M.G. Easton. Easton's Bible Dictionary. Thomas Nelson, 1897.
Hermon A peak, the eastern prolongation of the Anti-Lebanon range, reaching to
the height of about 9,200 feet above the Mediterranean. It marks the north boundary of Palestine (Deu 3:8, Deu 4:48; Jos 11:3, Jos 11:17; Jos 13:11; Jos 12:1), and is seen from a great distance. It is about 40 miles north of the
Sea of Galilee. It is called "the Hermonites" (Psa 42:6) because it has more than one summit. The Sidonians called it Sirion, and
the Amorites Shenir (Deu 3:9; Sol 4:8). It is also called Baal-hermon (Jdg 3:3; Ch1 5:23) and Sion (Deu 4:48). There is every probability that one of its three summits was the scene
of the transfiguration (q.v.). The "dew of Hermon" is referred to (Psa 89:12). Its modern name is Jebel-esh-Sheikh, "the chief mountain." It is one
of the most conspicuous mountains in Palestine or Syria. "In whatever part of Palestine the Israelite turned his eye northward,
Hermon was there, terminating the view. From the plain along the coast, from the Jordan valley, from the heights of Moab and
Gilead, from the plateau of Bashan, the pale, blue, snow-capped cone forms the one feature in the northern horizon." Our Lord
and his disciples climbed this "high mountain apart" one day, and remained on its summit all night, "weary after their long
and toilsome ascent." During the night "he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun." The next day
they descended to Caesarea Philippi.
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