MOUNTAIN AND HILL IN PSALM 121: 1-2 AND YORUBA RELIGIOUS THOUGHT:A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Mountains and Hills are found in biblical literature and many important
events are associated with them. The purpose of this study is to examine
the concept of Mountains and Hills in Psalm 121:1-2 with a view to
establishing their importance in ancient Israel and African Yoruba
Context. Historical and African Biblical Hermeneutics methods were
used for the study. It was discovered that Mountains and Hills occupied a
unique place in ancient Israel and Africa. Mountains and Hills were very
important in the religious, social and economic lives of ancient Israel and
African Yoruba. Mountains were places of refuge during intertribal wars,
places of prayer and meditation in both contexts. Some of the early
European and American missionaries to Africa had their residences on
mountains and hills. Mountains were perceived as the abode of Yahweh,
gods, spirit and divinities and these were venerated and worshipped on
the Mountains. Some Christians and the adherents of African Traditional
Religion used Mountains and Hills to advance their religions. Some
church buildings belonging to African Indigenous churches are located
on mountain top. The study concluded that Mountains and Hills are
consider as sacred phenomena in both contexts. Africans are enjoined to
properly maintain the hills and mountains in their communities, so that
divine endowment in them can be sustained