Pain can feel very isolating. In those times, we can be reminded that we’re not alone—that God is near, compassionate, understanding, loving, and actively surrounding us. The other day, I found myself thinking about a verse that speaks so tenderly of God’s nearness:
“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.” Psalm 125:2
I’ve read, quoted, and even sung that verse for years. And knowing that names and numbers are often deeply significant to God, I became curious about these mountains that surround Jerusalem.
First, I discovered there are seven of them—God’s number of completeness and perfection. Then, as I looked up the meanings behind their names, I realized something beautiful: the mountains themselves tell a story. It’s as if God, in His wisdom, led people to name them in a way that provides a quiet, yet powerful message to His children.
It’s a message of care, presence, and protection. A message that says,
“I see you. I know you. I surround and protect you—your past, present, and future—completely and perfectly.”
Here’s what I discovered about these seven mountains:
Mt. Scopus – The tallest of them all. Its name means “watching, looking out, surveying.” It speaks of the God who sees everything—who watches over us with love and attentiveness.
Mt. Olivet – Known for its olive trees, it represents peace, growth, and prosperity. It also represents the crushing in life that God can use to turn into oil, an agent of healing and cleansing. God’s presence isn’t just protective—it’s also fruitful and life-giving.
Mt. Antonia – A fortress where Jesus was held before His crucifixion. The name means “priceless, praiseworthy, and beautiful.” It reminds us of the loving sacrifice that brings beauty from the ashes in our lives.
Old Mount Zion – Often used in Scripture to represent the people and dwelling place of God. Its name means “dry place,” reflecting life before Christ—a spiritual dryness only He can satisfy.
Mt. Corruption – A place of crushing and surrender. This is where the Garden of Gethsemane lies, where Jesus was pressed in spirit. The name means “to break or destroy.” And yet, it was here that Jesus prepared to redeem us.
Mt. Ophel – Its name means “fortress, protection, strength.” It speaks to the Lord’s powerful defense around us—our shelter and safe place.
New Mount Zion – A symbol of hope and future restoration. It points to the new life we have in Jesus, where dry and broken places are filled with His hope.
Each mountain whispers a piece of God’s heart. Together, they form a circle—an ever-present, immovable loving embrace around the city of Jerusalem, and around us as His beloved people.
No matter what we are enduring right now we can take heart. God surrounds us. Not just with angels or promises, but with Himself. He reminds us in these scriptures marking these great geographic symbols that His love, His peace, His strength, and His hope encircle us like mountains. They speak:
You are not alone.
You are completely and perfectly surrounded.
