Meeting with God on the Mountains
Edited by Dr. Jiří Moskala, Seminary Dean
Meeting with God on the Mountains is a fitting title for Dr. Richard M. Davidson’s lifelong scholarship and theology, and even characterizes his lifestyle, because without exaggeration, one can say that his theology and biblical studies spring from his meeting with the Lord on many mountains. Richard loves mountains, not so much the climbing (as he often stresses), but the splendid and inspiring view from the top, which is worth all the pain of attaining the peak. He has climbed all 54 absolutely gorgeous and very demanding 14,000-foot mountains in Colorado (the last three he conquered in July 2016). He has also climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Whitney ten times, and many more peaks. He told me that the most important thing to do in order to achieve one’s goal when in a very dangerous passage in the mountains is to look forward and up - never down - and to breathe properly.
There is something special and extremely attractive on mountains. Their grandiose majesty uplifts the human spirit, and their beauty is breathtaking. The fresh air, contact with pure nature, excellent views, but above all, the closeness with God, is what is so appealing. Encountering the Lord on the mountain is not surprising, because God Himself resides on the Mountain at the utmost North (Ps 48:2; see also Isa 14:13; Ezek 28:14, 16), and many significant events and theophanies recorded in the Scriptures occurred on the mountains. God speaks and reveals Himself in these places.
This Festschrift in honor of Dr. Davidson is divided into four parts that reflect upon his main areas of study, lectures, and publications: (1) Old Testament Exegesis - 9 articles; (2) Intertextuality, Typology, and Ancient Near Eastern Background - 7 articles; (3) New Testament Studies - 7 articles; and finally (4) Theology and Church History - 10 articles. Dr. Davidson always combined exegesis with theology, and his intertextual studies often included typology. When he was teaching or preaching, the practical outcome was his concern because for him, biblical and theological studies were not mere intellectual, theoretical, and academic exercises, but all activities were done for real life in order to help students, readers and audiences to grow intellectually and in the practical applications of the Word of God.
Dr. Davidson, we wish you many productive years; may the summiting of future mountaintops with their new lookouts and scenery inspire you with fresh new perspectives on life when God meets with you on those mountains. May many powerful publications result from these close encounters with Him who is always faithful, loving, gracious, holy, and awesome!
Purchase from Adventist Theological Society.
