Page 102 - Bible Geography and Near East Studies

and about 12 miles long. This formed a formidable
natural barrier for ancient armies, travelers, and
traders. An effective ruler like King Solomon could
funnel all traffic inland to a narrow pass at Megiddo.

In the Bible, the Carmel Mountains were first given to
the tribe of Asher. When the United Kingdom was
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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