From Galilee, we moved to Mt. Tabor, the site where the Transfiguration of Jesus took place. This mountain is so high and steep that we had to take a smaller van up the mountain. It is located strategically and is used as a military training for young Israelis on national service. In old testament, Deborah the prophetess and judge as well as Barak fought against the Canaanites (Judges 4:15-16).
Stone monument commemorating Jesus transfiguration, (R) Meditating on the event.
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Panoramic view from Mt. Tabor
From Mt. Tabor, we went to Mt. Carmel, where prophet Elijah fought with the Baal priests and succeeded in proving to the people that the God of Israel is the true God. From here we had a breathtaking view of Jezreel Plain(1 Kings 18:17-40).
Statue of Elijah killing the Baal priests. (R) Spot where the event is believed to take place
View of Jezreel Plains from Muhraqa Monastry
Who could forget the terror of the final battle of Armageddon as described in Revelation 16:12-16? Armegeddon is a corrupt spelling of the hebrew word "Har-megiddo" which means 'mountain of Megiddo'. It is indeed an awesome place as the location controlled the main routes passing through the region in ancient times. Archeologists have uncovered more than 20 layers of occupation in the mound of ancient Megiddo. This area has been the scene of epic battles. The 'King of Megiddo' was among those Joshua defeated after the Israelites entered Canaan (Joshua 12:21) . Other references to this city can be found in Judges 5:19-21, 2 Kings 9:27; 23:29-30. During the period of Judges, Megiddo was one of the Canaanite cities (Judges 15:19). It fell into Israelite hands and King Solomon made it one of his chief administrative districts (1 Kings 4:12). In 1918, General Allenby fought against the Turks and won a decisive battle here. When he was made Viscount , he took the title 'Lord of Megiddo'.
Grand span of Megiddo Valley
We walked down a very deep tunnel to view the underground water system.Some scholars attribute the water system to King Ahab but other scholars dated the system to the middle bronze age. Whoever designed it must have been a very capable engineer. The underground water enabled the city to withstand long seiges from their enemies.
Throughout my writings, I often quote bible references. Indeed after visiting the Holy Land, the Bible takes on a whole new perspective. Formerly, I would give the geographical details a cursory note and concentrate on the main events. But now, I see why the authors in old testament and new testament took pains to include specific details. This is to prove the events did take place at a certain location and a certain time and certain peoples were involved. (What, Where, When, Who) and artifacts and remnants of the site add further evidences to the event.
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