Hermon (II)

II. HERMON, or Hermoniim, a Mountain situated on this side the river Jordan, in the Tribe of Issachar, southward of Mount Tabor. Several are of opinion, that it is spoken of in this passage of the Psalms: I will remember thee concerning the land of Jordan, and the little hill of Hermon; as if this Mount Hermon on this side Jordan were called the little Hill, to distinguish it from great Hermon, which lay beyond this river. But others think that there is no mention of little Hermon in any place of Scripture, and that the Mountain which was known by this name in St. Jerom’s time¹, in the Tribe of Issachar, southward of the great Plain, was called Hermon in later times only. Others explain what is said in another Psalm of this Mount Hermon on this side of Jordan, As the dew of Mount Hermon which falls upon Mount Sion. Maundrel says, that the dew in this place, is as plentiful as a large shower. But this does not persuade us that the Psalmist speaks here of Mount Hermon on this side Jordan, since Mount Sion has no relation to it; whereas we find one of the little Hills of the great Hermon called D’Herbelot Bibl. Orient. p. 387.Sion.

The common opinion of the Eastern Christians relating to the original of Giants, is this; That Adam having discovered to the sons of Seth what delights he enjoyed in Paradise, excited a desire in the hearts of some of them to enter into it. To this end, they withdrew from the company of others, and chose Mount Hermon in Palestine for their abode, where they lived with chastity, and in the fear of God.

These people retired in this manner from the conversation of others, were called the sons of God, and by their example gave a pattern and idea of the monastick state, which was afterwards embraced with so much fervour in the East. But at length the sons of Seth losing all hope of possessing Paradise, which they considered as the inheritance of Adam, went to their relations, the descendants of Cain, and tired with celibacy, took their daughters in marriage, and begot Giants.

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