Bible Cities: Carmel
Ancient Carmel

Ancient Carmel - Map of New Testament Israel
CAR`MEL (full of corn), i. A city of Judah on the Mountain
of Carmel six miles south-east of Hebron. Nabal`s
possession, 1 Sam. 25:2 ; seat of Saul`s trophy, 25:12 ;
and Uzziah`s vineyards, 2 Chron. 26:10. ii. The bold
promontory which forms the bay of Acre, 1500 feet high,
separating Sharon from Esdraelon. Familiar by histories of
Elijah and Elisha, Isa. 35:2 ; 33:9 ; 2 Kings 2:25 ; 4:25 ;
1 Kings 18.
https://www.bible-history.com/geography/ancient-israel/mount-carmel.html
Carmel in Easton's Bible Dictionary
a park; generally with the article, "the park." (1.) A
prominent
headland of Central Israel, 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 Israel 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 (Isa. 33:9; Jer. 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 (Josh.
15:55), the
residence of Nabal (1 Sam. 25:2, 5, 7, 40), and the
native place
of Abigail, who became David's wife (1 Sam. 27:3).
Here king
Uzziah had his vineyards (2 Chr. 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.
https://www.bible-history.com/eastons/C/Carmel/
Carmel in Fausset's Bible Dictionary
Generally with the article, "the park," derived from kerem
'Eel, "the vineyard of God." Sometimes not a proper name:
Isaiah 32:15, "a fruitful field," Hebrew Karmel; a
characteristic feature of the Holy-Land.
1. A mountain promontory in Asher, 12 miles long,
jutting out into the Mediterranean. a few miles S. of
Ptolemais or Acre; toward its eastern extremity 1,600 feet
above the level of the sea, at the W. end 600. Now Mar Elyas
(Elijah), rarely Kurmul. The only bold headland of
Israel. It separates the plain of Sharon on the S. from
the more inland plain of Esdraelon or Jezreel on the N., by
which the river Kishon flows into the sea in a direction
parallel to the mountain range. The stone is mostly soft
white limestone, with nodules of flint; at the W. chalk; on
the N.E. plutonic rocks. "Elijah's melons," or lapides
Judaici, is the name applied to stones of light brown flint
outside, hollow inside, and lined with quartz crystals or
chalcedony, the geological "geodes."
Fossil spines of echinus are called "olives." The
"apples" are the shells of the Cidaris glandifera. Carmel's
characteristic shrubbery's are still to be seen, with rocky
dells amidst jungles of copse oaks, evergreens, and numerous
caves. The forests have disappeared. Flowering and fragrant
herbs abound, hollyhocks, jasmine, and various vegetable
creepers, "the excellency (i.e. the beauty) of Carmel"
(Isaiah 35:2.) Hence it is the image of the bride's head
with luxuriant tresses (Song of Solomon 7:5). "thine head
upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like
purple (Hebrew the pendulous hair is of glossy black, like
purple), the king is held captivated with the flowing
ringlets" (not galleries). The scene of Elijah's conflict
with, and execution of, Baal's prophets was at the N.E. of
the range, beside a spring said to be perennial.
But Blunt (Undesigned Coincidences) thinks that sea
water was used, as water would not have been otherwise so
wasted in a drought. The distance of the sea forbids this
view; the sea is far W. of the scene. The spring is 250 feet
below the steep rocky altar plateau. It is in the former a
vaulted tank, with steps leading down to it. Carmel was so
covered with thicket and forest as to be difficult of
access, so that the fountain was not so available in the
drought as otherwise it would have been. The shade of the
trees and the vaulting (if it then existed) would check
evaporation. The site of Elijah's sacrifice is still marked
by the Arab name El-Maharrakah," the burning." The spring
still flowing amidst the drought is close by. Josephus says
the water was obtained...
https://www.bible-history.com/faussets/C/Carmel/
Carmel in Hitchcock's Bible Names
circumcised lamb; harvest; full of ears of corn
https://www.bible-history.com/hitchcock/C/Carmel/
Carmel in Naves Topical Bible
1. A fertile and picturesque mountain in Israel
So 7:5; Isa 33:9; 35:2; Jer 46:18; 50:19; Am 1:2
Forests of
2Ki 19:23
Caves of
Am 9:3; Mic 7:14
An idolatrous high place upon; Elijah builds an altar
upon,
and confounds the worshipers of Baal, putting to
death four
hundred and fifty of its prophets
1Ki 18:17-46
Elisha's abode in
2Ki 2:25; 4:25
-2. A city of Judah
Jos 15:55
Saul erects a memorial at
1Sa 15:12
Nabal's possessions at
1Sa 25:2
King Uzziah, who delighted in agriculture, had vineyards
at
2Ch 26:10
https://www.bible-history.com/naves/C/CARMEL/
Carmel in Smiths Bible Dictionary
(fruitful place or park).
1. A mountain which forms one of the most striking and
characteristic features of the country of Israel. It is a
noble ridge, the only headland of lower and central Israel,
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. 2Ki 2:25;
4:25; 1Ki 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, Jos
15:55 familiar to us as the residence of Nabal. 1Sa
25:2,5,7,40
https://www.bible-history.com/smiths/C/Carmel/
Carmel in the Bible Encyclopedia - ISBE
kar'-mel (karmel, or, with article, ha-karmel, "fruit
garden"; Josephus, ho Karmelos, Karmelion oros):
(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 Ch 26:10.
In the figurative language of Scripture it appears as the
symbol of beauty (Song 7:5), of fruitfulness (Isa 35:2), of
majesty (Jer 46:18), of prosperous and happy life (Jer
50:19). The languishing of Carmel betokens the vengeance of
God upon the land (Nah 1:4); and her decay, utter desolation
(Am 1:2; Isa 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 Ki 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 Ki 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 Ki 18:42 ff). 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 Ki 1:9 ff. 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 (Josh 15:55). Here Saul for some reason not
stated set up a monument or trophy (1 Sam 15:12; literally
"hand"). It was the home of Nabal the churlish and drunken
flockmaster, whose widow Abigail David married (1 Sam 25);
and also of Hezro, one of David's mighty men (2 Sam 23:35; 1
Ch 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.
https://www.bible-history.com/isbe/C/CARMEL/
Carmel Scripture - 1 Kings 18:19
Now therefore send, [and] gather to me all Israel unto mount
Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and
the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at
Jezebel's table.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/1+Kings/18/
Carmel Scripture - 1 Kings 18:20
So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the
prophets together unto mount Carmel.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/1+Kings/18/
Carmel Scripture - 1 Kings 18:42
So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the
top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and
put his face between his knees,
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/1+Kings/18/
Carmel Scripture - 1 Samuel 15:12
And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was
told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set
him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone
down to Gilgal.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/1+Samuel/15/
Carmel Scripture - 1 Samuel 25:2
And [there was] a man in Maon, whose possessions [were] in
Carmel; and the man [was] very great, and he had three
thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his
sheep in Carmel.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/1+Samuel/25/
Carmel Scripture - 1 Samuel 25:40
And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to
Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee,
to take thee to him to wife.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/1+Samuel/25/
Carmel Scripture - 1 Samuel 25:5
And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the
young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet
him in my name:
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/1+Samuel/25/
Carmel Scripture - 1 Samuel 25:7
And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy
shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was
there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in
Carmel.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/1+Samuel/25/
Carmel Scripture - 2 Chronicles 26:10
Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells:
for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the
plains: husbandmen [also], and vine dressers in the mountains,
and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/2+Chronicles/26/
Carmel Scripture - 2 Kings 19:23
By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast
said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the
height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut
down the tall cedar trees thereof, [and] the choice fir trees
thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders,
[and into] the forest of his Carmel.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/2+Kings/19/
Carmel Scripture - 2 Kings 2:25
And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he
returned to Samaria.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/2+Kings/2/
Carmel Scripture - 2 Kings 4:25
So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And
it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he
said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, [yonder is] that
Shunammite:
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/2+Kings/4/
Carmel Scripture - Amos 1:2
And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice
from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall
mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/Amos/1/
Carmel Scripture - Amos 9:3
And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will
search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from
my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the
serpent, and he shall bite them:
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/Amos/9/
Carmel Scripture - Isaiah 33:9
The earth mourneth [and] languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed [and]
hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel
shake off [their fruits].
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/Isaiah/33/
Carmel Scripture - Isaiah 35:2
It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and
singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the
excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of
the LORD, [and] the excellency of our God.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/Isaiah/35/
Carmel Scripture - Isaiah 37:24
By thy servants hast thou reproached the Lord, and hast said,
By the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of
the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon; and I will cut down
the tall cedars thereof, [and] the choice fir trees thereof:
and I will enter into the height of his border, [and] the
forest of his Carmel.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/Isaiah/37/
Carmel Scripture - Jeremiah 46:18
[As] I live, saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of
hosts, Surely as Tabor [is] among the mountains, and as Carmel
by the sea, [so] shall he come.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/Jeremiah/46/
Carmel Scripture - Jeremiah 50:19
And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall
feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied
upon mount Ephraim and Gilead.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/Jeremiah/50/
Carmel Scripture - Joshua 12:22
The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/Joshua/12/
Carmel Scripture - Joshua 15:55
Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Juttah,
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/Joshua/15/
Carmel Scripture - Joshua 19:26
And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reacheth to Carmel
westward, and to Shihorlibnath;
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/Joshua/19/
Carmel Scripture - Micah 7:14
Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage,
which dwell solitarily [in] the wood, in the midst of Carmel:
let them feed [in] Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/Micah/7/
Carmel Scripture - Nahum 1:4
He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the
rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of
Lebanon languisheth.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/Nahum/1/
Carmel Scripture - Song of Solomon 7:5
Thine head upon thee [is] like Carmel, and the hair of thine
head like purple; the king [is] held in the galleries.
https://www.bible-history.com/kjv/Song+of+Solomon/7/
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