Topical Bible: Forests: Carmel

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Topical Encyclopedia

Carmel, a prominent geographical feature in biblical history, is a mountain range located in modern-day Israel. It is renowned for its lush vegetation and significant biblical events. The name "Carmel" itself means "garden" or "vineyard," reflecting its fertile nature. This entry explores the biblical significance of Carmel, particularly its forests, as depicted in the Scriptures.

Geographical and Historical Context

Mount Carmel is a coastal range extending from the Mediterranean Sea inland, forming a natural barrier between the coastal plain and the Jezreel Valley. Its strategic location and fertile land made it a significant site throughout biblical history. The forests of Carmel were known for their beauty and abundance, often symbolizing prosperity and divine blessing.

Biblical References

1. Isaiah 35:2 : "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." This verse highlights the splendor and beauty of Carmel, comparing it to the glory of Lebanon, known for its majestic cedars. The forests of Carmel are depicted as a place of divine beauty and blessing.

2. Amos 1:2 : "He said: 'The LORD roars from Zion and raises His voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds mourn, and the summit of Carmel withers.'" Here, the prophet Amos uses Carmel as a symbol of fertility and life, which withers under the judgment of God. The imagery of a withering Carmel underscores the severity of divine judgment.

3. Song of Solomon 7:5 : "Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel, and your flowing locks are like purple; a king is held captive in your tresses." In this poetic imagery, the beauty and majesty of Carmel are used to describe the beloved's appearance, emphasizing the mountain's association with splendor and allure.

4. 1 Kings 18:19-40: Although not directly mentioning the forests, this passage recounts the famous contest between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. The event underscores Carmel's role as a place of divine encounter and revelation. The lush surroundings would have provided a fitting backdrop for this dramatic demonstration of God's power.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

Carmel's forests symbolize fertility, beauty, and divine blessing throughout the Scriptures. They serve as a metaphor for God's provision and the flourishing of His people. The lushness of Carmel is often contrasted with desolation, illustrating themes of judgment and restoration.

In prophetic literature, Carmel's imagery is used to convey messages of hope and renewal. The transformation of desolate places into fertile lands, as seen in Isaiah's prophecy, reflects God's redemptive work and the promise of future glory for His people.

Carmel in Christian Tradition

In Christian tradition, Mount Carmel holds significance beyond its biblical references. It is associated with the Carmelite Order, a Catholic religious order that traces its origins to hermits living on the mountain in the 12th century. The order emphasizes contemplative prayer and devotion, drawing inspiration from the biblical events and symbolism associated with Carmel.

Overall, the forests of Carmel, with their rich biblical and historical associations, continue to inspire and inform the faith of believers, serving as a testament to God's enduring presence and provision.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 19:23
By your messengers you have reproached the LORD, and have 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 37:24
By your servants have you reproached the Lord, and have 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Carmel
... While Israel on Carmel doubt and hesitate, the voice of Elijah again breaks the ... Their
shrill cries echo and re-echo through the forests and the surrounding ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 11 carmel.htm

Elijah
... born and bred in Gilead, among the lofty mountains and vast forests, full of ... him;
but if Baal, then follow him.' How grand he is, on Carmel, throughout that ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xix elijah.htm

The Spirit and Power of Elias.
... And we know that it was there amid the shaggy forests, and closely-set mountains,
with ... courage which enabled him to stand like a rock on Mount Carmel, when king ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xvii the spirit and power.htm

a Canticle of Love
... goats from out of the flocks, for all the beasts of the forests are mine ... once I
recognised our Venerable Mother, Anne of Jesus, foundress of the Carmel in France ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/chapter xi - a canticle.htm

The Land and the People.
... battle-ground of Israel"and westward to the ridge of Carmel, the coast of ... That province
was once thickly covered with forests, cultivated fields, plants and ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 17 the land and.htm

God's Gentle Power
... Elijah had gone to the top of Carmel and had pleaded his cause, and the rain ... the
world to its centre, and no fire, though it licked up the forests, could ever ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/gods gentle power.htm

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... wish that Elijah were here to-night that he might cry as he did on Carmel, "If God ...
In all the woods, in all the forests, never was such a roaring beast as this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... while in ancient times the heights were clothed with impenetrable forests of oak ...
One ridge"Mount Carmel"detached from the principal chain near the southern ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... He pursued the inhabitants into the narrow valleys and forests of the Khoatras,
where ... from the Nahr-el-Kelb to the headland formed by Mount Carmel was directly ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... oaks began to appear, sparsely at first, but afterwards forming vast forests, which
the ... Towards Aluna the way began to ascend Mount Carmel by a narrow and ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm