Hebrews 12:18-24: Apocalyptic Typology or Platonic Dualism?

Abstract

Those who have approached Hebrews either from the point of view of apocalyptic eschatology or from the perspective of neoplatonism have often misinterpreted the two ‘mountains’ in Hebrews 12:18-24. The first understand these ‘mountains’ as representing the Old and New Covenants; the second, the earthly and heavenly worlds. This paper argues that the two ‘mountains’ represent two present possibilities. The first is the present state and future destiny of the disobedient who are excluded from fellowship with God; the second, the present state and future destiny of the faithful who enter into that fellowship. This interpretation is substantiated by a careful examination of the text and confirmed by the way this interpretation fits with Hebrews’ rhetorical strategy and use of the Old Testament. Crucial to the argument is the total lack of continuity between the two mountains that would be essential to substantiate either of the traditional interpretations.