In biblical literature, ravines and high places hold significant symbolic and historical importance. These geographical features are often mentioned in the context of worship, divine encounters, and as settings for pivotal events in the narrative of the Israelites.

Ravines

Ravines, or narrow valleys with steep sides, are frequently depicted in the Bible as places of refuge, danger, and divine intervention. The Hebrew word often translated as "ravine" is "nachal," which can also mean a wadi or brook. These locations are typically dry riverbeds that can become torrents during the rainy season.

One notable mention of a ravine is in the account of Elijah. In 1 Kings 17:3-4 , God instructs Elijah to hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, where he would be sustained by ravens: "Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook Cherith, east of the Jordan. You are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." This ravine becomes a place of divine provision and protection for Elijah during a time of drought and famine.

Ravines also serve as strategic locations in military contexts. In 1 Samuel 14, Jonathan and his armor-bearer cross a ravine to attack the Philistine outpost, demonstrating faith and courage. The terrain of the ravine plays a crucial role in their surprise attack and subsequent victory.

High Places

High places, or "bamot" in Hebrew, are elevated sites often associated with worship and religious practices. These locations were commonly used by the Canaanites for idol worship, and the Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting these practices. Despite these warnings, high places became centers of syncretistic worship, blending the worship of Yahweh with pagan rituals.

In the Old Testament, high places are frequently mentioned in the context of Israel's struggle with idolatry. For instance, 2 Kings 17:10-11 describes the Israelites setting up sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree, provoking the Lord to anger: "They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. There they burned incense on all the high places, like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them."

Despite their association with idolatry, high places were not inherently evil. They were originally intended as sites for worshiping Yahweh, as seen in the early history of Israel. For example, in 1 Samuel 9:12-14, Samuel is found at a high place where he is about to offer a sacrifice to the Lord. However, the persistent misuse of these sites led to their condemnation by the prophets and reforming kings, such as Hezekiah and Josiah, who sought to centralize worship in Jerusalem and eliminate idolatrous practices.

High places also serve as locations for significant biblical events. In Genesis 22, Abraham is commanded to offer Isaac on Mount Moriah, a high place that later becomes the site of Solomon's Temple. This event underscores the theme of faith and obedience to God.

In summary, ravines and high places in the Bible are more than mere geographical features; they are imbued with spiritual and historical significance. They serve as settings for divine encounters, tests of faith, and the ongoing struggle between true worship and idolatry.