Geological Interpretations of Biblical Imagery and Symbolism
Biblical imagery and symbolism frequently draw upon geological features and processes to convey theological truths, often employing them metaphorically to describe judgment, idolatry, or divine power. For instance, the shaking of the earth, reminiscent of an earthquake, is used to symbolize divine judgment upon the land [2].
Mountains, hills, valleys, and ravines appear in biblical texts not only as literal geographical locations but also as symbolic representations. In Ezekiel 32:4-6, the mention of "hills...valleys...mountains...ravines" functions as a literary device known as merism, indicating totality. This imagery portrays the complete and inescapable nature of God's judgment, encompassing all boundaries and everything within them, often with hyperbolic descriptions of destruction [4, 6]. Similarly, the prophet Isaiah uses "mountains" as a figurative expression to refer to the Babylonians, indicating their formidable nature or their role as obstacles to God's people [7].
Geological materials are also central to the biblical condemnation of idolatry. The term "graven images" frequently appears in prophetic books, referring to idols carved from stone or wood [9]. These images were often associated with specific places or deities, such as the various images of Baal, which received different names depending on their location [3]. The making of such idols is depicted as a sign of spiritual brutishness or a lack of true knowledge of God [8]. "Pictures" in some biblical contexts refer to idolatrous representations, either as independent images or as stones sculptured in low relief, engraved, and colored [1]. These were not "moveable pictures" in the modern sense but rather fixed artistic or cultic objects [1]. The "images and groves" mentioned in 2 Kings 17:10 refer to different idols and places dedicated to abominable rites, such as those associated with Ashtaroth [5]. The destruction of these graven images is a recurring theme, symbolizing the eradication of false worship [9].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Picture — In two of the three passages in which "picture" is used in the Authorized Version it denotes idolatrous representations, either independent images or more usually stones "portrayed," i.e. sculptured in low relief, or engraved and colored. (Ezekiel 23:14) Layard, Nin. and Rob. ii. 306, 308. Moveable pictures, in the modern sense, were doubtless unknown to the Jews. The "pictures of silver" of (Proverbs 25:11) were probably well surfaces or cornices with carvings.”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 24:19: earth--the land: image from an earthquake.”
- Hosea (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hosea 2:17: Baalim--plural, expressing the various images of Baal, which, according to the places of their erection, received various names, Baal-gad, Baal-ammon, &c.”
- Ezek (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ezek 32:4: 32:4-6 hills . . . valleys . . . mountains . . . ravines: In Hebrew, this literary device (merism) indicates both the boundaries and everything within them; here, it portrays the totality of God’s judgment. The carnage is described using hyperbole to communicate the complete destruction of Egypt.”
- 2 Kings (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Kings 17:10: Images and groves - Images of different idols, and places for the abominable rites of Ashtaroth or Venus.”
- Ezekiel (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ezekiel 32:4: 32:4-6 hills . . . valleys . . . mountains . . . ravines: In Hebrew, this literary device (merism) indicates both the boundaries and everything within them; here, it portrays the totality of God’s judgment. The carnage is described using hyperbole to communicate the complete destruction of Egypt.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Isaiah 41:15: Mountains, A figurative expression for the Babylonians.”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 10:14: in his knowledge--"is rendered brutish by his skill," namely, in idol-making (Jer 10:8-9). Thus the parallel, "confounded by the graven image," corresponds (so Jer 51:17). Others not so well translate, "without knowledge," namely, of God (see Isa 42:17; Isa 45:16; Hos 4:6).”
- Micah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Micah 5:13: graven images . . . cut off--(Compare Isa 2:8, Isa 2:18-21; Isa 30:22; Zac 13:2). standing images--statues.”