Glimpses of Israel - Haifa
by Joseph Hunting
Haifa is situated on a coast that witnessed man's earliest attempts to navigate the seas. This coastline saw the growth of great cities like Joppa, Akko, Tyre and Sidon, whose merchants carried the fabulous wealth of ancient civilizations.
The Carmel range some seventeen miles long ends abruptly at the coast at this point. 2,500 years ago Mount Carmel was the venue for a mighty display of Divine power when Elijah called down fire from heaven in a contest with the priests of Baal.
Nearly 4,000 years ago: "Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together that I may tell you what shall befall you IN THE LAST DAYS."
Of his son Zebulun Jacob prophesied: "Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea, and he shall be for an haven for ships." (Genesis 49:13)
One may stand on Mount Carmel today and gaze over the magnificent harbour that may well be the fulfilment of Jacob's prophecy.
Whilst Haifa hasn't the sophisticated air of Tel Aviv nor the old-new charm of Jerusalem, it has magnificent views of the Mediterranean coast and an unsurpassed climate.
Haifa was the gateway to the Promised Land for ten of thousands of exiles who sought freedom and a new life in the land God promised to Abraham. Their return after nearly 2,000 years of dispersion is according to Jeremiah's prophecy: "Hear the Word of the Lord, O ye nations, declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him as a shepherd doth his flock." (Jeremiah 31:10)