“In that day also he shall come even to thee from Assyria, and from the fortified cities, and from the fortress even to the river, and from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain.”
(Micah 7:12)
Bahá’u’lláh came from the East to the West. He was exiled from his native land, Iran, and travelled with His family from Tehran to Baghdád. After 10 years in Baghdád, He was forced to move to Constantinople (Istanbul) and then to Adrianople, in Turkey. His last exile was to the prison/fortress city of ‘Akká, near Haifa, in the Holy Land, where He remained as a prisoner for 9 years. For the final 15 years of His earthly life, Bahá’u’lláh left the city of ‘Akká, and lived in the countryside nearby.
Map of Exiles
(© Bahá’í International Community)
Although these exiles, journeys, and destinations were not chosen by Him, the prophecy of Micah was fulfilled. Here’s how:
“… he shall come even to thee from Assyria…”
The route Bahá’u’lláh took from Baghdád to Constantinople passed through the northern part of what we know today as ‘Iráq, which in Bible times was Assyria.
“… and from the fortified cities…”
Baghdád, Constantinople, and ‘Akká were all fortified cities.
“…and from the fortress even to the river…”
When Bahá’u’lláh was able to leave the fortress of ‘Akká, He occasionally visited a nearby garden through which a river flowed.
“…and from sea to sea…”
The journey from Baghdád to Constantinople was by way of the Black Sea, and from then Adrianople to ‘Akká was by the Mediterranean Sea.
“…and from mountain to mountain…”
While in Baghdád, Bahá’u’lláh spent about 2 years in the mountains of Kurdistán. Many years later, in the Holy Land, after leaving the fortress of ‘Akká, He was able to dwell for a short while on Mount Carmel.