Joshua 19:26
And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reacheth to Carmel westward, and to Shihor-libnath;
Original Language Analysis
וּפָגַ֤ע
and reacheth
H6293
וּפָגַ֤ע
and reacheth
Strong's:
H6293
Word #:
4 of 8
to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity
בְּכַרְמֶל֙
to Carmel
H3760
בְּכַרְמֶל֙
to Carmel
Strong's:
H3760
Word #:
5 of 8
karmel, the name of a hill and of a town in palestine
Cross References
Isaiah 33:9The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.1 Kings 18:42So 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,1 Kings 18:20So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.Song of Solomon 7:5Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king is held in the galleries.
Historical Context
Mount Carmel rises prominently along the Mediterranean coast, creating a natural boundary. The region was known for vineyards and fertile soil, fulfilling Jacob's prophecy about Asher's richness. Archaeological evidence shows continuous occupation through the biblical period, with strategic importance for controlling coastal trade routes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Carmel's dual role (tribal boundary and prophetic battleground) show God's long-range purposes in seemingly mundane land distributions?
- What spiritual "landmarks" has God placed in your life that define your calling and identity?
- How might geographic proximity to ungodly influences (like Phoenician Baal worship near Carmel) actually position believers for strategic spiritual warfare?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reacheth to Carmel westward—The boundary extends to Mount Carmel (כַּרְמֶל Karmel, "garden land" or "fruitful field"), the mountain range jutting into the Mediterranean where Elijah would later confront Baal's prophets (1 Kings 18). The inclusion of Carmel in Asher's territory connects tribal inheritance to prophetic history—Asher's land became the staging ground for Israel's greatest showdown with idolatry.
Shihor-libnath likely refers to a coastal stream, defining the southwestern boundary. The phrase reacheth to (פָּגַע paga, to meet, encounter) suggests these boundaries touched natural landmarks. God used geography—mountains, rivers, coastlines—to define inheritances, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation itself. The land doesn't just contain His people; it shapes their identity and calling.