Lexical Summary Karmeli: Carmelite Original Word: כַּרְמְלִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Carmelite Patron from Karmel; a Karmelite or inhabitant of Karmel (the town) -- Carmelite. see HEBREW Karmel NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Karmel Definition inhab. of Carmel NASB Translation Carmelite (3), Carmelitess (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs כַּרְמְלִי adjective, of a people, with article, the Carmelite, of Nabal ׳הַכּ 1 Samuel 30:5; 2 Samuel 2:2; 2 Samuel 3:3, so also 1 Samuel 27:3 (ᵐ5 We Klo Dr Bu Kit; ᵑ0 הַכַּרְמְלִית, of Abi-gail); of חצרו 2 Samuel 23:35 = 1 Chronicles 11:37. feminine הַכַּרְמְלִית the Carmelitess, 1 Chronicles 3:1, of Abigail. Topical Lexicon Geographic Setting The title “Carmelite” identifies a person from the Judean town of Carmel, a settlement in the hill country south of Hebron (Joshua 15:55). Surrounded by fertile terraces, vineyards, and olive groves, this Carmel embodied the Hebrew idea of a cultivated garden-land and should not be confused with Mount Carmel in the north. Its strategic location near the Wilderness of Paran made it a natural staging place for shepherds and travelers moving between the Negev and central Judah. Biblical Occurrences • 1 Samuel 30:5 These five references fall within the narrative arc of David’s rise and reign, framing the “Carmelite” identity inside the history of the united monarchy. Key Figures Designated “Carmelite” Abigail the Carmelite Twice widowed and twice identified by her hometown (1 Samuel 30:5; 2 Samuel 2:2), Abigail provides the earliest and most detailed picture of a Carmelite in Scripture. First encountered as the discerning wife of the churlish Nabal (1 Samuel 25), she intervenes to avert bloodshed and secures peace with David. After Nabal’s death she becomes David’s wife, later giving birth to Chileab (also called Daniel, 1 Chronicles 3:1). Through her wisdom, hospitality, and prophetic insight she models the “gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:4). By linking her identity to Carmel, the narrator silently recalls the fruitful character of her homeland, mirroring the fruitful outcome of her actions. Hezro the Carmelite In the list of David’s mighty men we meet “Hezro the Carmelite” (2 Samuel 23:35; 1 Chronicles 11:37). Though details of his exploits are not separately recorded, his inclusion among elite warriors underscores Carmel’s contribution to the military strength that secured David’s kingdom. His presence alongside heroes from every corner of Israel illustrates how God knit together diverse tribes and towns into a united people under one anointed king. Historical Significance in the Davidic Era 1. Economic Importance: Carmel’s rich agriculture sustained flocks such as those owned by Nabal (1 Samuel 25:2), attracting seasonal shearing crews and offering provisions for David’s fugitive band. Theological and Ministry Lessons • God values wise intercession. Abigail’s action reveals how the Lord can use individuals of peace to restrain violence and guide future leaders. Christological Reflection Abigail’s self-sacrificial appeal anticipates the mediatorial work of the Messiah, who would later stand between divine wrath and guilty sinners. Her provision of food and her request for forgiveness (1 Samuel 25:18–31) foreshadow the Bread of Life who secures eternal peace through His own intercession. Contemporary Application Churches and individual believers can draw from the Carmelite narrative to cultivate environments of hospitality, wise counsel, and courageous service. By embodying the “good fruits” James commends (James 3:17), modern disciples continue the legacy of the Carmelites—rooted in fertile soil and yielding righteousness for the glory of God. Forms and Transliterations הַֽכַּרְמְלִ֑י הַֽכַּרְמְלִ֔י הַֽכַּרְמְלִֽי׃ הכרמלי הכרמלי׃ hak·kar·mə·lî HakkarmeLi hakkarməlîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 30:5 HEB: אֵ֖שֶׁת נָבָ֥ל הַֽכַּרְמְלִֽי׃ NAS: the widow of Nabal the Carmelite. KJV: the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. INT: the widow of Nabal the Carmelite 2 Samuel 2:2 2 Samuel 3:3 2 Samuel 23:35 1 Chronicles 11:37 5 Occurrences |
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