The Hebrew word gabnôn, represented by H1386, refers to a hump or peak of hills; high. It is a rare term, appearing only 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage is specific, describing physically imposing and prominent mountains.
The word H1386 appears exclusively in Psalm 68. It is first used to describe the hill of Bashan as an "high hill," establishing its impressive physical stature Psalms 68:15. Immediately following, the psalmist poses a question to these "high hills," asking why they "leap" Psalms 68:16. This sets up a direct contrast between these imposing peaks and the specific hill which God H430 has chosen as His dwelling place, where the LORD H3068 will dwell H7931 for ever H5331.
Several related words clarify the meaning and context of H1386:
- H2022 har (a mountain or range of hills): This is the noun that gabnôn directly modifies. In both instances, they appear together to describe a "high hill" or "high hills" (Psalms 68:15, Psalms 68:16).
- H1316 Bâshân (a region East of the Jordan): This term identifies the specific location renowned for its prominent mountains, referred to as "the hill of Bashan" and an "high hill" Psalms 68:15.
- H7520 râtsad (probably to look askant, i.e. (figuratively) be jealous; leap): This action is attributed to the "high hills," suggesting they "leap" with jealousy or contention in the presence of the hill God has chosen Psalms 68:16.
The use of H1386 carries significant theological weight by creating a powerful contrast.
- Divine Choice Over Physical Stature: The word is used to describe majestic, "high hills" which are ultimately passed over. This emphasizes that God's chosen dwelling is not determined by worldly greatness but by His own sovereign desire H2530 and choice Psalms 68:16.
- Jealousy of the Peaks: The "high hills" are personified as "leaping" H7520, a term which can figuratively mean to be jealous. This portrays the great mountains of the world as vying for divine favor, which is instead bestowed upon the one God desires.
- The Sanctity of God's Dwelling: The "high" hills serve as a backdrop to highlight the unique holiness of God's chosen mount. While Bashan is a "high hill," it is the other hill that the LORD H3068 will dwell H7931 in for ever H5331, marking it as a place of eternal, divine presence.
In summary, H1386 gabnôn is more than a simple descriptor for a tall mountain. It functions as a key element in a poetic argument, representing natural, imposing grandeur. Through its contrast with the hill God chooses for His eternal dwelling Psalms 68:16, the word helps illustrate a profound theological truth: divine favor and holiness are not products of physical might but of God's sovereign will and presence.
TRV