Psalms 68:15

KJV

¶ The hill of God [is as] the hill of Bashan; an high hill [as] the hill of Bashan.

KJV (with Strong's)

The hill {H2022} of God {H430} is as the hill {H2022} of Bashan {H1316}; an high {H1386} hill {H2022} as the hill {H2022} of Bashan {H1316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You mighty mountain, Mount Bashan! You rugged mountain, Mount Bashan!

Berean Standard Bible

A mountain of God is Mount Bashan; a mountain of many peaks is Mount Bashan.

American Standard Version

A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan; A high mountain is the mountain of Bashan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 68:15 presents a striking comparison between "the hill of God" (Mount Zion) and the imposing "hill of Bashan," a region renowned for its majestic mountains. This verse, embedded within a triumphal psalm celebrating God's victorious procession and establishment of His dwelling, subtly asserts that while Bashan may boast natural grandeur, Mount Zion's true supremacy and elevated status derive not from physical height but from its divine election as the chosen sanctuary of the Almighty. It foreshadows the unique spiritual glory that God bestows upon His chosen dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 68 is a grand processional psalm, likely composed for a celebratory occasion such as the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem or a victory celebration. It recounts God's mighty acts from the Exodus (e.g., [Psalm 68:7](/psalms/68-7 "Psalm 68:7 - God's March Through the Wilderness")) and the wilderness journey, culminating in His establishment of a dwelling place among His people. Verses 15-16 specifically pivot to the significance of Mount Zion. The preceding verses describe God's triumphant march and the spoils of victory, setting the stage for the declaration of His chosen abode. The comparison with Bashan serves to highlight Zion's unique spiritual preeminence in contrast to other naturally impressive peaks, a theme further developed in [Psalm 68:16](/psalms/68-16 "Psalm 68:16 - The Envy of the Mountains"), where other mountains are depicted as "envying" Zion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Bashan was a fertile, elevated plateau region east of the Jordan River, known for its rich pastures, majestic oak forests, and impressive mountains, including the southern slopes of Mount Hermon. It was famous in antiquity for its strong, well-fed cattle (e.g., "bulls of Bashan" in [Psalm 22:12](/psalms/22-12 "Psalm 22:12 - Bulls of Bashan")). Its mountains were indeed higher and more physically imposing than Mount Zion, which is a relatively modest hill in Jerusalem. The comparison, therefore, is not about physical height but about spiritual significance. Mount Zion, though geographically less impressive, became the spiritual center of Israel, the place where God chose to establish His temple and presence. This choice elevated Zion above all other natural wonders, making it uniquely sacred and glorious in the eyes of the Israelites.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Psalms 68 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Majesty and Supremacy**, asserting that God's chosen dwelling possesses a spiritual majesty that transcends and even eclipses the natural grandeur of any other place. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **God's Chosen Dwelling Place**, emphasizing Mount Zion (Jerusalem) as the specific location God sovereignly selected to establish His presence among His people, a choice that makes it uniquely holy. This theme is central to the theology of Zion, which posits Jerusalem as the locus of God's presence and salvation (e.g., [Psalm 78:68-69](/psalms/78-68 "Psalm 78:68-69 - God Chose Mount Zion")). Finally, the implied contrast sets up the theme of **Spiritual vs. Physical Grandeur**, where true significance is not measured by earthly attributes but by divine election and presence, a concept echoed throughout the wisdom literature and prophetic books (e.g., [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - Zion Exalted")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hill (Hebrew, _har'_):** This common Hebrew word refers to a mountain, hill, or mountainous region. In this context, it is used to describe both the physically imposing heights of Bashan and the divinely chosen, though physically lower, Mount Zion. The use of the same word emphasizes the direct comparison being made, setting up the contrast between natural grandeur and spiritual significance.
* **God (Hebrew, _Elohim'_):** This is a plural noun used with a singular verb, commonly referring to the one true God of Israel. When combined with "hill" ("har Elohim"), it signifies a hill belonging to God, or one divinely appointed and possessing divine majesty, much like "cedars of God" (e.g., [Psalm 80:10](/psalms/80-10 "Psalm 80:10 - Cedars of God")) refers to majestic cedars. It denotes divine ownership and consecration, elevating Zion's status far beyond any natural attribute.
* **Bashan (Hebrew, _Bashan'_):** A specific geographical region east of the Jordan, known for its fertility and high mountains. Its inclusion here provides a concrete, well-known standard of natural impressiveness against which the "hill of God" is implicitly, yet powerfully, contrasted. The repetition of "the hill of Bashan" underscores its notable height and grandeur in the ancient world, making the subsequent assertion of Zion's supremacy even more impactful.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The hill of God [is as] the hill of Bashan;":** This clause introduces the central comparison. The KJV's "is as" attempts to convey the Hebrew, which often uses juxtaposition to imply comparison or even a rhetorical question. Here, it sets up a dynamic where Mount Zion, "the hill of God," is presented in relation to the renowned "hill of Bashan." It's not a statement of physical equality in height, but rather a profound assertion that Zion possesses a majesty, significance, or spiritual elevation that rivals or surpasses the natural grandeur of Bashan. It challenges the reader to consider what truly constitutes greatness.
* **"an high hill [as] the hill of Bashan.":** This second clause reinforces and intensifies the comparison. The repetition of "the hill of Bashan" emphasizes its imposing nature. The phrase "an high hill" refers back to "the hill of God," reiterating Zion's exalted status. The structure creates a powerful parallelism, drawing the reader's attention to the seemingly audacious claim: Zion, though physically smaller, is spiritually "high" – as high, or even higher in divine esteem, than the most impressive natural peaks known to the Israelites. It sets the stage for the "envy" described in the subsequent verse, where Bashan's mountains are depicted as resentful of God's choice.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Simile** is implicitly used, even if the KJV's "is as" is an interpretive addition; the juxtaposition of Zion and Bashan invites a comparison of their respective glories. The underlying Hebrew often implies a rhetorical question or a direct assertion of superiority rather than mere equality, setting up Zion as the *true* high hill. **Repetition** of "the hill of Bashan" serves to emphasize the sheer impressiveness of Bashan, thereby magnifying the significance of God's choice of Zion. This repetition also creates a rhythmic quality, reinforcing the grandeur of the mountains being described. Furthermore, there is an element of **Antithesis** or **Contrast** at play. By comparing the modest Mount Zion to the towering peaks of Bashan, the psalmist highlights the paradoxical nature of God's dwelling place – its greatness is not inherent in its physical attributes but divinely bestowed, setting it apart from all other natural wonders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the theological principle that true greatness and significance are not determined by physical or worldly metrics, but by God's sovereign choice and the presence of His Spirit. While the mountains of Bashan were naturally impressive, Mount Zion's glory derived entirely from being the place where the Almighty chose to establish His dwelling and manifest His presence among His people. This divine election elevates Zion above all other mountains, making it uniquely sacred and the focal point of God's redemptive plan. It teaches us that God often chooses the seemingly insignificant or humble to display His glory, transforming it into something profoundly majestic and eternally significant.

* [Isaiah 2:2](/isaiah/2-2 "The Mountain of the Lord's House")
* [Psalm 78:68-69](/psalms/78-68 "God Chose Mount Zion")
* [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "You Have Come to Mount Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 68:15 invites us to ponder where we place our value and what we deem truly "high" or significant. In a world that often celebrates physical grandeur, material wealth, or human achievement, this verse redirects our gaze to the profound truth that God's presence is the ultimate source of glory and elevation. Just as God chose a relatively humble hill in Jerusalem to establish His dwelling, He continues to choose and indwell those who are humble in spirit, transforming them into His sacred dwelling places. For believers today, this means recognizing that our true worth and spiritual majesty come not from our own strength, status, or accomplishments, but from being chosen by God and having His Holy Spirit reside within us. This indwelling presence makes us part of something far more glorious and enduring than any earthly mountain. It calls us to live lives that reflect the majesty of the God who dwells in us, understanding that our significance is derived from His divine election and transforming power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Bashans" in my life or culture do I tend to admire or seek after, perhaps overlooking the "Zion" of God's humble, chosen presence?**
* **How does the concept of God choosing a "lesser" hill to be His dwelling challenge my perceptions of what is truly valuable or powerful?**
* **In what ways can I, as a dwelling place of God's Spirit, reflect the spiritual majesty and significance that comes from His presence within me?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to prioritize spiritual realities over physical appearances or worldly achievements?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of comparing Mount Zion to the "hill of Bashan"?**

Answer: The comparison is primarily theological and spiritual, not physical. Bashan was known for its genuinely tall and impressive mountains, representing natural grandeur and earthly strength. Mount Zion, while significant, is physically much lower. By comparing "the hill of God" to Bashan, the psalmist asserts that Zion's greatness is not due to its physical height but to its divine election. God chose Zion as His dwelling place, imbuing it with a spiritual majesty that surpasses any natural wonder. It highlights that God's presence and choice are the ultimate source of true significance and elevation, a theme further emphasized in [Psalm 68:16](/psalms/68-16 "Psalm 68:16 - The Envy of the Mountains"), where other mountains are depicted as "envying" Zion.

**Does Psalms 68:15 imply that Mount Zion is physically as tall as the mountains of Bashan?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply physical equality in height. Geographically, the mountains of Bashan (like parts of Mount Hermon) are considerably taller than Mount Zion in Jerusalem. The KJV's "is as" can be misleading if interpreted as a statement of literal physical equivalence. Instead, the Hebrew often suggests a rhetorical comparison or even a subtle assertion of superiority in terms of spiritual significance. The point is that Zion, though physically modest, possesses a spiritual grandeur and divine favor that makes it equally, if not more, "high" and majestic in God's eyes than the naturally towering peaks of Bashan. It's about spiritual supremacy, not geological measurement.

**What does "the hill of God" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The hill of God" (Hebrew: _har Elohim_) refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, which God chose as the site for His temple and His dwelling place among His people. The phrase signifies that this hill belongs to God, is consecrated by Him, and is imbued with His divine presence and majesty. It is "God's hill" not because He created it (He created all hills), but because He specifically chose it, sanctified it, and made it the center of His earthly operations and revelation. This divine selection elevates Zion to a unique status, distinguishing it from all other mountains, even those of greater physical stature like Bashan. This concept is foundational to the theology of Zion throughout the Psalms and prophetic literature (e.g., [Psalm 2:6](/psalms/2-6 "Psalm 2:6 - God's Holy Hill of Zion")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 68:15, with its declaration of Mount Zion as "the hill of God" whose spiritual majesty surpasses even the imposing heights of Bashan, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God chose a specific, seemingly unassuming hill to establish His earthly dwelling, so too did He choose to dwell fully among humanity in the person of Jesus. Christ is the true "hill of God," the very embodiment of God's presence and glory, for in Him "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). He is the ultimate temple, the living sanctuary where God perfectly dwells and meets with humanity, far surpassing any earthly structure or mountain. The spiritual supremacy of Zion, chosen by God, foreshadows the unique, unchallengeable supremacy of Christ, who is God incarnate ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through His sacrifice and resurrection, Christ establishes a new, spiritual Zion—the church—where believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, become living stones in a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). This new dwelling place, the New Jerusalem, ultimately descends from heaven, with God Himself dwelling among His people, making all things new and fulfilling the ancient longing for God's permanent, glorious presence (see [Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem")). Thus, the spiritual elevation of Zion points directly to the unparalleled glory and dwelling presence of God found supremely in Christ and His redeemed people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 78:68

But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.

Psalms 78:69

And he built his sanctuary like high [palaces], like the earth which he hath established for ever.

Psalms 87:1

¶ A Psalm [or] Song for the sons of Korah. His foundation [is] in the holy mountains.

Psalms 87:2

The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

Micah 7:14

¶ Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily [in] the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed [in] Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.

Deuteronomy 3:10

All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.

Isaiah 2:2

And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.