks were a Defence to a Country Rocks: Bees often Made Their Honey Amongst Rocks: Casting Down From, a Punishment Rocks: Christ As a Stumbling Stone to the Wicked Rocks: Christ As Foundation of his Church Rocks: Christ As Refuge of his People Rocks: Christ As Source of Spiritual Gifts Rocks: God As Creator of his People Rocks: God As Defence of his People Rocks: God As Refuge of his People Rocks: God As Salvation of his People Rocks: God As the Strength of his People Rocks: God's Power Exhibited in Removing Rocks: Hammers Used for Breaking Rocks: Important Events often Engraved Upon Rocks: Inhabited by Wild Goats Rocks: Man's Industry in Cutting Through Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Broken in Pieces by the Wind Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Fire Ascended out of Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Rent at the Death of Christ Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Water Brought From Rocks: Often Composed of Flint Rocks: Often had Holes and Clefts Rocks: Often Sharp-Pointed and Craggy Rocks: Selah in the Valley of Salt Rocks: Selahammahlekoth in the Wilderness of Maon Rocks: The Ancestor of a Nation Rocks: The Olive Tree Flourished Amongst Rocks: The Shadow of, Grateful to Travellers During the Heat of The Rocks: Tombs often Hewn out of Related Terms |