Mountains fascinate us. They tower majestically against the horizon, strong and immovable. Looking up at them from the ground is a magnificent delight, as we try to take in their imposing vastness and mystery. If we accept their defiant invitation to climb them, we are rewarded by a spectacular view. Climbing a mountain makes us feel like giants peering over entire cities lying beneath us. Many of us have our favorite memories of a mountaintop view. One of the joys of visiting Virginia in autumn is the drive between Richmond and Charlottesville. All along the way are stops that overlook valleys below with trees bursting in fall colors. Some people love the mountains so much they move to states like Colorado or Utah, just to be near them.

In the Bible, mountains are more than just breathta…