### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Karmel**, represented by `{{H3760}}`, refers to a fruitful or plentiful field, as well as the name of a hill and a town in Palestine. It appears **26 times** across **25 unique verses** in the Bible, signifying its importance as both a geographical location and a symbol of abundance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H3760}}` is used in several key contexts. It is famously the site of the confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on mount **Carmel** [[1 Kings 18:20]]. It is also identified as a town in the territory of Judah [[Joshua 15:55]] and the location where Nabal, a very great man, sheared his sheep [[1 Samuel 25:2]]. As a symbol of fertility, prophets speak of Israel feeding on **Carmel** as a sign of restoration [[Jeremiah 50:19]]. Conversely, its withering is used to depict divine judgment [[Amos 1:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the significance of Carmel, often appearing alongside it in scripture:
* `{{H1316}}` **Bashan**: A region east of the Jordan, it is often mentioned with Carmel to represent fertile pastureland and divine provision ([[Jeremiah 50:19]], [[Nahum 1:4]]).
* `{{H3844}}` **Lebanon**: A mountain range whose glory and excellency are frequently compared to that of Carmel, symbolizing natural majesty and fruitfulness ([[Isaiah 35:2]], [[Isaiah 33:9]]).
* `{{H8289}}` **Sharon**: A plain in Palestine, its beauty and fertility are often associated with Carmel in prophetic imagery ([[Isaiah 35:2]], [[Isaiah 33:9]]).
* `{{H2022}}` **har**: Meaning a mountain or range of hills, this word is frequently used to designate **mount** Carmel as a specific, elevated place of significance ([[1 Kings 18:19]], [[2 Kings 4:25]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3760}}` is demonstrated in its symbolic use.
* **Symbol of Blessing and Abundance:** The fruitfulness of **Carmel** represents God’s blessing. Its excellency is given by the LORD [[Isaiah 35:2]], and its pastures satisfy the soul of a restored Israel [[Jeremiah 50:19]]. King Uzziah had husbandmen and vine dressers in **Carmel** because he loved husbandry [[2 Chronicles 26:10]].
* **Place of Divine Confrontation:** Mount **Carmel** serves as a stage for demonstrating the power of the LORD over false deities, most notably when Elijah gathered all Israel and the prophets of Baal there [[1 Kings 18:19]].
* **Indicator of Judgment:** The vitality of **Carmel** is used as a barometer for the state of the land. In times of judgment, the top of **Carmel** withers [[Amos 1:2]], and its fruits are shaken off [[Isaiah 33:9]].
* **Metaphor for Beauty and Majesty:** The name is used to describe majestic beauty, as seen when the head of the beloved is compared to **Carmel** [[Song of Solomon 7:5]] and when its stature is compared to the imposing arrival of a king [[Jeremiah 46:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3760}}` is a multifaceted term in scripture. It is a literal hill and town, central to key events like Elijah’s contest with Baal's prophets. Theologically, it functions as a powerful symbol, representing the height of divine blessing and natural beauty, while its decline signifies judgment and desolation.
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