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Arbel Cliff - location profile

Location and Setting

The Arbel Cliff is a sharp crest jutting up from the large ridge that lies along the southwestern side of the Sea of Galilee. It rises some 1,300 feet above the narrow wadi below, known as the Valley of the Doves.

A main route of the International Coastal Highway probably passed through this valley, as it descended to the Plain of Gennesaret.

From the cliff, the whole Sea of Galilee was visible, especially the north shore of the lake, which was the center of Jesus’ ministry. Below the cliff, on its north side, the productive fields and orchards of the Plain of Gennesaret stretched along the shore.

Some forty years before the birth of Jesus, the Roman senate appointed Herod the Great as king of Judea. Since the invading Parthians from the east had installed Antigonus in this position, Herod was forced to fight for his throne. In 39 B.C., he sailed from Rome to the coast of Palestine north of Mount Carmel. As he moved eastward, he took Sepphoris and headed towards the Sea of Galilee. To dispose of resistors to his rule, who were hiding in the caves on the north side of the Arbel Cliff, he ordered his soldiers to be lowered down in baskets in front of the caves. His men then used large hooks and smoke to drive out the enemies who were hiding there.

It is possible that the Arbel Cliff was the "high mountain" where Jesus commissioned His followers to "go into the world and make disciples" (Matt 28:16-20).

Jesus, His family, and His followers would probably have passed through the Valley of the Doves on many occasions. For them, the towering, rugged cliff above would be very familiar.

Rousseau, John J. and Rami Arav. Jesus and His World: An Archaeological and Cultural Dictionary. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1995.