Day 3
Caesarea, Carmel, and Megiddo
Date: Sunday, October 26
Today’s itinerary included Caesarea Maritima, Mount Carmel, and Mount Megiddo. As I read the Scriptures connected to each of these biblical sites, I was reminded of the global reach of the gospel, the supreme sovereignty of God, and Israel’s certain future redemption.
A quick glance at the theatre of Caesarea Maritima.
This prison was recently found and is believed to be the location where Roman soldiers held Paul while he was in fear of being killed by a group of 40 Jewish men (Acts 23:21, 23—33).
This gate was built during the time of King Louie IX during the 13th century. King Louie IX is known for his suspicion and hatred for Jewish people. For example, he made Jewish people wear a yellow cloth to identify them as Jewish. This reminds me of the anti-semisim of the Nazis who made Jewish people wear identifying clothing like patches of the Star of David. The anti-semitism of the Holocaust is older than the 1930’s.
Mount Carmel
The name “Carmel” literally means “the Vineyard of God.” Mount Carmel is a triangular-shaped, wooden range running 13 miles to the southeast all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. At this location the prophet Elijah challenged the false prophets of Baal during a three year drought. On this mountain, Elijah trusted in the God of Israel who controls the rain. In a miraculous event, Elijah asked God to bring fire to consume an offering that was drenched in water three times. This event reminds of us of the power, sovereignty, and majesty of God.
1 Kings 18:41—45
While I was walking up Mount Carmel, I found a small rock that looks like it has an Akkadian marking on it. I got to take Akkadian during my Master of Theology with the Master’s Seminary this past year so the marking caught my attention. Here is what the marking looks like next a picture of Akkadian writing. Since the rock is only partially preserved it is difficult to determine the translation of the marking.
Tel Megiddo
After Mount Carmel, we made our way to Tel (Mount) Megiddo which is located on the south edge of the Jezreel Valley and is the most famous battlefield in the world. A tel is an archaeological title given to a historical site that has layers of civilians on top of each other creating a hill. Tel Megiddo witnesses to 20 cities built on these ruins and over 25 burn layers. This means that over thousands of years, over 25 cities were built on top of a previously existing city.
Ruins at Megiddo
These are the ruins of an ancient temple that stood at Megiddo.
Canaanite altar
The circular structure is an ancient pagan altar. You can identify the altar as pagan because it is round as opposed to a square one with horn on each corner which would be Israeli.
Jezreel Valley
Im at the top of Megiddo looking down upon the Jezreel Valley. Many battles have been fought in this valley. The reason for this large number of burn layers at Mount Megiddo is the strategic location of the mountain as it over looks the Jezreel Valley.
Megiddo was the royal city of the Canaanite King Taanach, whom Joshua killed (Joshua 12:21). Also, Sisera and his army were defeated here (Judg 4). Solomon fortified Megiddo as a critical defensive post (1 Kings 9:15).
The English word “Armageddon” is a transliteration of the Hebrew Har (Mountain) + Megiddo = Mountain of Megiddo. The prophesies that the battle of Armageddon will be fought near here as well. (Rev 16:13—16). It is this battle that Jesus the Messiah will deliver Israel from a world wide attack of the nations (see also Psalm 2).
Jezreel Valley and Megiddo
Conclusion to Day 3:
God’s Faithfulness and the Mission to His people Israel
From the Mediterranean Sea to Mount Carmel and Megiddo, the land of Israel stands as a living testimony to God’s faithfulness—both to His covenant people and to His plan to bless the nations through Israel and her Messiah in the last days.
As Christians living in the church age, it can be easy to overlook the continuing significance of these promises. But does the Bible teach that Israel is still relevant today? You bet it does.
According to the Apostle Paul, bringing the gospel to the Jewish people actually magnifies his ministry to the Gentiles. He writes in Romans 11:13–14:
“But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them.”
What an incredible statement! Paul’s philosophy of ministry includes stirring the Jewish people to spiritual jealousy—a longing to know their own Messiah, Jesus. This truth lies at the very heart of my calling as a missionary with The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry.
As I am still raising financial support, I ask that would join me in ministry by both prayer and sacrificial financial giving. As of now, the greatest financial need are monthly ministry partners. Any monthly ministry partner rate would be a significant blessing both to my family as we raise our salary and for the ministry work for God’s people Israel in DC and Baltimore. If you would like to partner with me, please see the information below.
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