Carmel

circumcised lamb; harvest; full of ears of corn

Carmel

(fruitful place or park).

1. A mountain which forms one of the most striking and characteristic features of the country of Palestine. It is a noble ridge, the only headland of lower and central Palestine, and forms its southern boundary, running out with a bold bluff promontory, nearly 600 feet high, almost into the very waves of the Mediterranean, then extending southeast for a little more than twelve miles, when it terminates suddenly in a bluff somewhat corresponding to its western end. In form Carmel is a tolerably continuous ridge, its highest point,a bout four miles from the eastern end, being 1740 feet above the sea. That which has made the name of Carmel most familiar to the modern world is its intimate connection with the history of the two great prophets of Israel, Elijah and Elisha. (2 Kings 2:25; 4:25; 1 Kings 18:20-42) It is now commonly called Mar Elyas; Kurmel being occasionally, but only seldom, hear.
2. A town in the mountainous country of Judah, (Joshua 15:55) familiar to us as the residence of Nabal. (1 Samuel 25:2,5,7,40)

Carmel

A fruitful field,

1. A city of Judah, on a mountain of the same name, eight miles south by east of Hebron, Joshua 15:55. On this mountain Saul, returning from his expedition against Amalek, erected a trophy; and here Nabal the Carmelite, Abigail's husband, dwelt, 1 Samuel 15:12,25. Its ruins indicate that it was a large place.

2. A celebrated range of hills running northwest from the Plain of Esdraelon, and ending in the promontory which forms the bay of Acre. Its greatest height is about 1,500 feet; at its northeastern foot runs the brook Kishon, and a little farther north, the river Belus. On its northern point stands a convent of the Carmelite friars, an order established in the twelfth century, and having at the present day various branches in Europe. The foot of the northern part approaches the water, so that, seen from the hills north-east of Acre, mount Carmel appears as if "dipping his feet in the western sea;" farther south it retires more inland, so that between the mountain and the sea there is an extensive plain covered with fields and olive-trees. Mariti describes it as a delightful region, and says the good quality of its soil is apparent from the fact that so many odoriferous plants and flowers, as hyacinths, jonquilles, tazettos, anemones, etc., grow wild upon the mountain. Von Richter says, "Mount Camel is entirely covered with green; on its summit are pines and oaks, and farther down olive and laurel trees. It gives rise to a multitude of crystal brooks, the largest of which issues from the so-called �fountain of Elijah;- and they all hurry along, between banks thickly overgrown with bushes, to the Kishon. Every species of tillage succeeds admirably under this mild and cheerful sky. The prospect from the summit of the mountain out over the gulf of Acre and its fertile shores, to the blue heights of Lebanon and to the White cape, is enchanting." Mr. Carne also ascended the mountain, and traversed the whole summit, which occupied several hours. He says, "It is the finest and most beautiful mountain in Palestine, of great length, and in many parts covered with trees and flowers. On reaching, at last, the opposite summit, and coming out of a wood, we saw the celebrated plain of Esdraelon beneath, with the river Kishon flowing through it; mounts Tabor and Little Hermon were in front, (east); and on the right, (south,) the prospect was bounded by the hills of Samaria." From the southeast side of this ridge, a range of low wooded hills on the south spreads and rises into the high lands of Samaria. Those who visit mount Carmel in the last part of the dry season, find every thing parched and brown; yet enough remains to show how just were the allusions of ancient writers to its exceeding beauty, Isaiah 35:2, its verdure of drapery and grace of outline, So 7:5, and its rich pastures, Isaiah 33:9 Jeremiah 50:19 Am 1:2. The rock of the mountain is a hard limestone, abounding in natural caves, Am 9:3. These have in many cases been enlarged, and otherwise fitted for human habitation; and the mountain has been in various ages a favorite residence for devotees. It is memorable for frequent visits of the prophets Elijah and Elisha, 2 Kings 2:25 4:25, and especially for the destruction of the priests of Baal upon it, 1 Kings 18:1-46.

A park; generally with the article, "the park."

(1.) A prominent headland of Central Palestine, consisting of several connected hills extending from the plain of Esdraelon to the sea, a distance of some 12 miles or more. At the east end, in its highest part, it is 1,728 feet high, and at the west end it forms a promontory to the bay of Acre about 600 feet above the sea. It lay within the tribe of Asher. It was here, at the east end of the ridge, at a place called el-Mukhrakah (i.e., the place of burning), that Elijah brought back the people to their allegiance to God, and slew the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Here were consumed the "fifties" of the royal guard; and here also Elisha received the visit of the bereaved mother whose son was restored by him to life (2 Kings 4:25-37). "No mountain in or around Palestine retains its ancient beauty so much as Carmel. Two or three villages and some scattered cottages are found on it; its groves are few but luxuriant; it is no place for crags and precipices or rocks of wild goats; but its surface is covered with a rich and constant verdure." "The whole mountain-side is dressed with blossom, and flowering shrubs, and fragrant herbs." The western extremity of the ridge is, however, more rocky and bleak than the eastern. The head of the bride in Cant. 7:5 is compared to Carmel. It is ranked with Bashan on account of its rich pastures (Isaiah 33:9; Jeremiah 50:19; Amos 1:2). The whole ridge is deeply furrowed with rocky ravines filled with dense jungle. There are many caves in its sides, which at one time were inhabited by swarms of monks. These caves are referred to in Amos 9:3. To them Elijah and Elisha often resorted (1 Kings 18:19, 42; 2 Kings 2:25). On its north-west summit there is an ancient establishment of Carmelite monks. Vineyards have recently been planted on the mount by the German colonists of Haifa. The modern Arabic name of the mount is Kurmul, but more commonly Jebel Mar Elyas, i.e., Mount St. Elias, from the Convent of Elias.

(2.) A town in the hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:55), the residence of Nabal (1 Samuel 25:2, 5, 7, 40), and the native place of Abigail, who became David's wife (1 Samuel 27:3). Here king Uzziah had his vineyards (2 Chronicles 26:10). The ruins of this town still remain under the name of Kurmul, about 10 miles south-south-east of Hebron, close to those of Maon.

CARMEL

(1) A beautifully wooded mountain range running for about 13 miles in a south-easterly direction from the promontory which drops on the shore of the Mediterranean near Haifa, at the southern extremity of the plain of Acre, to the height of el-Machraqah which overlooks the plain of Esdraelon. On the top of the promontory, at a height of 500 ft. the monastery of Elias stands. From this point there is a gradual ascent until the greatest height is reached at Esfiyeh (1,742 ft.), the peak at el-Machraqah being only some 55 ft. lower. The mountain-usually named with the article, "the Carmel"-still justifies its name, "the garden with fruit trees." The steep slopes on the North and East, indeed, afford little scope for cultivation, although trees and brushwood grow abundantly. But to the South and West the mountain falls away to the sea and the plain in a series of long, fertile valleys, where the "excellency" of Carmel finds full illustration today. There are a few springs of good water; but the main supply is furnished by the winter rains, which are caught and stored in great cisterns. The villages on the slopes have a look of prosperity not too often seen in Syria, the rich soil amply rewarding the toil of the husbandmen. Oak and pine, myrtle and honeysuckle, box and laurel flourish; the sheen of fruitful olives fills many a hollow; and in the time of flowers Carmel is beautiful in a garment of many colors. Evidences of the ancient husbandry which made it famous are found in the cisterns, and the oil and wine presses cut in the surface of the rock. There is probably a reference to the vine culture here in 2 Chronicles 26:10. In the figurative language of Scripture it appears as the symbol of beauty (Songs 7:5), of fruitfulness (Isaiah 35:2), of majesty (Jeremiah 46:18), of prosperous and happy life (Jeremiah 50:19). The languishing of Carmel betokens the vengeance of God upon the land (Nahum 1:4); and her decay, utter desolation (Amos 1:2 Isaiah 33:9).

Asylum and Sanctuary:

Roughly triangular in form, with plains stretching from its base on each of the three sides, the mountain, with its majestic form and massive bulk, is visible from afar. Its position deprived it of any great value for military purposes. It commanded none of the great highways followed by armies: the passes between Esdraelon and Sharon, to the East of Carmel, furnishing the most convenient paths. But the mountain beckoned the fugitive from afar, and in all ages has offered asylum to the hunted in its caves and wooded glens. Also its remote heights with their spacious outlook over land and sea; its sheltered nooks and embowering groves have been scenes of worship from old time. Here stood an ancient altar of Yahweh (1 Kings 18:30). We may assume that there was also a sanctuary of Baal, since the worshippers of these deities chose the place as common ground for the great trim (1 Kings 18). The scene is traditionally located at el-Machraqah, "the place of burnt sacrifice," which is still held sacred by the Druzes. A Latin chapel stands near, with a great cistern. A good spring is found lower down the slope. Just below, on the North bank of the Kishon stands the mound ca11ed Tell el-qissis, "mound of the priest." From the crest of Carmel Elijah descried the coming storm, and, descending the mountain, ran before the chariot of Ahab to the gate of Jezreel (1 Kings 18:42). Under the monastery on the western promontory is a cave, said to be that of Elijah. An older tradition locates the cave of the prophet at ed-Deir, near `Ain es-Sih. It may have been the scene of the events narrated in 2 Kings 1:9. Elisha also was a familiar visitor to Mt. Carmel. It was within the territory allotted to Asher; in later times it passed into the hands of Tyre (BJ, III, iii, 1).

(2) A city of Judah, in the uplands near Hebron, named with Maon and Ziph (Joshua 15:55). Here Saul for some reason not stated set up a monument or trophy (1 Samuel 15:12; literally "hand"). It was the home of Nabal the churlish and drunken flockmaster, whose widow Abigail David married (1 Samuel 25); and also of Hezro, one of David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:35 1 Chronicles 11:37). It is represented by the modern el-Karmil, about 10 miles to the Southeast of Hebron. Karmil is the pronunciation given me by several natives this spring. There are considerable ruins, the most outstanding feature being square tower dating from the 12th century, now going swiftly to ruin. There are also caves, tombs and a large reservoir.

W. Ewing

4565. Saron -- Sharon, a plain in Palestine
... Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Saron Phonetic Spelling: (sar'-one) Short Definition:
Sharon Definition: Sharon, the maritime plain between Carmel and Joppa. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4565.htm - 6k3761. Karmeli -- inhab. of Carmel
... of Carmel. Transliteration: Karmeli Phonetic Spelling: (kar-mel-ee') Short Definition:
Carmelite. ... of Carmel NASB Word Usage Carmelite (3), Carmelitess (1). ...
/hebrew/3761.htm - 6k

5037. Nabal -- a man of Carmel
... 5036, 5037. Nabal. 5038 . a man of Carmel. Transliteration: Nabal Phonetic
Spelling: (naw-bawl') Short Definition: Nabal. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/5037.htm - 6k

3760. Karmel -- a mountain promontory on the Mediterranean, also a ...
... a mountain promontory on the Mediterranean, also a city near Hebron. Transliteration:
Karmel Phonetic Spelling: (kar-mel') Short Definition: Carmel. ...
/hebrew/3760.htm - 6k

Carmel
... Prophets of the Northern Kingdom Chapter 11 Carmel. ... Something unusual was
about to happen; else why this summons to gather at Carmel? ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 11 carmel.htm

The West Coast of Galilee-Carmel.
... A Chorographical Century. Chapters 61-70 Chapter 63 The west coast of
Galilee-Carmel. The people of Issachar had "Carmel and the ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 63 the west coast.htm

Pauline Enters the Carmel
... OF SOEUR TH??R??SE OF LISIEUX, ENTITLED BY HERSELF: "THE STORY OF THE SPRINGTIME OF
A LITTLE WHITE FLOWER" CHAPTER III - PAULINE ENTERS THE CARMEL. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/chapter iii - pauline enters.htm

The Little Flower Enters the Carmel
... CHAPTER VII THE LITTLE FLOWER ENTERS THE CARMEL. Monday, April 9 ... of life.
At length the doors of the Carmel closed upon me. . . . I ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter vii the little flower.htm

the Little Flower Enters the Carmel
... OF SOEUR TH??R??SE OF LISIEUX, ENTITLED BY HERSELF: "THE STORY OF THE SPRINGTIME OF
A LITTLE WHITE FLOWER" CHAPTER VII - THE LITTLE FLOWER ENTERS THE CARMEL. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/chapter vii - the little.htm

Thine Head Upon Thee is Like Carmel, and the Hair of Thy Head Like ...
... CHAPTER VII. 5. Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thy
head like the King's purple, bound by the water courses. ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/5 thine head upon thee.htm

Pauline Enters the Carmel
... CHAPTER III PAULINE ENTERS THE CARMEL. ... I did not know the Carmel; but I knew that
she was leaving me to enter a convent, and that she would not wait for me. ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter iii pauline enters the.htm

(Written in 1887, Shortly Before Therese Entered the Carmel. )
... LETTERS TO MOTHER AGNES OF JESUS I (Written in 1887, shortly before Th??r??se
entered the Carmel.). (Written in 1887, shortly before ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/i written in 1887 shortly.htm

A Description of the Sea-Coast, Out of Pliny and Strabo.
... Dorum. Sycaminum. The promontory Carmel: and, in the mountain, a town of the same
name, heretofore called Ecbatana. ... And so was the wood and Carmel.". ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 10 a description of.htm

Abigail's Sensible Advice
... THE OLD TESTAMENT ABIGAIL'S SENSIBLE ADVICE. Then David went away into the Wilderness
of Maon. Now there was a man in Maon, whose property was in Carmel. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/abigails sensible advice.htm

Carmel (33 Occurrences)
... "No mountain in or around Palestine retains its ancient beauty so much as Carmel. ...
The head of the bride in Cant. 7:5 is compared to Carmel. ...
/c/carmel.htm - 25k

Maon (7 Occurrences)
... its, ma-o'-nits (ma`on; Septuagint: Codex Vaticanus Maor, Maan; Codex Alexandrinus
Maon): (1) A town in the mountain of Judah named along with Carmel and Ziph ...
/m/maon.htm - 12k

Carmelite (6 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A friar of a mendicant order (the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel)
established on Mount Carmel, in Syria, in the twelfth century; a White Friar. ...
/c/carmelite.htm - 9k

Esdraelon
... of the son of Amer") which stretches across Central Palestine from the Jordan to
the Mediterraanean, separating the mountain ranges of Carmel and Samaria from ...
/e/esdraelon.htm - 15k

Jokneam (5 Occurrences)
... Gathered by the people, (Joshua 19:11; 21:34), a city "of Carmel" (12:22), ie, on
Carmel, allotted with its suburbs to the Merarite Levites. ...Carmel. ...
/j/jokneam.htm - 9k

Shunem (3 Occurrences)
... On the sudden death of this woman's son she hastened to Carmel, 20 miles distant
across the plain, to tell Elisha, and to bring him with her to Shunem. ...
/s/shunem.htm - 10k

Shihor-libnath (1 Occurrence)
... Black-white, a stream on the borders of Asher, probably the modern Nahr Zerka, ie,
the "crocodile brook," or "blue river", which rises in the Carmel range and ...
/s/shihor-libnath.htm - 8k

Shihorlibnath (1 Occurrence)
... Black-white, a stream on the borders of Asher, probably the modern Nahr Zerka, ie,
the "crocodile brook," or "blue river", which rises in the Carmel range and ...
/s/shihorlibnath.htm - 8k

Sharon (9 Occurrences)
... Mt. Carmel in the North. ... district. The "excellency" of Carmel and Sharon (Isaiah
35:2) is probably an allusion to the luxuriant oak forests. ...
/s/sharon.htm - 13k

Kishon (6 Occurrences)
... northerly direction through the plains of Esdraelon and Acre, falls into the
Mediterranean at the north-eastern corner of the bay of Acre, at the foot of Carmel...
/k/kishon.htm - 12k

What is the significance of Mount Carmel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal? | GotQuestions.org

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