Mount Tabor: Biblical Sites and Their Stories
Mount Tabor, often referred to as the “Mount of Transfiguration,” is not just a geographical and a significant biblical landmark. Its unique cone-shaped elevation, rising to 575 meters, offers a vantage point over the Jezreel Valley in Lower Galilee. This strategic position made it a crucial military outpost in ancient times. The mountain’s geography allowed for easy control of traffic routes, making it a historically significant site for military endeavors.
Location
Mount Tabor is located in the northeastern part of Israel, approximately 17 kilometers west of the Sea of Galilee. This isolated limestone hill rises about 575 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Biblical context
Mount Tabor marked a boundary between the tribes of Issachar (Joshua 19:22), Naphtali (Joshua 19:34), and Zebulun (Joshua 19:12). It is home to many stories in the bible.
Deborah, Barak, and the Canaanite Showdown
The Book of Judges chapters 4 and 5 provide a detailed account of one of Mount Tabor’s most significant events. The Israelites, under the oppression of the Canaanite king Jabin and his army commander Sisera, turned to the prophetess Deborah for guidance. She, along with Barak, rallied ten thousand men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun.
Deborah’s prophecy was clear: the battle would be won, but the honor of defeating Sisera would go to a woman. As foretold, the Israelites lured Sisera’s chariots to the River Kishon’s banks, near Mount Tabor. With divine intervention, the river’s waters swelled, rendering the chariots useless and leading to a decisive Israelite victory. Sisera fled but was later killed by Jael, fulfilling Deborah’s prophecy.
The kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; they got no spoils of silver.
Mount Tabor and the Psalms
The psalmists often used Mount Tabor as a symbol of God’s grandeur and might. In Psalms 89:12, Tabor is mentioned alongside Mount Hermon, another significant peak, in a song of praise to the Creator.
The north and the south, you have created them; Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.
The Transfiguration
While the New Testament doesn’t explicitly name Mount Tabor as the site of Jesus’ Transfiguration, centuries of Christian tradition and local lore have identified it as such. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus led Peter, James, and John to a high mountain. There, He was transfigured before them, his face shining like the sun and his clothes becoming dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared, conversing with Jesus. This event, one of the pivotal moments in the New Testament, signifies Jesus’ divine nature and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.
Archeological findings
Church of Transfiguration: Designed by architect Antonio Barluzzi, this church stands on the eastern side of the mountain plateau. It commemorates the biblical event of Jesus’ transfiguration. The church stands on the remnants of a 5th or 6th-century Byzantine sanctuary and a 12th-century Crusader chapel. A mosaic showcasing the Transfiguration adorns the area above the altar.
Greek Orthodox Monastery: Located on the northern side of Mount Tabor, this monastery further emphasizes the religious significance of the mountain. The construction of this monastery was completed in 1862.
Elijah Church on the Northern Side: To the northeast of the Church of the Transfiguration lies the Church of the Prophet Elijah. A cave-church dedicated to Melchizedek, the King of Salem, is situated northwest of the primary church.
Sources and Additional Reading:
Mount Tabor on Wikipedia
Nearby Sites
- Nazareth: The childhood home of Jesus, this city offers a deep dive into early Christian history with sites like the Basilica of the Annunciation, the Church Synagogue, and Mount Percipice.
- Yardenit: A serene baptismal site on the Jordan River, frequented by pilgrims wishing to retrace the steps of Jesus.
- Megiddo: An ancient city with layers of history, it’s believed to be the prophesied location of the final battle, Armageddon.
- Sea of Galilee: A tranquil freshwater lake surrounded by historical and religious sites such as Capernaum, the Church of the Multiplication, Magdala, and the Church of Beatitudes.
