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Mount Carmel

AbrahamicJewishmountainMiddle East9 BCE - present
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Location

Modern Name
Mount Carmel (Har HaCarmel)
Country
Israel
Region
Middle East
Coordinates
32.7350, 34.9900
Era
9 BCE - present
Site Type
Mountain
View on the Sacred Geography map

About

A coastal mountain range in northern Israel, site of Elijah's dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal.

Significance

The contest on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18) affirmed YHWH's supremacy over Canaanite religion and made Elijah the quintessential prophet of covenant faithfulness.

History & Historical Arc

Sacred since the Bronze Age; Elijah's contest circa 850 BCE; later home to Carmelite monastic communities founded in the

Archaeological Notes

The site of Mukhraka (Deir el-Muhraqa) is traditionally identified as Elijah's contest location; ancient cultic installa

Key Features & Structures

  • Mukhraka (Elijah's altar site)
  • Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery

Visitor Information

Mukhraka monastery open daily with small entry fee; Stella Maris open to visitors; Haifa cable car nearby.

Related Figures

ElijahElishaAhabJezebel

In the Bible

Source References

  • 1 Kings 18:19-40
  • 2 Kings 2:25
  • Amos 9:3