Mount Carmel – Israel

Mount Carmel is a ridge that rises to an altitude of 1740 feet above sea level. It serves as the northern stretch of the hills of Samaria and runs parallel to the Plain of Jezreel (a.k.a. the Valley of Megiddo). This land would also have acted as the boundary between the territory allotted to the Tribe of Asher and that given to Manasseh (see Joshua 19: 26). Found at the mountain’s base is the Kishon Brook – mentioned as the place where the prophets of Baal were slain (I Kings 18: 40).

Scriptural Significance

Mount Carmel is the place where Elijah confronted Israel’s wicked King Ahab and 450 prophets of the false god Baal (I Kings 18). This is the very location where God sent fire from heaven to prove to the Children of Israel that He, Yahweh, was the One True God! The fire consumed a sacrificed bull that had been prepared by Elijah. It also consumed the stone altar and wood that bore the sacrifice as well as a trench that had been doused with a great deal of water. 

Did You Know?

The Druze people are prevalent in this part of the world. Making up as much as 1.6% of Israel’s population, Druze are also to be found in Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria. This religious and ethic group dates back to 11^th Century Cairo, where they broke from Islam. Very much a secretive society, this sect holds Jethro (the father-in-law of Moses), Zebulun and Elijah in particular reverence. Today, they are considered quite loyal to the Nation of Israel and have a record of distinguished service in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF).