Jezreel Valley
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Jezreel Valley Region: Jezreel Valley Site Summary: The Jezreel Valley is defined and bordered by the Mt. Carmel Range, the Samaritan Hill Country, Mount Gilboa, and the Nazareth Ridge & the region of the Lower Galilee. It is considered Israel’s bread basket today and is called The Emeq (“the valley”). The ancient route called he Via Maris runs directly through the heart of the valley. Key cities located along the borders of the valley (e.g. Megiddo, Yokneam) strategically guarded the western entrance into the valley. A town called Jezreel describes Ahab’s jealousy over Naboth’s abundance. Many other stories from the Bible took place here. Even the prophet Hosea linked the loss of agricultural production in the valley to God’s discipline for Israel’s rebellion. Prophetically, the Jerzeel Valley is associated by some as the Valley of Armageddon. Biblical references: • Joshua 17:14-16 • Judges 4-5 (Deborah/Barak - Mt. Tabor), 6-7 (Gideon - Hill of Moreh) • 1 Samuel 31 (Saul on Mt. Gilboa) • 1 Kings 18 (Elijah - Mt. Carmel Range), 21 (Ahab/Naboth - Jezreel) • Hosea 1:4-5; 2:8-9,20-23 Biblical characters connected with this site: • Joshua, Deborah, Barak, Gideon, Saul, Elijah, Ahab, Shunamite/Elisha) What is there to see & experience here? • Three primary views of the valley are spectacular: from Mt. Carmel, Megiddo, and the Precipice of Nazareth. On a clear day, you can see the hills of Gilead (Jordan) from the top of Mt. Carmel. • The valley today is filled with agriculture. A military airstrip is located in the middle of the valley. Treasure thought & personal “take away” • God desires to sow His blessings upon us. Like the rich alluvial soil of the Jezreel Valley, God bountifully bestows His goodness on us. Consider the goodness God has sown in your life. Be sure to thank Him for it. Don’t take anything for granted. .