Most visitors to Israel see the sprawling panorama of the Jezreel Valley only from atop the monastery of Muhraqa on Mount Carmel. This vantage remains one of the best, to be sure.
But there are a number of other views of the valley that also find their place in the Bible.
These high spots also offer a good view of life, and I’ll give a one-sentence application from each site.
The modern mountain range called Jebel Fuku’a is known in the Scriptures as Mount Gilboa, its name preserved in the designation of the village Jelbon. In the spring, beautiful flowers and verdant forests grace its slopes.
Originally allotted to the tribe of Issachar, Mount Gilboa witnessed a number of battles.
Application from Mount Gilboa: Only God provides peace in overwhelming situations—even whey they are as crushing as death. (Read more here.)
An inconspicuous hill marks the spot of Tel Shimron, the site from which one of many kings and armies came to resist Joshua’s northern campaign of Canaan (Joshua 11:1-9).
Application from Shimron: God offers victory over tremendous odds when we see the size of our God rather than the size of our opposition. (Read more here.)
Explore the view of the Jezreel Valley from Shimron in Google Maps:
Seeing the Jezreel Valley from this spectacular view atop the Nazareth Ridge will prove one of the best. You can see so much!
Many biblical landmarks and their stories lay within sight:
Application from Nazareth Ridge: Jesus sees the future battle as clearly as the past ones, and He promises us a glorious future with Him. (Read more here.)
A beautiful panorama rewards each visitor to Mount Tabor. Rising from the Jezreel Valley 1,843 feet, Tabor’s unique form is identifiable from any direction.
For thousands of years, the International Highway passed at the foot of Mount Tabor. History bears the importance of this lovely hill.
Application from Mount Tabor: God uses all at His command—whether people or even weather—to bring about His will for His people. He has no limitations in our lives. (Read more here.)
Tell me what you think: Which view is your favorite? To leave a comment, just click here.