What is Mount Tabor?
Mount Tabor is a significant biblical and historical site located in the Lower Galilee. On your next trip to Israel, you do not want to skip it on your travel itinerary! You may wonder what’s so special about Mount Tabor.
But it is one of the significant mountains named in scripture, along with Mount Moriah, Mount Sinai and Mount Hermon. It seems that mountains in general are important to God, and the ones that the Bible mentions by name, should catch our attention.
Mount Tabor in the Bible
In reflecting on Mount Tabor, David reflects in Psalm 89:12, “The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; the world and all it contains, You have founded them. The north and the south, You have created them; Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at Your name.”
In another instance, in Jeremiah 46:18, Mount Tabor is described as natural icon of beauty and strength, a dwelling place of the Lord. “As I live,” declares the King whose name is the Lord of hosts, “Surely one shall come who looms up like Tabor among the mountains, or like Carmel by the sea…”
But probably the most recognized mention of Mount Tabor is in the New Testament. It became a popular Christian pilgrimage site because of the transfiguration of Jesus which took place on a lone mountain in this area. If you’re still in doubt, here are four good reasons to visit Mount Tabor on your next Israel trip.
Visit the Unique Mountain Rising from Plains
If you are a fan of uniqueness, how about a lone hill surrounded by prairies? Mount Tabor rises abruptly from the surrounding plains, reaching a height of approximately 1,843 feet (563 meters) above the Jezreel valley in lower Galilee. Its distinctive dome-shaped summit is visible from miles around and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Today, Mount Tabor is considered a nature reserve and national park in Israel. The mountain is covered with lush vegetation and forests, making it a picturesque and scenic destination.
Historically, Mount Tabor held a strategic position at the junction of several trade routes, making it a desirable location, worthy of battles being fought to secure its possession.
Location of Deborah the Prophetess
Mount Tabor is mentioned in the Old Testament initially because it was a boundary point between the tribes of Zebulun, Naftali and Issachar (Judges 9). Such a setting practically guarantees critical events taking place in its proximity.
Here’s an example. When Sisera led the Canaanite armies from the south, Barak, Deborah and the northern armies charged down Mount Tabor and the armies of Sisera ran away on foot.
Who were Deborah and Barak in the Old Testament?
We first meet Deborah in the book of Judges. The children of Israel have already settled in the land, and the generation of Joshua had passed. This new generation fell away from worshipping the God of Israel and did what was evil, worshipping Baal. (Judge 2:11-12)
The Israelites were delivered unto their enemies, but God raised up judges to lead them. (Judges 2:16) Deborah, called a prophetess in the scriptures, was a judge of Israel. Judges 4:4-5 tells us that she sat under the palm named after her, between Ramah and Beth-el, where she listened to grievances and settled disputes.
In this same chapter, she summoned Barak to gather an army to go against Sisera. Barak refuses to go unless Deborah accompanies him to battle. At this point Deborah prophesies that Sisera will be defeated by a woman, which the end of chapter four reveals to be Yael.
The victory on Mount Tabor was a mighty show of God’s power over Israel’s enemies, even though they greatly outnumbered the chosen people. Sisera, had 900 iron chariots and a multitude of soldiers. Logic and reason said that Barak and his 10,000 men on foot with swords were no match for Sisera’s armies and chariots. But God!
When visiting Mount Tabor, you can walk in the footsteps of Deborah and Barak. Here, you can visualize for yourself their descent down the mountain as they took on Sisera’s multitude with their small army.
Mount Tabor and the Transfiguration of Jesus
Mount Tabor is also attributed to be the sight of the transfiguration of Jesus and has been a Christian pilgrimage site for centuries. The transfiguration is accounted for in three of the four gospels: Matthew 17:1-9. Mark 9:2-8 and Luke 9:28-36. A mention of the transfiguration also occurs in 2 Peter 1:16-18.
Each gospel account of the transfiguration pertains to Jesus’ identity and why He came to earth. Today, just as then, the question of who Jesus is, is crucial. Then, just as now, many said that He was “just a rabbi”, an ordinary man with a devoted following, a charismatic teacher, nothing more.
But for those of us who believe, we know Jesus is more than an interesting teacher. He is the ultimate prophet and the Messiah of Israel, as prophesied by John the Baptist.
And so, the transfiguration shows us the importance of faith oversight. Peter, who denied Jesus, is shown the majesty of Jesus’ divinity in the flesh. Today, while we await the Messiah’s return, we wait with faith, that we will see with our eyes what our hearts believe.
What the Bible Says about Jesus’ Identity
In Luke’s account Jesus tells the disciples that,
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. …what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:23-27)
Although we see clearly that Jesus is the Messiah, for others, His divinity is not so apparent, no matter how compelling our apologetics or historical evidence for our faith. Our faith runs counterintuitive to the world’s wisdom and what our natural eyes can see.
Because Peter witnessed the heavenly splendor of the Messiah Jesus with natural sight, he was able to use this as his testimony to unbelievers. (2 Peter 1:16-18)
The Mount of Transfiguration
On Mount Tabor, Jesus was transfigured before His disciples. His face shone like the sun, and He appeared alongside Moses and Elijah. This event is considered a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry, affirming his divine nature.
It correlates with the baptism of Jesus, in the Jordan river, when the Father’s voice breaks through the clouds, declaring Jesus to be His son, in whom He is well pleased.
In the Bible, numerous encounters on mountaintops have holy significance. Moses is given the sign of the burning bush on Mount Horeb. The ten commandments are given on Mount Sinai. And Mount Hermon is a described as a place of mystery and romance in Psalm 42 and Song of Songs 4:8. Then, we learn of Mount Tabor as a place of Jesus’ transfiguration and divine revelation.
One could argue that before this, Jesus was perceived as an ordinary man, a teacher with a compelling message. Isaiah 53 describes Jesus as homely, not stately or majestic in his natural appearance. (Isaiah 53:2) He was not an Olympian of unnatural beauty, but an ordinary man from Nazareth who walked among us.
But unlike us, He was and is the Messiah, Emmanuel, God with us.
The transfiguration was a profound moment when the veil was lifted, and Peter was able to see with his natural eyes, the glory of Messiah. The transfiguration reminds us that what seems apparent is often an illusion, and that the unseen is eternal. In the words of Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:18,
“…While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.“
Visit Mount Tabor Because of Church History
Mount Tabor has been a destination for religious pilgrimage for centuries. It draws Christians who seek to experience the spiritual significance of the Transfiguration site: hope, renewal, and assurance of faith. Which is that the Lord we serve walked the earth in first century Israel and will return again.
Mount Tabor is home to the Church of the Transfiguration, which is a part of a Franciscan monastery. It was completed in the early 20th century. The church stands on the ruins of a 12th century Byzantine church.
Saint Francis of Assisi was a 13th century mendicant monk who took a vow of poverty. He was moved by a mass on the Gospel of Matthew to go, preach the message, and share the good news. The mission of Saint Francis is summed in the words, ” to follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in His footsteps.”
The Church of the Transfiguration contains beautiful mosaics depicting scenes from the life of Jesus. Mount Tabor has also been the subject of archaeological exploration, with excavations uncovering ancient ruins dating back to the Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader periods. These archaeological findings contribute greatly to our understanding of the region’s history and significance.
What Does Visiting Mount Tabor Mean to a Christian?
Mount Tabor continues to attract visitors from around the world even in the uncertain times we live in. Or maybe even more so now than before?
Whether to seek healing, guidance, comfort, spiritual direction or adventure, a pilgrimage to Israel promises a transformation. What do you think? Are you ready to take up your pilgrim’s staff, and visit Mount Tabor?
Sources Ed. Green, J. B., Howard Marshall, I., & McKnight, S. (n.d.). Transfiguration. In Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (pp. 834–841). essay, Intervarsity Press. Brady, I. Charles and Cunningham, . Lawrence (2024, October 7). St. Francis of Assisi. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Francis-of-Assisi
Visiting Israel: In the Footsteps of Jesus: Free PDF Download
It is quite exciting to think that while touring Israel you are walking on the same land that Jesus did.
Whether it is the reason why you came to Israel or not, it is worth noting which locations were significant to His life and ministry. God chose this piece of land to send His Son to live on earth. Many archeological findings confirm the locations mentioned in the Bible.
Get this PDF
Articles Related to Why Visit Mount Tabor on Your Next Israel Trip?
Gates to the Old City of Jerusalem and Their Meaning
Travel to Israel
Fields of Wheat Prepares for Galilee’s Spiritual Harvest
Sea of Galilee: A Beginner’s Guide
Is God Punishing Israel? Let’s Look at Modern History and the Bible
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
The post Mount Tabor: Why Visit on Your Next Israel Trip? appeared first on FIRM Israel.
Visual Verse of the Day
"But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst..." John 4:13-14
