Carmel is a significant geographical and historical location in the biblical narrative, known for its lush beauty and spiritual importance. The name "Carmel" means "garden" or "vineyard," reflecting its fertile nature. It is primarily recognized as a mountain range in northwestern Israel, extending from the Mediterranean Sea southeastward. The most notable peak is Mount Carmel, which rises to about 1,724 feet above sea level.

In the Bible, Carmel is perhaps best known for the dramatic confrontation between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal, as recorded in 1 Kings 18. Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest to demonstrate the power of the true God. After the prophets of Baal failed to elicit a response from their god, Elijah prayed, and the LORD sent fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, proving His sovereignty and leading the people to proclaim, "The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!" (1 Kings 18:39).

Carmel is also mentioned in the context of King Saul's reign. In 1 Samuel 15:12, Saul set up a monument for himself on Carmel after his victory over the Amalekites, an act that preceded his rejection as king due to his disobedience to God's command.

The region of Carmel is noted for its natural beauty and agricultural productivity. Isaiah 35:2 speaks of the glory of Carmel, using it as a metaphor for the coming restoration and blessing of God's people: "It will bloom abundantly and even rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God" .

Shihor-libnath

Shihor-libnath is a lesser-known location mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribe of Asher. In Joshua 19:26, the boundary of Asher's inheritance is described as reaching "to Carmel on the west and Shihor-libnath" . The exact identification of Shihor-libnath is uncertain, and it is not frequently mentioned elsewhere in the biblical text.

The name "Shihor" is often associated with a body of water, possibly a river or stream, and "Libnath" may refer to a white or sandy area, as the Hebrew root suggests whiteness or clarity. Some scholars propose that Shihor-libnath could be a reference to a watercourse or a region near the Mediterranean coast, possibly in the vicinity of Mount Carmel.

The mention of Shihor-libnath in the delineation of Asher's territory highlights the diverse and strategically significant land allotted to the tribe. Asher's inheritance included fertile plains, coastal areas, and access to maritime trade routes, contributing to the tribe's prosperity and influence in the region.

While Shihor-libnath does not play a prominent role in biblical narratives, its inclusion in the territorial descriptions underscores the detailed and specific nature of the land divisions among the tribes of Israel, as ordained by God and recorded in the book of Joshua.