I brought you into the land of 'Carmel'
I brought you into the land of "Carmel", to eat its goodly fruits (Jeremiah 2:7).
…until the spirit from on high is poured out on us. Then will the desert become a "Carmel" and the "Carmel" be regarded as a forest. Right will dwell in the desert and justice abide in the "Carmel". Justice will bring about peace; right will produce calm and security. My people will live in peaceful country (Isaiah 32:15-18).
But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into a "Carmel". And the "Carmel" be regarded as a forest! On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; and out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The lowly will ever find joy in the Lord (Isaiah 29:17-19).
Do not look for the word " Carmel " in these passages of your bible: it is regularly translated by "orchard". It is necessary to know Hebrew to understand that, in reality, Carmel describes generous vegetation, rather bushy, luxuriant, low, that can actually be seen on Mount Carmel, especially at the beginning of Spring.
Never does it refer to neatly cultivated
gardens! Which adds to its beauty!
"The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendour of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendour of our God.
Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you... Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. The burning sands will become pools, and the thirsty ground, springs of water… No lion will be there, nor beast of prey go up to be met upon it." (Isaiah 35: 1-9)
The impression is given that you are listening to an echo of one of the most beautiful poems of St John of the Cross: his Spiritual Canticle.
Let us rejoice, Beloved,
and let us go forth to behold ourselves in your beauty,
to the mountain and to the hill,
to where the pure water flows,
and further, deep into the thicket.(...)
the breathing of the air,
the song of the sweet nightingale,
the grove and its living beauty
in the serene night,
with a flame that is consuming and painless.
No one looked at her,
nor did Aminadab appear;
the siege was still;
and the cavalry,
at the sight of the waters, descended.
