Page 78 - Bible Geography and Near East Studies - Textbook w videos short

In the Bible, the Carmel Mountains were first given to the
tribe of Asher. When the United Kingdom divided, the
northern kingdom of Israel controlled the area. This gave
Israel the upper hand against Judah in terms of food supply
and military influence. In years of drought, however, those
advantages disappeared quickly.

It was through a drought and a bold challenge on top of
Mount Carmel that Elijah called the northern kingdom to
repentance. After three devastating years of drought, Elijah
challenged the prophets of Baal and Asherah to call down
fire from heaven. When they failed, Elijah prayed for the
miracle to Israel’s one, true God, and the fire fell
immediately. By the end of the day, the pagan prophets
were executed and the first rain clouds were on their way
(1 Kings 18).

Sadly, Israel did not repent. In fact, Elijah had to run for his life to the southern portion of Israel, and
then to the Sinai Peninsula where he climbed the same mountain where Moses had received the Ten
Commandments (1 Kings 19:3-9).

A view of the Jezreel Valley and the Kishon River from Mt. Carmel. After the dramatic battle on top of the
mountain, the prophets of Baal were killed at the Kishon (1 Kings 18:40).
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