One of the most memorable references to Mount Carmel is in 1 Kings 18:19. "Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me on Mount Carmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table." This is the scene of the confrontation between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal. The mountain lies near the Mediterranean coast of Palestine between the Plain of Acco to the north and the Plain of Sharon to the south. It is often mentioned in the Old Testament as a place of great beauty and fertility.

A prominent headland of Central Palestine, Carmel consists of many connected hills extending from the plain of Esdraelon to the sea, a distance of about 12 miles or more. At the east end, in its highest part, it is 1,728 feet high. At the west end, it forms a promontory to the bay of Acre about 600 feet above sea level. It lay within the tribe of Asher. It was here, at the east end of the ridge, at a place called el-Mukhrakah (i.e., the place of burning), that Elijah brought back the people to their allegiance to God, and slew the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Here were consumed the "fifties" of the royal guard; and here also Elisha received the visit of the bereaved mother whose son was restored to life by him (2 Kings 4:25-37). Matthew Easton writes, "No mountain in or around Palestine retains its ancient beauty so much as Carmel. Two or three villages and some scattered cottages are found on it; its groves are few but luxuriant; it is no place for crags and precipices or rocks of wild goats; but its surface is covered with a rich and constant verdure." The whole mountain-side is clothed with dressed, and flowering shrubs, and fragrant herbs." The western extremity of the ridge is, however, more rocky and bleak than the eastern. The head of the bride in Song of Solomon 7:5 is compared to Carmel. "Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel, And the hair of your head is like purple; A king is held captive by your tresses." It is ranked with Bashan on account of its rich pastures (Isaiah 33:9; Jeremiah 50:19; Amos 1:2). The whole ridge contains deep, rocky ravines filled with dense jungle. There are many caves in its sides, which at one time were inhabited by numerous monks. These caves are referred to in Amos 9:3. "And though they hide themselves on top of Carmel, From there I will search and take them; Though they hide from My sight at the bottom of the sea, From there I will command the serpent, and it shall bite them;" To these caves, Elijah and Elisha often resorted (1 Kings 18:19, 42; 2 Kings 2:25). 2 Kings 2:25 reads, "Then he went from there to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria." On its north-west summit there is an ancient establishment of Carmelite monks. However, vineyards have recently been planted on the mount by the German colonists of Haifa. The modern Arabic name of the mount is Kurmul, but more commonly Jebel Mar Elyas, i.e., Mount St. Elias, from the Convent of Elias.

Carmel National Park, known to locals as Shveytsaria HaK'tana (Little Switzerland) is Israel's largest national park. It contains the scenic southern slopes of Mount Carmel. The National Park is renowned for its fertility; vineyards covered the area in ancient times. The name Carmel is derived from the Hebrew Kerem-El (Vineyard of God). For some pleasant strolling or for a picnic, take bus number 92 from the central bus station, Herzi Street in Hadar or Carmel Central and just get off when the scenery gets green enough for you.

Carmel is not mentioned in the New Testament, by name. However, it has been penned in several Old Testament books.

Zichron Ya'acov (Jacob's Memorial), established in 1882 by Rumanian Jews, is one of the regions first modern Zionist settlements. However, this place is now renowned for it's role in Israel's wine industry. The Carmel Winery produces wine for export and domestic consumption. There is also a tasting room. The winery is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Friday until 1:30 pm, closed Saturday; admission is 10 NIS, but one should call first in order to arrange an English-speaking tour.