Hermon
HERMON
A lofty mountain on the northeast border of Palestine, called also Sirion Shenir, and Sion, (not Zion,) Deu 3:8 ; 4:39. It is a part of the great Anti-Lebanon Range; at the point where an eastern and lower arm branches off, a little south of the latitude of Damascus, and runs in a southerly direction terminating east of the head of the sea of Galilee. This low range is called Jebel Heish. Mount Hermon is believed to be what is now known as Jebel esh-Sheikh, whose highest summit, surpassing every other in Syria, rises into the region of perpetual snow or ice, ten thousand feet above the sea.For a view of Hermon, see MEROM. Professor Hackett thus describes its appearance as seen from a hill north of Nazareth: “The mountain was concealed one moment, and the next, on ascending a few steps higher, stood arrayed before me with an imposing effect which I cannot easily describe. It rose immensely above every surrounding object. The purity of the atmosphere caused it to appear near, though it was in reality many miles distant. The snow on its head and sides sparkled under the rays of the sun, as if it had been robed in a vesture of silver. In my mind’s eye at that moment it had none of the appearance of an inert mass of earth and rock, but glowed with life and animation. It stood there athwart my path, like a mighty giant rearing his head towards heaven and swelling with the proud consciousness of strength and majesty. I felt how natural was the Psalmist’s personification: “the north and the south thou hast created them; Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name,'” Psa 89:12 .The “little Hermon” of modern travellers, not mentioned in Scripture, is a shapeless mass of hills north of the smaller valley of Jezreel. “Hermonites,” or Hermons, in Psa 42:6, denotes the peaks of the Hermons range.
Fuente: American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
Hermon
[From the Hebrew meaning “sacred (mountain)”; Septuagint, Aermon]
A group of mountains forming the southern extremity of Anti-Lebanon, and marking on the east of the Jordan the northern boundary of Israel. The primitive name among the Sidonians was Siryon, and by the Amorrhites the most prominent part of the group was called Sanir (Deuteronomy 3:9), corresponding to the Sa-ni-ru of the cuneiform inscriptions. These varying forms all signify a cuirass or coat of armour, and were probably applied to one or other of the peaks, either on account of its shape, or because its snow-clad heights shone in the sunlight after the manner of a polished shield. The name sometimes occurs in the plural form Hermonim, doubtless because the range has three conspicuous peaks. In the Talmud and in the Targums Hermon is designated the “mountain of snow”, and the same appellation is used by the old Arab geographers. The modern name is Jebel-esh-Sheikh, “mountain of the sheikh or chief”, because in the tenth century A.D. Hermon became the centre of the Druse religion, viz. when its founder, Sheikh-ed-Derazi retired thither from Egypt. It is sometimes called the Great Hermon to distinguish it from the Small Hermon situated on the east of the plain of Esdrelon, between Thabor and Gelboe, and so named through an erroneous interpretation of Ps. lxxxviii [Hebrew, lxxxix], 13.
The geological formation of the range is calcareous with occasional veins of basalt. Hermon is noted as offering the most striking piece of mountain scenery in Palestine. The view from the summit is also magnificent, embracing the Lebanon and the plain of Damascus. It is at the foot of Hermon that the River Jordan takes its rise. The highest peak, which is covered with snow until late in summer, rises to a height of 9200 feet above the level of the Mediterranean. On the summit of one of the peaks is to be seen an extensive mass of ruins, probably the remains of an early pagan sanctuary dedicated to Baal, whence the designation Baal-Hermon, applied to the mountain in two Biblical passages (Judges 3:3; 1 Chronicles 5:23).
In the Old Testament, Hermon is hardly mentioned except as the northern boundary of Palestine. Poetical allusions occur in the Psalms (v.g. Ps. lxxxviii [Hebrew, lxxxix], 13) and in the Canticle of Canticles, iv, 8. In Ps. cxxxii [Hebrew, cxxxiii], 3, the happiness of brotherly love is compared to the “dew of Hermon, which descendeth upon mount Sion”. In which connection it may be noted that in no other locality of Palestine is the dew so heavy and abundant as in the vicinity of this mountain group. Some scholars think it probable that Hermon is the “high mountain” near Caesarea Philippi which was the scene of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1; Mark 9) and which by Luke, ix, 28, is called simply “a mountain”.
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LEGENDRE in VIG., Dict. de la Bible, s.v.; CONDER in HAST., Dictionary of the Bible, s.v.; GUERIN, Galilee, II, 292; VAN DER VELDE, Reise durch Syrien und Palestina, I (Leipzig, 1855), 97.
JAMES F. DRISCOLL Transcribed by Herman F. Holbrook O ye mountains and hills, bless ye the Lord.
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VIICopyright © 1910 by Robert Appleton CompanyOnline Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. KnightNihil Obstat, June 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., CensorImprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York
Fuente: Catholic Encyclopedia
Hermon
(Heb. Chermon’, , according to Gesenius, from the Arabic Charm- sn, a peak; Sept. ), a mountain which formed the northernmost boundary (Jos 12:1) of the country beyond the Jordan (Jos 11:17) which the Hebrews conquered from the Amorites (Deu 3:8), and which, therefore, must have belonged to Anti-Libanus (1Ch 5:23), as is, indeed, implied or expressed in most of the other passages in which it is named (Deu 4:48; Jos 11:3; Jos 11:17; Jos 12:5; Jos 13:5; Jos 13:11; Psa 89:12; Psa 133:3; Son 4:8). It has two or more summits, and is therefore spoken of in the plur. (, Psa 42:7; Sept. , Engl. Vers. Hermonites). In Deu 3:9 it is said to have been called by the Sidonians Sirion (), and by the Amorites Shenir (), both of which words signify a coat of mail, as glittering in the sun. In Deu 4:48 it is called Mount Sion (), meaning an elevation, a high mountain- which it was well entitled to be designated by way of excellence, being (if correctly identified within Jebel es-Sheik) by far the highest of all the mountains in or near Palestine. In the later books of the Old Testament, however (as in 1Ch 5:23; Son 4:8), Shenir is distinguished from Hermon properly so called. Probably different summits or parts of this range bore different names, which were applied in a wider or narrower acceptation at different times (see Schwarz, Palestine, p. 56). SEE HIVITE.
Hermon was a natural landmark. It could be seen from the plains of Moab beside the Dead Sea, from the heights of Nebo, from every prominent spot, in fact, in Moab, Gilead, and Bashan a pale blue, snow- capped peak, terminating the view on the northern horizon. When the people came to know the country better when not merely its great physical features, but its towns and villages became familiar to them, then Baal Gad and Dan took the place of Hermon, both of them being situated just at the southern base of that mountain. Hermon itself was not embraced in the country conquered by Moses and Joshua; their conquests extended only to it (see Jos 11:17; Deu 34:1; 1Sa 3:20). Hermon was also the north-western boundary of the old kingdom of Bashan, as Salcah was the south-eastern. We read in Jos 12:5 that Og reigned in Mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan i.e. in all Bashan, from Hermon to Salcah Another notice of Hermon shows the minute accuracy of the topography of Joshua. He makes Lebanon towards the sun rising, that is, the range of Anti-Lebanon, extend from Hermon to the entering into Hamath (13, 5). Every Oriental geographer now knows that Hermon is the southern and culminating point of this range. The beauty and grandeur of Hermon did not escape the attention of the Hebrew poets. From nearly every prominent point in Palestine the mountain is visible, but it is when we leave the hill-country of Samaria and enter the plain of Esdraelon that Hermon appears in all its majesty, shooting up on the distant horizon behind the graceful rounded top of Tabor. It was probably this view that suggested to the Psalmist the words The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name (Psa 89:12). The dew of Hermon is once referred to in a passage which has long been considered a geographical puzzle As the dew of Hermon, the dew that descended on the mountains of Zion (Psa 133:3). Some have thought that Zion () is used here for Sion (), one of the old names of Hermon (Deu 4:48), but this identification is unnecessary. The snow on the summit of this mountain condenses the vapors that float during the summer in the higher regions of the atmosphere, causing light clouds to hover around it, and abundant dew to descend on it, while the whole country elsewhere is parched, and the whole heaven elsewhere cloudless. One of its tops is actually called Abu- Nedy, i.e. father of dew (Porter, Handb. 2, 463).
Since modern travelers have made us acquainted with the country beyond the Jordan, no doubt has been entertained that the Mount Hermon of those texts is no other than the present Jebel es-Sheik, or the Sheik’s Mountain, or, which is equivalent, Old Man’s Mountain. a name it is said to have obtained from its fancied resemblance (being topped with snow, which sometimes lies in lengthened streaks upon its sloping ridges) to the hoary head and beard of a venerable sheik (Elliot, 1, 317). This Jebel es-sheik is a south-eastern, and in that direction culminating, branch of Anti-Libanus. Its top is partially covered with snow throughout the summer, and has an elevation of 9376 feet (Van de Velde, Memoir, p. 170, 176). Dr. Clarke, who saw it in the month of July, says, The summit is so lofty that the snow entirely covered the upper part of it, not lying in patches, but investing all the higher part with that perfectly white and smooth velvet- like appearance which snow only exhibits when it is very deep. Dr. Robinson only differs from the preceding by the statement that the snow is perpetual only in the ravines, so that the top presents the appearance of radiant stripes around and below the summit (Bib. Researches, 3:344). At his last visit to Palestine, he observes, under date of April 9 (new ed. of Researches, 3, 48), that the snow extended for some distance down the sides, while on the peaks of Lebanon opposite there was none. In August, 1852, Rev. J. L. Porter, of Damascus, ascended Jebel es-Sheik from Rashey, and spent a night near its summit. He describes the highest peak as composed strictly of three peaks, so near each other as to appear one from below. On the south-easternmost of these peaks are some interesting remains, called Kulal Antar, probably relics of an ancient Syro-Phoenician temple, consisting of a circular wall around a rock about 15 feet high, which has a rude excavation upon it, and heaps of beveled stones adjoining it. The snow-banks explain the supply anciently made for cooling drinks in Tyre and Sidon (Bibliotheca Sac. January 1854). The summit is about 9000 feet above the Mediterranean (Lieut.Warren, in the Quarterly Statement of the Palestine Exploration Fund, No. 5, p. 210, where also are a description and cut of the ruined temple).
In two passages of Scripture this mountain is called Baal-hermon ( , Jdg 3:3; 1 Chronicles 5, 23), and the only reason that call be assigned for it is that Baal was there worshipped. Jerome says of it, Diciturque in vertice ejus insigne templum, quod ab ethnicis cultui habetur e regione Paneadis et Libani reference must here be made to the building whose ruins are still seen (Onom. s.v. Hermon). It is remarkable that Hermon was anciently encompassed by a circle of temples, all facing the summit. Can it be that this mountain was the great sanctuary of Baal, and that it was to the old Syrians what Jerusalem was to the Jews, and what Mecca is to the Moslems? (See Porter, Handbook for Syria and Pal. p. 454, 457; Reland, Palaest. p. 323 sq.) The above-described ruins seem to confirm this conjecture. SEE BAAL-HERMON.
It has been suggested that one of the southern peaks of Hermon was the scene of the Transfiguration. Our Lord traveled from Bethsaida, on the northern slope of the Sea of Galilee, to the coasts of Caesarea-Philippi, where he led his disciples into a high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them; and afterwards he returned, going towards Jerusalem through Galilee (comp. Mar 8:22-28; Mat 16:13; Mar 9:2-13; Mar 9:30-33). No other mountain in Palestine is more appropriate to the circumstances of that glorious scene, except Tabor, to which many centuries’ tradition has assigned this honor (Robinson, Bib. Res. 2, 358); but if it be as, signed to this locality, it will give additional celebrity to the prince of Syrian mountains (Porter’s Danascus, 1, 306).
The mention of Hermon along with Tabor Psa 89:12, led to its being sought near the latter mountain, where, accordingly, travelers and maps give us a Little Hermon. But that passage, as well as Psa 133:3, applies better to the great mountain already described; and in the former it seems perfectly natural for the Psalmist to call upon these mountains, respectively the most conspicuous in the western and eastern divisions of the Hebrew territory, to rejoice in the name of the Lord. Besides, we are to consider that Jebel es-sheikh is seen from Mount Tabor, and that both together are visible from the plain of Esdraelon. There is no reason to, suppose that the so-called Little Hermon is at all mentioned in Scripture. Its actual name is Jebel ed-Duhy; it is a shapeless, barren, and uninteresting mass of hills, in the north of the valley of Jezreel and opposite Mount Gilboa (Robinson, Researches, 3, 171).
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Hermon (2)
We give the latest account of an ascent of this remarkable mountain (Conder, Tent Work in Palestine, 1:261 sq.):
“We commenced the ascent of some 5000 feet about 10.30 A.M. (from Rasheyah, which is three hours distant), passing first through the fine vineyards, into which the bears often come down, from the summit, to eat grapes; thence among lanes with stone walls, passing clumps of wild rose, of oak, and of hawthorn, and honeysuckle in flower. We thus reached the bottom of the nimainl peak, consisting entirely of gray rocks, worn by snow and rain into jagged teeth and ridges, covered with loose shingle or gravel. It seemed impossible for horses, and still more for laden mules, to toil up; but the breeze grew fresher, and the bracing mountain air seemed to give vigor to man and beast. Resting at intervals, we gradually clambered up, passing by the little cave where the initiated Druses retire, for three or four months, and perform unknown rites. Ridge above ridge, of rock and gray gravel, appeared, each seemingly the last, each only hiding one above. Not a creature was to be seen, except an occasional vulture, and. not a tree or shrub, for the snow covers all this part of the mountain till late in summer. By two o’clock we reached the summit.
“A glorious panorama repaid us for our labor. South of us lay Palestine, visible as far as Carmel and Tabor, some eighty miles away; eastward a broad plain, with detached hills on the dim horizon beyond; westward the Lebanon and the golden sea northward, mountains as high as Hermon, Lebanon, and Anti- Lebanon. As the sun sank lower, Palestine became more distinct, and appeared wonderfully narrow. The calm, green Sea of Galilee lay, dreamlike, in its circle of dark-gray hills. Tabor was just visible to the south; and from it the plateau ran out east to the Horns of Hattin.
The broken chain of the Upper Galilaean Hills, 4000 feet high, lay beneath the eye, and terminated in the Ladder of Tyre. The mole of Tyre stood out black against the gleaming water; and the deep gorge of the Litany could be Jeen winding past the beautiful fortress of Belfort. Dim and misty beyond, lay the ridge of Carmel, from the promontory to the peak of Sacrifice. The white domes in Tiberias were shining in the sun, and many of the Galilsean towns, including Safed, could be distinguished. The scene presented a great contrast on the east and west. In the brown, desolate, and boundless plain to the east stood the distant green oasis of Damascus, and the white city, with its tall minarets. The flat horizon was broken only by the peaks of Jebel Kuleib, the ‘Hill of Bashan,’ some seventy miles away.
South-east of Damascus was the terrible Lejja district, a basin of basalt seamed with deep gorges, like rough furrows, and with isolated cones, into which one appeared to look down, so distinctly were the shadows marked inside the hollow, broken craters. No. trees or water relieved the dusky color; but the great dust whirlwillds were swirling slowly along over the plains, the bodies, as the Arabs tell us, of huge malignant spirits, carrying destruction in their path. At the foot of the mountain little villages were perched on the rocks, and a stream glittered in a green valley. In most of these hamlets there is a temple facing the rising sun, which appears first from behind the great plain on the east. On the west, high mountain walls, ridge behind ridge, reached out towards Beyrut, and, on the north, cedar clumps and ragged peaks, gray and dark, with long, sweeping shadows, were thrown in strong contrast against the shining sea. The sun began to set, a deep ruby fluish came over all the scene, and warm purple shadows crept slowly on. The Sea of Galilee was lit up with a delicate greenish-yellow hue, between its dim walls of hill. The flush died out in a few minutes, and a pale, steel-colored shade succeeded, although to us, at a height of 9150 feet, the sun was still visible, and the rocks around us still ruddy. A long pyramidal shadow slid down to the eastern foot of Hermon, and crept across the great plain; Damascus was swallowed up by it, and finally the pointed end of the shadow stood out distinctly against the sky a dusky cone of dull color against the flash of the afterglow. It was the shadow of the mountain itself, stretching away for seventy miles across the plain the most marvellous shadow perhaps to be seen anywhere. The sun underwent strange changes of shape in the thick vapors low almost square, now like a domed temple until at length it slid into the sea, and went out like a blue spark.
“Our tent was pitched in the hollow, and six beds crowded into it. Until one in the morning we continued to observe the stars, but the cold was very considerable, though no snow was left, and the only water we had was fetched from a spring about a third of the way down, and tasted horribly of the goat-skin. In the morning. I ran to the peak, and saw the sun emerge behind the distant plain, and the great conical shadow, stretching over the sea and against the western sky, becoming gradually more blunt, until it shrivelled up and was lost upon the hills beneath.
“The top of Hermon consists of three rocky peaks; two, north and south, of equal height the third, to the west, considerably lower. On the southern peak are the ruins called Kiisr esh-Shabib a rock-hewn hollow or trench, and a circular dwarf-wall, with a temple just below the peak on the south.: On tile plateau is a rudely excavated cave, with a rock-cut pillar supporting the roof, and a flat space levelled above, probably once the floor of a building over the cave. Of all these objects of interest we made careful plans, as well of the shape of the summit. “There is one remarkable natural peculiarity of Hermon still to be noticed namely, the extreme rapidity of the formation of cloud on the summit. In a few minutes a thick cap forms over the top of the mountain, and as quickly disperses and entirely disappears.’
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Hermon
a peak, the eastern prolongation of the Anti-Lebanon range, reaching to the height of about 9,200 feet above the Mediterranean. It marks the north boundary of Palestine (Deut. 3:8, 4:48; Josh. 11:3, 17; 13:11; 12:1), and is See n from a great distance. It is about 40 miles north of the Sea of Galilee. It is called “the Hermonites” (Ps. 42:6) because it has more than one summit. The Sidonians called it Sirion, and the Amorites Shenir (Deut. 3:9; Cant. 4:8). It is also called Baal-hermon (Judg. 3:3; 1 Chr. 5:23) and Sion (Deut. 4:48). There is every probability that one of its three summits was the scene of the transfiguration (q.v.). The “dew of Hermon” is referred to (Ps. 89: 12). Its modern name is Jebel-esh-Sheikh, “the chief mountain.” It is one of the most conspicuous mountains in Palestine or Syria. “In whatever part of Palestine the Israelite turned his eye northward, Hermon was there, terminating the view. From the plain along the coast, from the Jordan valley, from the heights of Moab and Gilead, from the plateau of Bashan, the pale, blue, snow-capped cone forms the one feature in the northern horizon.”
Our Lord and his disciples climbed this “high mountain apart” one day, and remained on its summit all night, “weary after their long and toilsome ascent.” During the night “he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun.” The next day they descended to Caesarea Philippi.
Fuente: Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Hermon
(“mountain nose, or peak”.) The highest of the Antilibanus range, at its S. end. N.E. of Palestine (Jos 12:1), over against Lebanon (Jos 11:17), adjoining Bashan (1Ch 5:23). Called Sion, “the lofty,” distinct from Zion at Jerusalem (Deu 4:48); among the Amorites Shenir, rather Senir, i.e. cataract or else breast-plate, from senar “to clatter” (Deu 3:8-9; Eze 27:5); among the Sidonians Sirion, the breast-plate, a name given from the rounded snowy top glittering in the sun, from shaarah “to glitter” (Psa 29:6). A center to Syria and Palestine; the watershed of the Jordan fountains, and of the Syrian Abana and Pharpar of Damascus, the Orontes of Antioch, and the Leontes. Bashan, Damascus, Syria, and Israel converged there. It had numerous Baal sanctuaries, which gave it a name very anciently. (See BAAL HERMON.)
Rising 9,500 feet, it is seen even from the Jordan valley and the shores of the Dead Sea. Lebanon means the “white” mountain, the Mont Blanc of Palestine. Now Jebel es Sheykh, “the old white-headed man’s mountain,” referring to the long streaks of snow remaining in the ravines radiating from the center, when the snow has disappeared elsewhere, like an old man’s scanty white locks. Jebel esh Tilj, “the mount of ice.” Shenir and Hermon are mentioned distinctly, Son 4:8. The whole was called Hermon. The part held by the Sidonians was “Sirion,” that by the Amorites Shenir, infested by devouring “lions” and swift though stealthy “leopards,” in contrast to “the mountain of myrrh” (Son 5:6), the mountain of the Lord’s house (Isa 2:2), the good land (Isa 35:9). In Psa 89:12 Tabor is made the western, Hermon the eastern landmark.
Thus, N., S., E., and W. represent the whole earth. “The dew of Hermon” (Psa 133:3) is used proverbially of an abundant, refreshing dew. (See DEW.) The distance precludes the possibility of the literal dew of Hermon “descending upon the mountains of Zion.” But a Hermon dew was a dew such as falls there, the snow on the summit condensing the summer vapors which float in the higher air, and causing light clouds to hover round and abundant dew to fall on it, while the air is elsewhere without a cloud and the whole country parched. The “ointment” sets forth “how good” and “precious” is brotherly “unity”; the dew “how pleasant” it is. Zion is the mountain where this spiritual dew descends, as pleasant as the natural dew that descends on Hermon. It has three summits, a quarter of a mile from each other; hence arises the plural “Hermons” (Psa 42:6), not “Hermonites.”
A rude wall of massive stones surrounds the crest of the peak, within are the remains of a small ancient temple. Jerome refers to this, and no doubt it is one of those Baal high places set up by the former inhabitants, and so often condemned in the Old Testament. A circle of temples surrounded Hermon, facing its summit, so that Hermon seems to have been the great sanctuary of Baal. At the top, says Capt. Warren, is a plateau comparatively level; here are two small peaks lying N. and S., about 400 yards from each other. The third peak is 500 yards to the W. On the southern peak a hole scooped out is surrounded by an oval of hewn stones; at its southern end is the temple nearly destroyed, with Roman moldings, and of later date than the stone oval, of stones from 2 to 8 ft. long, 2 1/2 broad and thick.
Fuente: Fausset’s Bible Dictionary
HERMON
Mount Hermon was in the far north of Palestine, at the southern end of the Lebanon Range. It was known to the Lebanese as Mt Sirion. The ancient Amorites called it Mt Senir (Deu 3:9; see also LEBANON). It was the highest mountain of the region, and water from its snow-covered heights was a major source of the Jordan River (Jer 18:14). It was included in the territory God promised to Israel, but Israels control never extended beyond its southern foothills (Jos 11:16-17).
Fuente: Bridgeway Bible Dictionary
Hermon
HERMON.A mountain on the north-eastern border of Palestine, the culminating point of the range of Anti-Lebanon, rising to an elevation of 9200 ft. above the sea. Its dome-like summit, usually covered with snow till late in summer, can be seen from almost every part of Palestine. Jesus in His youth must have often seen it from the hill west of Nazareth, and, during His ministry, from the Sea of Galilee. It is not mentioned by name in the Gospels, but is generally believed to be the high mountain of Mat 17:1, Mar 9:2, and the mountain of Luk 9:28 where the Transfiguration took place. This was probably not on the summit, which could be reached only by long and hard climbing, but on one of the elevated platforms on the southern slope. That Hermon, rather than Tabor (on which there was then a fortified city), is the high mountain referred to, seems clear from the fact that the conversation (Mat 16:21-28) which preceded the Transfiguration by six days was closely connected with Peters confession; and this occurred at Caesarea Philippi (Mat 16:13-18), which stood just at the base of Hermon by the springs of Jordan. See also art. Transfiguration.
Literature.For description of Hermon, see Robinson, BRP [Note: RP Biblical Researches in Palestine.] iii. 344, 357; Stewart, Land of Israel, 296301; Conder, Tent-Work, ch. 8; SWP [Note: WP Memoirs of the Survey of W. Palestine.] (Jerusalem Volume, Appendix, and Volume of Special Papers).
W. W. Moore.
Fuente: A Dictionary Of Christ And The Gospels
Hermon
HERMON.The highest mountain in Syria (9050 ft. high), a spur of the Anti-Lebanon. Its name means apart or sanctuary, and refers to its ancient sanctity (cf. Psa 89:12; and the name mount Baal-hermon, Jdg 3:3). Meagre traces of ruins remain on its summit, probably connected, at least partly, with a former high place. According to Deu 3:9, it was called Sirion by the Sidonians and Senir (wh. see) by the Amorites. It may have been the scene of the Transfiguration (Mar 9:2). The summit has three peaks, that on the S. E. being the highest. Snow lies on the top throughout the year, except in the autumn of some years; but usually there is a certain amount in the ravines. The top is bare above the snow-line; below it is richly wooded and covered with vineyards. The Syrian bear can sometimes be seen here; seldom, if ever, anywhere else. The modern name is Jebet esh-Sheikh, the Mountain of the Chief.
R. A. S. Macalister.
Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible
Hermon
The sacred hill of Hermon is often spoken of in Scripture, and furnisheth out sweet subject to the Hebrew poetry. David describes the love and unity of brethren as like the dew of Hermon. (Psa 133:3) The falling of the dew of Hermon upon the hill of Zion was very natural, for Zion joined to it. And travellers describe the dew of this place as falling plentifully like showers.
Fuente: The Poor Mans Concordance and Dictionary to the Sacred Scriptures
Hermon
hurmon (, hermon; Codex Vaticanus, , Haermon):
1. Description
The name of the majestic mountain in which the Anti-Lebanon range terminates to the South (Deu 3:8, etc.). It reaches a height of 9,200 ft. above the sea, and extends some 16 to 20 miles from North to South. It was called Sirion by the Sidonians (Deu 3:9; compare Psa 29:6), and Senir by the Amorites (Deu 3:9). It is also identified with Sion (Deu 4:48). See SIRION; SENIR; SION. Sometimes it is called Mt. Hermon (Deu 3:8; Jos 11:17; 1Ch 5:23, etc.); at other times simply Hermon (Jos 11:3; Psa 89:12, etc.).
2. The Hermons
Once it is called Hermons (, hermonm). the King James Version mistakenly renders this the Hermonites (Psa 42:6). It must be a reference to the triple summits of the mountain. There are three distinct heads, rising near the middle of the mass, the two higher being toward the East. The eastern declivities are steep and bare; the western slopes are more gradual; and while the upper reaches are barren, the lower are well wooded; and as one descends he passes through fruitful vineyards and orchards, finally entering the rich fields below, in Wady et-Teim. The Aleppo pine, the oak, and the poplar are plentiful. The wolf and the leopard are still to be found on the mountain; and it is the last resort of the brown, or Syrian, bear. Snow lies long on the summits and shoulders of the mountain; and in some of the deeper hollows, especially to the North, it may be seen through most of the year.
Mt. Hermon is the source of many blessings to the land over which it so proudly lifts its splendid form. Refreshing breezes blow from its cold heights. Its snows are carried to Damascus and to the towns on the seaboard, where, mingled with the sharab, drink, they mitigate the heat of the Syrian summer. Great reservoirs in the depths of the mountain, fed by the melting snows, find outlet in the magnificent springs at Hasbeiyeh, Tell el-Kady, and Banias, while the dew-clouds of Hermon bring a benediction wherever they are carried (Psa 133:3).
3. Sanctuaries
Hermon marked the northern limit of Joshua’s victorious campaigns (Jos 12:1, etc.). It was part, of the dominion of Og (Jos 12:5), and with the fall of that monarch, it would naturally come under Israelite influence. Its remote and solitary heights must have attracted worshippers from the earliest times; and we cannot doubt that it was a famous sanctuary in far antiquity. Under the highest peak are the ruins of Kasr Antar, which may have been an ancient sanctuary of Baal. Eusebius, Onomasticon, speaks of a temple on the summit much frequented by the surrounding peoples; and the remains of many temples of the Roman period have been found on the sides and at the base of the mountain. The sacredness of Hermon may be inferred from the allusion in Psa 89:12 (compare Enoch Psa 6:6; and see also BAAL-HERMON).
Some have thought that the scene of the Transfiguration should be sought here; see, however, TRANSFIGURATION, MOUNT OF.
The modern name of Hermon is Jebel eth-thilj, mount of snow, or Jebel esh-sheikh, mount of the elder, or of the chief.
Little Hermon, the name now often applied to the hill between Tabor and Gilboa, possibly the Hill of Moreh, on which is the sanctuary of Neby Dahy, has no Biblical authority, and dates only from the Middle Ages.
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Hermon
Hermon, a mountain which formed the northernmost boundary of the country beyond the Jordan which the Hebrews conquered from the Amorites (Deu 3:8), and which, therefore, must have belonged to Anti-Libanus. Since modern travelers have made us acquainted with the country beyond the Jordan, no doubt has been entertained that the Mount Hermon of those texts is no other than the present Jebel esh-sheikh, or the Sheikh’s mountain, or, which is equivalent, Old Man’s Mountain, a name it is said to have obtained from its fancied resemblance (being topped with snow, which sometimes lies in lengthened streaks upon its sloping ridges) to the hoary head and beard of a venerable sheikh. This Jebel esh-sheikh is a south-eastern, and in that direction culminating, branch of Amti Libanus. It is probably the highest of all the Lebanon mountains, and is thought to rival Mont Blanc, though, as Elliot observes, the high ground on which it stands detracts considerably from its apparent altitude, and makes it a less imposing object than that king of European mountains as viewed from the Italian valley of Asta. Its top is covered with snow throughout the summer, and must therefore rise above the point of perpetual congelation, which in this quarter is about 11,000 feet. It might, perhaps, be safe to add another 1000 feet for the height above that point, making in all 12,000 feet; but we must wait the result of more accurate observations than have yet been made.
Fuente: Popular Cyclopedia Biblical Literature
Hermon
[Her’mon]
A noble mountain on the north-east border of Palestine, forming the highest part of the Anti-Lebanon range. Its highest summit is 9200 feet above the sea, and is almost constantly covered with snow. It was called by the Sidonians SIRION, Deu 3:9; Psa 29:6; and SHENIR by the Amorites (or perhaps one of the summits was called SHENIR or SENIR. 1Ch 5:23; Son 4:8; Eze 27:5); and once it was called SION. Deu 4:48. The silent refreshing dews of Hermon are used to illustrate how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Psa 133:3. It is probable that some part of Hermon was the mount of transfiguration; the Lord was in that district, and it seems much more suitable from its privacy than the traditional mount Tabor. It is now called Jebel esh Sheikh, or Jebel eth The1j, ‘mountain of snow,’ 33 25′ N, 35 51′ E.
Fuente: Concise Bible Dictionary
Hermon
H2768
A mountain in northern Palestine.
Called Sirion
Deu 3:8-9; Psa 29:6
Called Sion
Deu 4:48; Psa 133:3
Called Shenir
Deu 3:9; 1Ch 5:23; Son 4:8
Fuente: Nave’s Topical Bible
Hermon
Hermon (her’mon), a peak, summit. The highest mountain in Palestine, Deu 3:8; Jos 12:1; Jos 11:17; 1Ch 5:23. It towers high above the ancient border city of Dan and the fountains of the Jordan, and is the most conspicuous and beautiful mountain in Palestine or Syria. Hermon has three summits, situated like the angles of a triangle, and about a quarter of a mile from each other. In two passages of Scripture this mountain is called Baal-hermon, Jdg 3:3; 1Ch 5:23, possibly because Baal was there worshipped. Hermon was probably the scene of the transfiguration, as it stands near Csarea Philippi, where we know Christ was just before that event. The height of Hermon is reckoned at 10,000 feet.
Fuente: People’s Dictionary of the Bible
Hermon
Her’mon. (a peak, summit). A mountain on the northeastern border of Palestine, Deu 3:8; Jos 12:1, over against Lebanon, Jos 11:17, adjoining the plateau of Bashan. 1Ch 5:23. It stands at the southern end, and is the culminating point of the anti-Libanus range; it towers high above the ancient border city of Dan and the fountains of the Jordan, and is the most conspicuous and beautiful mountain in Palestine or Assyria.
At the present day, it is called Jebel esh-Sheikh, “the chief mountain”, and Jebel eth-Thelj, “snowy mountain”. When the whole country is parched with the summer sun, white lines of snow streak the head of Hermon. This mountain was the great landmark of the Israelites. It was associated with their northern border almost as intimately as the sea was with the western. Hermon has three summits, situated like the angles of a triangle, and about a quarter of a mile from each other.
In two passages of Scripture, this mountain is called Baal-hermon, Jdg 3:3; 1Ch 5:23, possibly because Baal was there worshipped. (It is more than probable that some part of Hermon was the scene of the transfiguration, as it stands near Caesarea Philippi, where we know Christ was just before that event — Editor). The height of Hermon has never been measured, though it has often been estimated. It may safely be reckoned at 10,000 feet.
Fuente: Smith’s Bible Dictionary
Hermon
a celebrated mountain in the Holy Land, often spoken of in Scripture. It was in the northern boundary of the country, beyond Jordan, and in the territories which originally belonged to Og, king of Bashan, Jos 12:5; Jos 13:5. The Psalmist connects Tabor and Hermon together, upon more than one occasion, Psa 89:12; Psa 133:3; from which it may be inferred that they lay contiguous to each other. This is agreeable to the account that is given us by travellers. Mr. Maundrell, in his journey from Aleppo, says that in three hours and a half from the river Kishon, he came to a small brook near which was an old village and a good kane, called Legune; not far from which his company took up their quarters for the night, and from whence they had an extensive prospect of the plain of Esdraelon. At about six or seven hours’ distance eastward, stood, within view, Nazareth, and the two mountains Tabor and Hermon. He adds that they were sufficiently instructed by experience what the holy Psalmist means by the dew of Hermon; their tents being as wet with it as if it had rained all night, Psa 133:3.