Bible Dictionary
CONGREGATION, MOUNT OF
The Mount of Congregation in Isaiah 14:13 is part of the proud king of Babylon’s imagined ascent to heaven and fellowship with the gods. His boast is overturned when he is brought down to Sheol.
Definition
The Mount of Congregation is the imagined mountain of divine assembly in the boast of the king of Babylon. It represents the height to which he presumptuously claims he will ascend.
Biblical Usage
Isaiah contrasts the king’s boast of sitting on the mount of congregation with his actual descent into the uttermost parts of the pit and Sheol.
Historical Background
The expression evidently depicts a fancied Olympus of the gods on a lofty northern height, where the king imagined making his abode with the gods in heaven.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(har-mo`edh Isa 14:13): The prophet has depicted the excitement caused in Sheol by the descent of the once mighty king of Babylon into the world of shades, and now himself points the contrast between the monarch's former haughty boastings and his present weak and hopeless condition: "Thou saidst in thy heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; and I will sit upon the mount of congregation, in the uttermost parts of the north." Instead he is brought down "to the uttermost parts of the pit" (Isa 14:15). By the "mount of congregation" (meeting or assembly) is evidently meant the fancied Olympus of the gods on some lofty northern height. The king vaunted that he would make his abode with the gods in heaven; now he is cast down to the depths of Sheol.</p><p>James Orr</p>