ARTICLES

By Stephen Faircloth

High upon the limestone cliffs of Mount Arbel, the land of Galilee unfolds in breathtaking detail. From this height, visitors see the fertile plain of Gennesar below and the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee beyond. It is here that the Gospels tell us 95 percent of Jesus’ ministry took place. To stand on Arbel is to glimpse the stage on which much of His teaching, healing, and miraculous works unfolded.

Arbel may be the same Beth-Arbel mentioned by the prophet Hosea (10:14). The present site, however, took shape at the end of the second century B.C. Jewish settlers, likely part of the Hasmonean expansion into Galilee, built their homes here. Rabbinic tradition even names a prominent sage, Nittai of Arbel, who later served as head of the Sanhedrin. This shows that from early on, the region carried both religious and cultural weight within Jewish life.

The people of Arbel prospered in agriculture. The valley below was especially fertile, producing flax for linen, along with grain, olives, and grapes. Archaeological excavations have uncovered wine and olive presses as well as pools likely used to process flax. Even in the shadow of conflict and empire, Arbel was known for its productivity and resilience.

Yet Arbel also carries a darker history. It was the scene of fierce clashes between Herod and his rivals in the late first century B.C. Rebels sought refuge in the caves carved into the cliffs, where they made their desperate stand. Later, during the First Jewish Revolt, Josephus himself fortified these same caves. Their remains can still be seen today. The cliffs, beautiful yet sheer, remind us of both the strength and the vulnerability of those who once sought safety there.

Centuries later, a synagogue was built in Arbel. Though simple compared to Herod’s fortresses, it stood as a gathering place for worship and teaching. Its ruins remind us that faith endured here long after empires rose and fell.

For believers today, Mount Arbel offers more than history. It offers perspective. From its heights we see the land where Jesus walked, taught, and called His disciples. The cliffs remind us that while kingdoms and rebels built fortresses that crumbled, the kingdom Jesus proclaimed endures forever.

When you look out over your life, what do you see? Are you clinging to crumbling fortresses of your own making, or do you see the enduring kingdom of God? Standing at Arbel invites us to lift our eyes beyond the struggles of this world and fix them on Jesus, whose ministry still transforms lives today.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.