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MT. CARMEL
A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Historically, this region of the country has been valued as a strategic area of living. The Carmel Range represents a triplet mountain body about 35 miles long, stretching southeast-northwest. Because of this three fold sub-division of the mountain itself, three very important passes or routes exist: The Jokneam Pass, the Aruna Pass, and the Dothan Pass. The height of Mt. Carmel provided a vantage point virtually in all areas as it rises over 1,650 feet above sea level.
This Carmel Range formed the southern limit of the territory of Asher (Joshua 19:26) and the south-western border of the Jezreel Valley (the Valley of Armageddon). Falling steeply to the Mediterranean Sea, it leaves only a narrow coastal plain (Jeremiah 46:18). Its canyon-like cliffs are dotted with evidences of early-historical dwelling places/caves.
Most of the Carmel Range is covered with a thick deposit of good soil and abundant vegetation. It has been noted throughout Biblical history as a symbol of beauty (Is. 33:9).
Some scholars believe that Mount Carmel is refereed to by Veni, a General of Phiops I, King of Egypt, who describes the gazelle’s nose on reaching the coast of Palestine. The area is also mentioned in the list of conquests of Thutmose III (1,504-1450 B.C.).
B. BIBLICAL REFERENCES
1. I Kgs. 18: 16f This text refers to the Prophet Elijah who battles the 450 prophets of Baal, a Canaanite God. The text of Ugarit tells us that Baal was one of the gods of the Canaanites who settled in this region before the days of Joshua. The Phoenicians called him the lord of the heavens. Baal was the son of Dagon (a Philistine god). He was a hero of a great mythological epic. The central theme of this epic was the glorification of Baal for whom a great temple was built and who was slain by monsters and carried away to the land of Death (Mot). After Baal’s death, all life on earth was supposedly languished. Hence, according to mythology, his sister, Anoth (The “Virgin”) finds Mot and kills him in a terrific battle. She cut Mot up into pieces with a sword.
Thus, when I Kings 18 is read, we find Elijah pursuing the prophets of Baal and slaughtering them in the Kishon Valley.
2. II Kgs 4:25-37 The Shunamite woman goes to Mt. Carmel for help because her son was dead. Elisha raises him to life.
3. II Kgs.19:23 Messengers lodge in the forests of Carmel.
4. II Chr. 26:10 King Uzziah not only built towers and fortified cities, but he was also a husbandman and a vinedresser in the mountains, and in Carmel...for he loved husbandry.
5. Amos 9:3 Amos states that during God’s judgment, some would attempt to hide from the Lord on Mt. Carmel.
C. ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS OF INTEREST
1. BYZANTINE PERIOD: Not much archaeological evidence exists from Biblical times on this mountain. However, besides the dwelling caves on the western side of the Carmel Range, a Byzantine synagogue has been discovered. This synagogue was used by the residence of a Jewish village of which they called Husifa. Other than this, Christian tradition places the site of the alter of Baal on the south-eastern end of this mountain.