A mountain symbolically represents a kingdom, specifically the kingdom of God's Lord's house, which will be established above all other kingdoms.
Les Feldick teaches that when 'mountain' is used symbolically in Scripture, it refers to a kingdom (unless a specific mountain like Sinai is named). This is consistently seen in prophecies about the last days, where the mountain of the Lord's house is exalted above hills, representing smaller kingdoms. Israel's Messiah will establish this supreme kingdom in Jerusalem, drawing all nations to it.
Isaiah 2:2 — This verse directly says the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, linking mountain symbolism to a supreme kingdom.
The Bible uses 'mountain' symbolically to represent a kingdom. Isaiah 2:2 says, 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.' This portrays the Lord's kingdom as supreme over all other 'mountains' (kingdoms) and 'hills' (smaller kingdoms). Daniel 2 also uses this imagery: a stone (Christ) destroys the image of world empires and becomes a great mountain (Daniel 2:35), showing the establishment of God's kingdom over all human rule. The mountain thus signifies God's sovereign rule, ultimately centered in Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3).
Les consistently teaches that a 'mountain' in Scripture, when used symbolically, always represents a kingdom. He stresses that this symbolism remains constant from cover to cover. In the context of last-days prophecy, the mountain of the Lord's house is the kingdom that Messiah will set up, exalted above all other nations and empires. The 'hills' represent smaller kingdoms. He emphasizes that all nations will flow to this kingdom, drawing them to Jerusalem to learn God's ways. Les ties this to Israel's role as a light to the Gentiles, as originally intended (Isaiah 49:6). This future kingdom is not merely a physical elevation but a position of supreme authority. He also notes that the literal land of Israel is mountainous, with the nation built on mountains, but the symbolic use in prophecy points to a spiritual reality of dominion.
Les teaches that while the mountain symbolism refers to a kingdom, it is also connected to the literal mountain of Zion in Jerusalem. The nations will flow to it, and the word of the Lord will go forth from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3). In Daniel 2, the stone becomes a great mountain, depicting the kingdom that will fill the earth. Thus, the kingdom is both spiritual and earthly, with Jerusalem as its center.
According to Les, the 'hills' represent smaller kingdoms, while the 'mountains' represent larger or more significant kingdoms. The Lord's kingdom is exalted above the hills, meaning it will be supreme over all lesser powers. This contrast emphasizes the absolute authority of God's kingdom over all earthly rule.
Why Did Jesus Only Go to Israel? Matthew 10:5-6 Explained
Now we can jump in at verse 6, and remember what we read in Exodus, that if they are obedient to the Law, the covenant that God is now giving them at Mount Sinai, then they would be a God then sometime down the road to funnel salvation into the Gentile world.
Mountains and Hills as Kingdoms
Les explains that in prophetic symbolism, 'mountain' means a kingdom, and the Lord's kingdom will be established above all other mountains and exalted above the hills (smaller kingdoms).
The Kingdom Set Up by Israel's King
Les connects the mountain of the Lord's house to the future kingdom that Israel's King (Messiah) will set up, spanning the last days, above all previously existing empires.
Consistent Symbolism of Mountains
Les stresses that words like 'mountain' maintain their symbolic meaning throughout Scripture, always referring to a kingdom unless a specific literal mountain is named.
Daniel 2 Explained: The Stone Kingdom That Fills the Earth
And they became like…what?...chaff, powder, dust. So that the wind carried them away, and that no place was found for them. And the stone…Christ now remember…the stone that smote or destroyed this image became a great mountain. Now I always stress when we have our other classes, certain words of Scripture that are symbolic will maintain that symbolism almost all the way through from cover to cover…
All Nations Flow to the Kingdom
Les emphasizes that the Lord's kingdom will be the eminent kingdom above all, and all nations will flow to it, showing the inclusion of Gentiles.
Ezekiel 37 Explained: Israel's Dry Bones Prophecy Fulfilled?
But we hear it on the news, and it goes in one ear and out the other. But if you just stop to think of the comparison, if the whole nation of France would just suddenly immigrate to America, could we handle it? And so be aware of this, all right? And so God is bringing them back. And then verse 22, And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel.
Ezekiel 38–39 & Revelation 6: Russia's Invasion of Israel Explained
God says, "...I will call for a sword against him," that is against these invaders, "...throughout all My mountains," and a lot of people don't realize that Israel is mountainous. In fact, I was reading an article the other day of someone who was speaking to one of our head government people, I think in the State Department, and they didn't know that Israel was a mountainous country.
Isaiah 2:2: And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
This is the key verse that directly uses mountain symbolism to represent the Lord's kingdom.
Daniel 2:35: Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
This shows the stone (Christ) becoming a great mountain, symbolizing the establishment of God's kingdom.
Isaiah 2:3: And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
This explains that the mountain of the Lord is in Zion/Jerusalem, where nations will come to learn God's ways.
In symbolic usage, a mountain represents a kingdom. Les Feldick teaches that this symbolism is consistent throughout Scripture, unless a specific literal mountain is named. Thus, the 'mountain of the Lord's house' refers to God's kingdom.
The 'hills' represent smaller kingdoms, in contrast to the 'mountain' which represents the supreme kingdom. Les explains that the Lord's kingdom will be exalted above all hills, meaning it will have authority over all lesser nations.
Watch the Teaching: Why Did Jesus Only Go to Israel? Matthew 10:5-6 Explained