Carmel overlooked a wide expanse of country; its heights were visible from many parts of the kingdom of Israel. At the foot of the mount there were vantage points from which could be seen much of what took place above. God had been signally dishonored by the idolatrous worship carried on under cover of its wooded slopes; and Elijah chose this elevation as the most conspicuous place for the display of God's power and for the vindication of the honor of His name.

Fra Karmel var der udsigt over en stor del af landet, og bjergets toppe kunne ses i mange egne af Israels rige. Fra terrænet ved bjergets fod kunne man se meget af, hvad der foregik højere oppe. Gud var blevet groft vanæret på grund af den afgudsdyrkelse, som foregik i ly af bjergets skovbevoksede skråninger, og Elias fandt dette sted mest velegnet, da Guds kraft skulle åbenbares og hans navns ære hævdes.