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Traveling the Holy Land: Mt. Carmel

It’s December and that means Christmas.  However, instead of focusing on the traditional birth story of Jesus, we think you’ll enjoy considering someone who was treasured by Christ Jesus in a key moment of his ministry, the Old Testament prophet, Elijah.  Why?  Because Elijah (along with Moses, representing the Law) is one of the two great figures from the Old Testament that appears in the story of the Transfiguration (see Matt. 17:2 and Mark 9:2).   This video blog from  Mt. Carmel and the monastery that commemorates the site, is where Elijah challenged the Baal prophets of Queen Jezebel, Moabitess wife of King Ahab, recording in I Kings 18.

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Location of Mt. Carmel in Northern Israel

After a three year drought, the Lord directs Elijah to Ahab to prove once and for all the supremacy of God as the only power.  With 450 prophets of Baal assembling on Mt. Carmel, along with 400 prophets of Asherah, who also ‘eat at Jezebel’s table’ (I Kings 18:19), the contest begins and Elijah’s God triumphs and the Baal prophets are destroyed.

You’ll see a beautiful 19th century Carmelite monastery built to commemorate this ancient ‘high place’ on the slopes of Mt. Carmel near Haifa, Israel, an elevated site overlooking the whole valley below.

We welcome your thoughts in the comments below and feel free to share this with friends who also love the Scriptures.

 


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Nancy Gruber
Nancy Gruber
December 1, 2016 7:05 am

Thanks, Maddy. Appreciated your mention of both Jezebeel and Ruth coming from Moab. I am passing this video along to my bible study group.

Robin
Robin
December 1, 2016 1:33 pm

Hi Madelon
I am so keen to hear this video clip but I can’t sound. I am not sure what I am doing wrong?

george birdsong
george birdsong
December 1, 2016 4:31 pm

The video brought back fond memories of our time there. Elijah is a great example of the need to stand up against false pagan gods of materialism. As a familiar hymn puts it. .
Press on, press on ye sons of light
Untiring in your holy fight
Still treading each temptation down,
And battling for a higher crown.

Sue
Sue
December 1, 2016 4:44 pm

Thanks so much for this insight in Biblical history. I just did a Wednesday reading that included part of this story about Elijah fleeing Jezebel wrath and being assured of “the still small voice” of God protecting him and leading him out of harms way. It is good to see the actual territory in which this story is discussed and how the powerful story of Ruth balances out the Jezebel character.
Thanks for sharing Maddy!! Love it!

Jan in Rio Rancho, NM
Jan in Rio Rancho, NM
December 1, 2016 8:49 pm

Thanks so much, Maddie! I, too, appreciated the reference to Jezebel and Ruth. And the reminder of how inspiring the story of Elijah truly is. A Christmas blessing in your message here. Grateful.

Todd Herzer
December 2, 2016 10:31 am

Wonderful Maddie. It felt quite inspiriting to watch your talk at the actual site of the Transfiguration.

Marsha Harris
Marsha Harris
December 3, 2016 11:22 am

Oh Madelon. I enjoyed this video so much. I especially appreciate the information on Jezebel and Ruth both being from Moab. Your presentation is always so clear and I learn so much. Thanks too for pointing out that Moses represented the Law and Elijah represented the Prophets at the Transfiguration. Appreciate everything you do.

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