(bay' uhl-huhr mahn) Place name meaning, “Baal of Hermon” or “lord of Hermon.” A mountain and village Israel could not take from the Hivites, whom God left to test Israel (Judges 3:3 ). It marked the Hivites' southern border and Manasseh's northern border (1 Chronicles 5:23 ). Its location is unknown. Some would equate it with Baal-gad. Others, modern Baneas or Caesarea Philippi.

(Hebrew: sacred)

Group of mountains in Palestine forming the southern extremity of Anti-Lebanon, marking on the east of the Jordan the northern boundary of Israel.

(huhr' muhn) Place name meaning, “devoted mountain.” Site of sanctuary of Baal and northern boundary of Israel. The name Hermon was called Sarion (Sirion) by the Sidonians (Phoenicians) (Deuteronomy 3:9 ; Psalm 29:6 ) and Sanir (Senir) by the Amorites (Deuteronomy 3:9 ). Both appellations signify “breast plate,” evidently because of the mountain's rounded snow-covered tip, that gleaned and shone in the sunlight. The latter name appears twice in the Old Testament, seemingly as the name of a peak adjacent to Hermon (1 Chronicles 5:23 ; Song of Song of Solomon 4:8 ). It is also called Sion (Deuteronomy 4:48 ), probably on account of its height. Once it is called “Hermons.” KJV mistakenly renders this as “the Hermonites” (Psalm 42:6 ). This is probably a reference to the triple summits of the mountain.

The Talmud and ancient Arab scholars called it Jebel el-Sheikh (“gray-haired mountain”) or Jebel el-Thalj (“mountain of snow”). Variations of Sarion and Sanir appear in the Egyptian Execration Texts of the nineteenth century B.C., in Assyrian cuneiform on the Black Obelisk of Salmanasar III (Saniru), and in Ugaritic literature in a treaty between the Amorites and Hittites dating around 1350 B.C.

The Hermon range is known by two names. Its highest peak is known as Qas Antar (“Fortress of Antar”), the black hero of Arab legend. It is also called “mountain of the chief” in reference to the tenth century founder of the Druze religion, Sheikh ed-Derazi, who coming from Egypt, retired to Mt. Hermon.

The Hermon range is the southern spur of the Anti-Lebanon chain of mountains which runs parallel to the Lebanon range being separated from it by the valley of Beqaa. Hermon, being 9,100 feet above sea level, is the highest mountain in Syria. It can be seen from as far away as the Dead Sea—120 miles. The range is approximately 28 miles in length and reaches a width of 15 miles. Its peak is covered with snow two-thirds of the year. Water from its melting snow flows into the rivers of the Hauran and provides the principal source for the Jordan River. Although Hermon receives about 60 inches of precipitation (dew, snow, rain) per year, practically no vegetation grows above the snow line, where there is an almost complete absence of soil. Below it, the mountain slopes are covered with trees and vineyards. Wolves, leopards, and Syrian bears live in its forests. The biblical record praises: the dew of Hermon (Psalm 133:3 ), its lions (Song of Song of Solomon 4:8 ) and its cypresses (Ezekiel 27:5 ).

From times immemorial Hermon has been a sacred mountain. Its very name is perhaps an allusion to this fact. The term Mount Baalhermon (Judges 3:3 )indicates that a local Baal was worshiped there. Hermon is famous for heavy dew (Psalm 133:3 ), which is a well-known symbol for vegetation deities. Hermon is alluded to as a sacred mountain in the treaty between the Hittites and the Amorites. The mount was used as a cultic place in later periods. Greek inscriptions describe the local god of Hermon. During the Roman period, it was a religious center. Small temples were built on its slopes. Both Eusebius and Jerome mention a temple on its summit. Enoch 6:6 (a book of the apocrypha) mentions that Hermon is the place where wicked angels alighted in the days of Jared. Its name is explained as referring to the oath which they had to swear upon it.

The mount is significant for four reasons. (1) It was the northern border of the Amorite kingdom (Deuteronomy 3:8 ; Deuteronomy 4:48 ). (2) It marked the northern limits of Joshua's victorious campaigns (Joshua 11:17 ; Joshua 12:1 ; Joshua 13:5 ). (3) It has always been regarded as a sacred mountain. (4) Some scholars believe the transfiguration of Jesus occurred on Hermon.

Gary Baldwin

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 (Deuteronomy 3:8,4:48 ;; Joshua 11:3,17 ; 13:11 ; 12:1 ), and is seen from a great distance. It is about 40 miles north of the Sea of Galilee. It is called "the Hermonites" (Psalm 42:6 ) because it has more than one summit. The Sidonians called it Sirion, and the Amorites Shenir (Deuteronomy 3:9 ; Song of Solomon 4:8 ). It is also called Baal-hermon (Judges 3:3 ; 1 Chronicles 5:23 ) and Sion (Deuteronomy 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 (Psalm 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.

Judges 3:3; 1 Chronicles 5:23 (translate Baal Hermon, even Senir, even Mount Hermon.") The mountain had three names (Deuteronomy 3:9); Baal Hermon was probably one used among the Phoenician worshippers of Baal, whose sanctuary Baal Gad was at the base of the mountain. (See BAAL GAD.)

Lord of Hermon.
A city near Mount Hermon inhabited by the Ephraimites (1 Chronicles 5:23 ). Probably identical with Baal-gad (Joshua 11:17 ).



A mountain east of Lebanon (Judges 3:3 ). Probably it may be the same as Mount Hermon, or one of its three peaks.

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. Psalms 89:12 ; and the name ‘mount Baal-hermon ,’ Judges 3:3 ). Meagre traces of ruins remain on its summit, probably connected, at least partly, with a former high place. According to Deuteronomy 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 ( Mark 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.

("mountain nose, or peak".) The highest of the Antilibanus range, at its S. end. N.E. of Palestine (Joshua 12:1), over against Lebanon (Joshua 11:17), adjoining Bashan (1 Chronicles 5:23). Called Sion, "the lofty," distinct from Zion at Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 4:48); among the Amorites Shenir, rather Senir, i.e. cataract or else breast-plate, from senar "to clatter" (Deuteronomy 3:8-9; Ezekiel 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" (Psalms 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, Song of Solomon 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" (Song of Solomon 5:6), the mountain of the Lord's house (Isaiah 2:2), the good land (Isaiah 35:9). In Psalms 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" (Psalms 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" (Psalms 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.

(bay' uhl huhr' muhn) A variant name for Mount Hermon (Judges 3:3 ), perhaps indicating its use as a worship place for Baal.

Anathema; devoted to destruction

Possessor of destruction or of a thing cursed

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 Matthew 17:1, Mark 9:2, and the ‘mountain’ of Luke 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 (Matthew 16:21-28) which preceded the Transfiguration by six days was closely connected with Peter’s confession; and this occurred at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 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, 296–301; 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.

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, Deuteronomy 3:9 ; Psalm 29:6 ; and SHENIRby the Amorites (or perhaps one of the summits was called SHENIRor SENIR.1 Chronicles 5:23 ; Song of Solomon 4:8 ; Ezekiel 27:5 ); and once it was called SION. Deuteronomy 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. Psalm 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 .

(Hebrew: sacred)

Group of mountains in Palestine forming the southern extremity of Anti-Lebanon, marking on the east of the Jordan the northern boundary of Israel.

Hermon (her'mon), a peak, summit. The highest mountain in Palestine, Deuteronomy 3:8; Joshua 12:1; Joshua 11:17; 1 Chronicles 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, Judges 3:3; 1 Chronicles 5:23, possibly because Baal was there worshipped. Hermon was probably the scene of the transfiguration, as it stands near Cæsarea Philippi, where we know Christ was just before that event. The height of Hermon is reckoned at 10,000 feet.

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. (Psalms 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.

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, Joshua 12:5 ; Joshua 13:5 . The Psalmist connects Tabor and Hermon together, upon more than one occasion, Psalms 89:12 ; Psalms 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, Psalms 133:3 .

This was called by the Sidonians Sirion, and the Amorites calked it Shenir, (Deuteronomy 3:9.) Its height was very great, and always covered with snow. The faithful in the Old Testament celebrated the beauties of Hermon in their songs. It was situated so near the temple, that it formed a part of it; indeed Zion is called Hermon. (Deuteronomy 4:28.) See Hermon.

A lofty mountain on the northeast border of Palestine, called also Sirion Shenir, and Sion, (not Zion,) Deuteronomy 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 Psalm 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 Psalm 42:6 , denotes the peaks of the Hermons range.

BAAL-HERMON ( Judges 3:3 , 1 Chronicles 5:23 ). See 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 (Deuteronomy 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 (Jeremiah 18:14). It was included in the territory God promised to Israel, but Israel’s control never extended beyond its southern foothills (Joshua 11:16-17).