Gabnunnim גבננים: Mythical Underworld Deities and the Mountain of Bashan
The strange phrase gabnunnim (גבננים) in Psalm 68:16 has sparked much debate. Translations often render it as “mountain of peaks” or “mighty mountain,” but some scholars have suggested it could refer to underworld deities—the so-called Gabnunnim. This raises a critical question: is Psalm 68 contrasting the holy mountain of Yahweh with rival pagan strongholds tied to death and the netherworld? The discussion of gabnunnim reveals not only the clash between Israel’s God and surrounding mythologies but also points forward to the Gospel’s victory over the powers of sin, death, and the grave.
1. The appearance of Gabnunnim in Psalm 68
Psalm 68:15–16 sets Sinai against Bashan:
“O mountain of God, mountain of Bashan; O many-peaked mountain, mountain of Bashan! Why do you look with hatred, O many-peaked mountain, at the mount that God desired for his abode?”
The phrase har gabnunnim can literally mean “mountain of peaks.” Traditional readings take this as a poetic description of Bashan’s rugged landscape. Yet some scholars, notably G. del Olmo Lete, interpret gabnunnim as a proper noun referring to a group of Canaanite underworld deities. In this reading, Psalm 68 contrasts Yahweh’s choice of Sinai, His holy mountain, with the mythological mountain dwelling of rival gods associated with Bashan.
This interpretation fits the setting of Bashan, a region tied to the Rephaim (Deut 3:11; Isa 14:9) and the rule of Og of Bashan, a giant linked with the realm of death. Thus, gabnunnim could symbolically represent the rival claim of the underworld against Yahweh’s reign.
2. Gabnunnim as possible underworld deities
If gabnunnim refers to deities, then Psalm 68 depicts a cosmic confrontation:
Yahweh’s mountain = the place of His holy presence, where He rules from Sinai.
Bashan’s mountain = a rival seat of power tied to the netherworld.
This interpretation connects with broader themes in biblical theology:
Yahweh defeats the gods of the nations (Ps 82:1–8).
He shatters the “kings” or spiritual rulers scattered before His people (Ps 68:12).
The imagery of underworld gods may echo in the King of Terrors (Job 18:14) or in Canaanite myths of Mot, the god of death.
However, there is no clear evidence of a group of deities specifically named Gabnunnim. The more likely meaning of the root GBN across Semitic languages is “hump” or “elevation,” supporting the traditional translation “mountain of peaks.” Still, the possible mythological undertones remain significant.
3. Bashan and its mythological overtones
The region of Bashan carried deep symbolic weight:
It was the domain of Og, last of the Rephaim (Deut 3:11).
It appears in later Jewish tradition as a place associated with demonic powers and giants.
In Psalm 22:12, the “strong bulls of Bashan” surround the suffering servant, imagery later applied to Christ on the cross.
By linking gabnunnim to Bashan, the psalmist may be doing more than describing geography. He may be invoking the specter of rival spiritual forces, declaring that Yahweh’s mountain is exalted above all mythological claims.
4. The theological meaning of gabnunnim
Even if gabnunnim literally means “mountain of peaks,” the poetic context pushes toward a theological point:
Yahweh chooses Sinai, a small, unimpressive mountain, as His dwelling.
The “mighty” mountains, whether physically imposing or symbolically linked with other gods, cannot rival Him.
The image recalls God’s preference for weakness to shame the strong (1 Cor 1:27).
This fits a broader biblical theme: God is not bound to the high, the powerful, or the impressive. Instead, He establishes His reign in unexpected places—Sinai, Bethlehem, and finally the cross of Christ.
5. The Gospel’s confrontation with underworld powers
If gabnunnim hints at underworld deities, then Psalm 68 anticipates the Gospel. Christ descends into the depths, confronting the powers of death and disarming them (Col 2:15). Just as Yahweh chose Sinai over Bashan, Christ triumphs not through worldly strength but through humility and sacrifice.
In Ephesians 4:8, Paul quotes Psalm 68:18: “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” Here the psalm is explicitly connected to Christ’s victory over spiritual powers. The imagery of mountains, underworld forces, and divine enthronement converge in the Gospel narrative.
Thus, whether gabnunnim refers to literal peaks or to mythological beings, the theological conclusion remains: the Lord reigns supreme over all rivals, including the powers of death.
6. Key lessons from Gabnunnim
God’s supremacy: No mountain, god, or power can rival the Lord’s chosen dwelling (Ps 68:16–17).
Mythological background: The Bible often engages and subverts Canaanite imagery, redirecting it toward Yahweh’s triumph.
Spiritual warfare: The conflict between Sinai and Bashan foreshadows Christ’s victory over the underworld.
Humility over power: Just as Sinai was chosen over Bashan, the cross was chosen over worldly thrones.
Future hope: The reign of God will ultimately displace all false powers, fulfilling the vision of Psalm 68 in the new creation (Rev 21:1–4).
7. Conclusion
The phrase gabnunnim in Psalm 68:16 invites both linguistic and theological reflection. Whether it simply means “mountain of peaks” or carries mythological echoes of underworld deities, the thrust of the psalm is clear: Yahweh’s mountain stands supreme. The grandeur of Bashan, the supposed dwelling of the gods, pales before the glory of Sinai, the chosen place of God’s presence.
For Christians, this points beyond Sinai to Christ, who conquers death itself. The powers of the underworld—whether named, imagined, or feared—are broken. The true mountain of God is not one of earthly peaks but the kingdom established in Christ, unshaken and eternal.
Bible verses related to the topic
“O mountain of God, mountain of Bashan; O many-peaked mountain, mountain of Bashan!” (Psalm 68:15)
“Why do you look with hatred, O many-peaked mountain, at the mount that God desired for his abode?” (Psalm 68:16)
“Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around.” (Psalm 97:3)
“God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.” (Psalm 47:8)
“On that day the Lord with his hard and great and strong sword will punish Leviathan.” (Isaiah 27:1)
“The bulls of Bashan surround me.” (Psalm 22:12)
“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (Ephesians 4:8)
“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame.” (Colossians 2:15)
“The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:26)
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.” (Revelation 21:1)
