Mount Arbel (Israel)
City:
State, Province, Region, or District:
Northern District, Lower Galilee Region
Country:
Israel
Overview
Mount Arbel is located on the west side of the Sea of Galilee and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding area. History and tradition locate Mount Arbel as the place where Christ gave the Great Commission to go into all the world and preach the gospel (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-18). Because Christ spent a majority of His ministry time around the Sea of Galilee, many theologians believe this is the place because it is the tallest mountain in the area and provides a perfect backdrop to Christ giving the mandate. The cliffs of Mount Arbel have natural caves that have been used as shelters for rebels against Herod the Great, revolts against the Romans, and later periods. The ruins of Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine villages lie below the cliffs and on its southwestern side.
Alternate Names
Mount Arbel
Geography & Location
Mount Arbel is a mountain in the Lower Galilee near Tiberias in Israel, with high cliffs, views of Mount Hermon and the Golan Heights, a cave-fortress, and ruins of an ancient synagogue. Mount Arbel sits across from Mount Nitai.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
The area was populated at the Persian and Greek periods, and reached its peak at the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Architecture
Structure of the caves:
Biblical & Historical References
Biblical
Spiritual Lessons and Application
In fulfilling the Great Commission, it’s not just enough to be a good person and hope our life will show others we’re different. We are commanded to go and speak and evangelize!
Site Visit
General View
Places of Interest
Park Entrance