Trees in The Bible - Part 1

Trees In The Bible - Part 1

Collin Leong. Jan 25, 2025

Introduction

In the scriptures, trees are used as analogies and parables, and for practical use. For example, it is used to symbolize people who:

a) Meditates on the Word: Psalm 1:3 - "That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."

b) Are bearing spiritual or moral fruits:  Matthew 7:17 - "Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit."

c) Are connected to Christ:  John 15:5 - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

d) Are godly and close to God: Ps 92:12-13 - "But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God."

e) Are wise: Proverbs 3:18 - "She (Wisdom) is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed."

f) Have Faith: Matthew 17:20 - "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'"

The first sin was committed by eating the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. (Gen 2:16-17).  We were not told the type of tree it is, but it is definitely not an apple tree, as some children was told as a white lie. The act of eating from the tree is interpreted as a desire for autonomy and self-determination, challenging God's authority and leading to the consequences of sin.

There is also a Tree of Life in the Garden, which was guarded by a Cherubim. (Gen 3:22-24) The Tree of Life is commonly understood as a symbol of eternal life and God's provision for humanity. It also appears in the Book of Revelation, symbolizing the restoration of humanity's relationship with God and the healing of nations. (Rev 22:2)

Most of these analogies highlighted that good trees bear good fruit. There are at least 32 types of trees that were mentioned in the bible, and we want to through each one of them to learn what they symbolize, what value they represent in the Jewish culture, and what were they used for, if any. 

Trees of the Bible - Part 1

1. Cedar of Lebanon (OT/NT Top 10): Represents strength, durability, wisdom, and divine favor. The towering height and majestic appearance of the cedar tree make it a symbol of grandeur and nobility. It is often used to represent powerful nations or individuals (Ezekiel 31:3).

Its wood was highly valued for construction, including the building of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:9-10).  It is often associated with holiness and purity. Its wood was used in religious rituals, such as the cleansing of lepers (Leviticus 14:4-7) and the preparation of the red heifer (Numbers 19:6).

In the bible, the Cedar of Lebanon symbolize several things:

a) Righteousness and prosperity. Psalm 92:12: "The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon."

b) God's Provision and Care. Psalm 104:16 says, "The trees of the Lord are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted."

c) The divine presence and sanctity. It was used to build the temple. (1 King 6:9-10). The cedar's pleasant scent and resistance to decay also symbolize the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people.

d) Judgement and restoration. 

• Isaiah 2:12b-13: "He will punish the proud and mighty and bring down everything that is exalted. He will cut down the tall cedars of Lebanon...."
• Hosea 14:5-6: "I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. Israel will blossom like the lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon."

Applying this to Jesus, it represents the enduring strength and divine purpose of Jesus' sacrifice, as well as the wisdom and protection it offers to believers.

2. Fig tree (OT/NT Top 10): Often symbolizes peace, prosperity and security. It is mentioned frequently in the Bible as a symbol of abundance and divine blessing. For example, sitting under one's own fig tree is a metaphor for peace and prosperity (Micah 4:4).

The Talmud often uses the fig tree to illustrate the importance of studying Torah, as the fig tree produces fruit continuously, just as one should continuously seek knowledge.

However, God uses fig tree is used to symbolize Israel. Such as:

Hosea 9:10a: "When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree."  

This represents the early days of Israel, when they were fresh and full of potential, much like the first fruits of a fig tree. They were precious to God, like finding grapes in the wilderness. However, they fell into idolatry and worship Baal, leading to their spiritual downfall. (Hosea 9:10b)

Jeremiah 24:5-7: In this passage, God uses the analogy of good and bad figs to represent the people of Judah, with the good figs symbolizing those who will return from exile and the bad figs representing those who will face judgment. It is used to symbolize judgment and restoration.

Jesus also use fig trees as analogy for Israel: 

Luke 13:6-9: "Then he told this parable: 'A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, "For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?"'"

Matthew 21:19: "Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, 'May you never bear fruit again!' Immediately the tree withered."

In Matthew 24:32-33, Jesus uses the fig tree as a metaphor to teach about recognizing the signs of the end times. When He says, "As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near," He is drawing a parallel to how people can recognize the approach of summer by observing the fig tree's growth. Similarly, when the signs He describes begin to occur, it indicates that the end times are near.

Some theologians interpret this passage as indicating that the events surrounding Israel, such as its restoration and significant occurrences in its history, are key indicators of the approaching end times. Israel was restored to be an independent nation in 1948, and won subsequent wars to enlarge their territories to include East Jerusalem in 1967, where the temple used to be. These are signs that the rapture and Jesus second coming will come soon. 

3. Sycamore-Fig  (OT/NT Top 10): Known for its strength and durability.

Sycamore-fig (SF) tree is a species of the fig trees. The sycamore-fig tree (Ficus sycomorus) produces a fruit similar to figs, and it is distinct from the common fig (CF) tree (Ficus carica). Some of the physical difference is: 

a) Height - SF grows up to 20m, while CF grows up to 10m. 

b) Strength - SF is known for its sturdy wood, and was used to make furniture and building materials. CF is less sturdy and not commonly used for construction. 

c)  Fruit - CF produces larger, sweeter figs that are widely consumed and used in culinary dishes. CF has edible figs but not as sweet as CF. 

The most famous SF is the one in New Testament. When Jesus was passing through Jericho, a large crowd gathered to see Him. Zacchaeus, a corrupted chief tax collector, being short, couldn't see over the crowd. Determined to see Jesus, he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to get a better view.

Luke 19:4 - "So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way."

Jesus noticed Zacchaeus in the tree and called him down, saying He would stay at Zacchaeus' house that day. This encounter led to Zacchaeus' repentance and commitment to make amends for his wrongdoings. Jesus' acceptance of Zacchaeus demonstrated His mission to seek and save the lost, regardless of their social status or past actions.

There is a lesson we can learn from SF tree. In Psalms 78, written by Asaph, the prominent singer and musician during David's time,  told a story of the rebelliousness of the Israel towards God during the exodus from Egypt. God punish them in several ways, but one of the ways is that  "He gave their crops to the grasshopper, their produce to the locust. He destroyed their vines with hail and their sycamore-figs with sleet." (v46-47)  This is a lesson when no matter is you are as strong as SF, God can still destroy you if you continue to rebel against him.

4. Olive (OT/NT Top 10): Represents peace, prosperity and longevity.  

When the flood subsided and they can see the mountain peaks, Noah sent out a dove and it came back with Olive leaf. Lands have surface. This is a sign of peace from God, and his wrath of the sin of mankind is subsided as well.  Genesis 8:11: "When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf!"

David used an olive tree to represent himself:  "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever."  Psalm 52:8.  Olive trees are known for their longevity and can live for several centuries. It is also known for its resilience and ability to thrive in harsh condition.  By comparing himself to an olive tree, David emphasizes his trust in God's enduring love and faithfulness, despite the adversity he faces. The olive tree's deep roots and fruitful nature symbolize David's steadfast faith and his flourishing under God's care.

In Romans 11:17-18, Paul used the Olive tree branches as an analogy of the Gentiles. "And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree."

In Revelation, the two witnesses that God appointed and they are sent to prophesy during the tribulation. This may include telling them the gospel and the Kingdom of God, and asking them to repent. They were also compared to Olive trees: "They are 'the two olive trees' and the two lampstands, and 'they stand before the Lord of the earth.'" (Revelation 11:4). This imagery is drawn from Zechariah 4:3, 11-14, where two olive trees are described as standing beside a golden lampstand, symbolizing God's anointed ones who serve Him. The olive trees symbolize their anointing and empowerment by the Holy Spirit, while the lampstands represent their role in bringing light and truth to a dark world. 

5. Palm (OT/NT Top 10): Symbolizes victory and triumph.

On the Feast of Tabernacle, the Israelites were told to "take branches from luxuriant trees—from palms, willows and other leafy trees—and rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days." (Lev 23:40) Palm branches are waved whenever they are celebrating something good. The Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes God's dwelling among His people. It points to the future hope of God's eternal presence with His people, as seen in the prophetic visions of the Messianic Kingdom.

Several days before the Passover, Jesus went into Jerusalem on a donkey. People who heard he is coming was overjoyed, and "they took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Blessed is the king of Israel!'" (John 12:13)

This event fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

In future, we in heaven will also wave the palm branches to celebrate what Jesus had done for us, and brought salvation for us all. John the apostle wrote this in his vision: "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands."  (Revelation 7:9)

6. Oak (OT Top 10): Oak trees provided shelter and shade for people and animals. Their large, spreading branches offered a cool place to rest. The strong wood of oak trees was used for construction and making furniture.

Oak trees are often used as a place of worship or significant events. They are also used as landmarks and divine encounter. For example, the "Oak of Moreh" was a significant location where God appeared to Abraham and promised him that the land belongs to his offspring.  (Genesis 12:6, ESV) Note that in NKJ, it translate the Hebrew word "elon" to terebinth tree instead.)  "Elon" refers to a large, sturdy tree, and can be translated to oak or terebinth tree.

Similar translation were given at Gen 18:1, where the Lord and two other angels appeared to Abraham by the "Oaks of Mamre." They told Abraham that Sarah will have a child in a year's time. Another one is in Genesis 35:4, where Jacob's household gave up their idols and burn them under the Oak or Terebinth tree in Shechem, depending on what version you read. 

Oak trees symbolize strength and endurance. Their deep roots and sturdy trunks represent stability and resilience. In Isaiah 61:3, the righteous are compared to "oaks of righteousness":  "to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."

Oak Trees were used as a place of remembrance. Genesis 35:8 told of a grave buried under the oak tree: "Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak below Bethel. So it was named Allon Bakuth."  

Another example is when Joshua asked the people to choose serving the Lord or the foreign gods, they committed to serve the Lord. Joshua then ask them put away the foreign gods, and made a covenant with them. He made the agreement into laws and guidelines and wrote it into the Book of the Law. Then "he took a large stone, and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of the Lord. And Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness to us, for it has heard all the words of the Lord which He spoke to us. It shall therefore be a witness to you, lest you deny your God.” (Joshua 24:26-27, NKJ)

Note: Apparently the Book of The Law that Moses started, are also added on by Joshua. The Oak tree was not mentioned in the New Testament. 

7a & 7b.  Cypress and  Pine (OT Top 10): The reason I group Cypress and Pines together is because they are mentioned together in the Old Testament. They are used in the Bible to convey themes of strength, endurance, and the everlasting nature of God's promises.

The Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) grows between 15 to 24 meters tall. The pine trees (eg: Stone Pine), can grow up to 18 meters tall (~6 stories), with branches spreading up to 12 meters. The reason it can grow so tall because it sinks in the roots deep into the ground to withstand the all kinds of weather.  

In the middle east, the cypress can live up to 1000 years; while the pines live up to 500 years.  

In fact, the oldest tree in the world is Bristlecone Pine "Methuselah" in California. It is estimated to be over 4800 years old. It was already an old tree when Jesus was born! 

Both of them are evergreen and symbolize longevity, resilience, and eternal life

Isaiah 41:19 is a part of the passage where God promised to provide for His people and transform their desolate land into a place of abundance and beauty. It mentions several trees will be planted in the wilderness of Israel, including the cypress and pine tree. "I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane, and the pine together."

This symbolizes His ability to bring life, growth, and prosperity to places that seem hopeless and desolate. It assures them that God will not only meet their needs but will also restore their land and lives in a way that exceeds their expectations. 

God made the same promise in Isa 60:15 - “The glory of Lebanon will be yours - the forests of cypress, fir, and pine - to beautify my sanctuary. My Temple will be glorious!"  1 King 6:15 confirms that cypress was used for the floors of the Solomon temple. We do not know if pine is also used for certain portion of the temple. 

One lesson we can learn from cypress and pine trees is that conflict and opposition with others are trials that makes us stronger. The more stress we need go deeper into God, just as their roots go deeper into the earth, making them tall and stable. 

8. Vines (NT Top 10): Symbolizes fertility, abundance, joy and celebration. It is frequently mentioned as vineyards and grapevines in the Bible of a fruitful and blessed land. It's product - the wine - is used in the Kiddush, the blessing recited over wine to sanctify the Sabbath and festivals, symbolizing joy and sanctity.

Spiritually, vine is often used as a metaphor for the people of Israel. For example, in Hosea 10:1, Israel is described as a "luxuriant vine" laden with fruit, symbolizing the nation's prosperity and God's care for His people. However, even though they are blessed, many of them turn away from God and worshipped other other gods. Hosea also said: "The more bountiful their harvests, the more beautiful their sacred pillars."   They thank the wrong gods for their harvest. 

Jesus also use vine to represent himself. In John 15:1-8, He says, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener."  What Jesus is saying that the true vine is not Israel, but it is Him. Instead, Israel is the branches attached to the vine. And those that remain in Him, and He in them, they will produce much (spiritual & and moral) fruits. 

Most of the Bible references to vines as the abundance and prosperity are referring to the future Messianic age and the restoration of Israel. Examples:

Amos 9:13-14 - “The time will come,” says the LORD, “when the grain and grapes will grow faster 

than they can be harvested. Then the terraced vineyards on the hills of Israel will drip with sweet wine!

Micah 4:4, where it says, "Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid."

Rabbinical literature often interprets the vine as a symbol of the righteous and their reward in the Messianic age. It highlights the hope and expectation of a future time when God's promises will be fulfilled, and His people will experience unparalleled peace, prosperity, and divine favor.

9. Mustard Tree (NT Top 10): the mustard tree was known for its rapid growth and resilience. It can grow to a height of about 1.8 to 6 meters. It could grow in various conditions and provide shelter and food for birds and animals. Its seeds were ground into mustard, a popular condiment, and its leaves were used as a vegetable. Additionally, the tree's oil had medicinal properties and was used for healing purposes.

This made it a symbol of growth, potential, and the spreading of the Kingdom of God. Jesus said in Matthew 13:31-32: “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

The mustard seed is often used as a metaphor for faith. Jesus said, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20). 

The mustard seed is indeed very small. In fact, it's one of the smallest seeds you can find. This highlights the idea that even a small amount of faith can lead to great things. It is who you have faith in that makes a difference. 

10. Bramble Bush (NT Top 10): The fruit of bramble bush is blackberries, also called blackberry bushes. They typically grow to a height of about 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters). They are known for their thorny stems and dense growth, which can make them quite formidable despite their modest height. These bushes can spread extensively, creating thick, impenetrable thickets.

Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal*), told a parable to the leaders of Shechem. It serves as a warning about the consequences of choosing an unworthy leader. The parable is in Judges 9:8-15. It was about the trees deciding to anoint a king over themselves. They went to the olive tree, the fig tree and the vine, but all of them refused. Then they went to the bramble tree, asking it to reign over them. The bramble agrees, but with a warning. It tells the trees to take refuge in its shade, but if they don't, fire will come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

The parable illustrates the folly of choosing an unworthy leader, represented by the bramble, which is a lowly and thorny plant. Jotham uses this story to criticize the leaders of Shechem for making Abimelech their king, despite his unworthiness and the violent means by which he gained power. 

Like what the parable predict, Abimelech killed many of the Shechem citizens who rebelled against him by burning down a temple where they were hiding. When Abimelech was about to set fire to a tower, a woman dropped a millstone that landed on his head and crushed his skull. 

Brambles also represent judgement and desolation. Isaiah predicted God's vengeance on Edom. Edom, descended from Esau, often opposed Israel, leading to conflict and animosity (Obadiah and Ezekiel 25:12-14). Isaiah 34:13 says: "Thorns will overrun her citadels, nettles and brambles her strongholds. 

She will become a haunt for jackals, a home for owls." Edom is described as being overrun by brambles and thorns, signifying a place abandoned and cursed by God

Jesus also told a parable using bramble tree. In Luke 6:43-44, Jesus said: “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush."

Jesus is emphasizing that the true nature of a person is revealed by their actions and behavior. Just as a tree is identified by the quality of its fruit, a person's character is shown through their deeds. Good people produce good actions, while those with bad intentions produce harmful actions. 

Notes: 

1. In Luke 6:44, Jesus is not saying that blackberries are bad fruits; but his focus in on the general characteristics of bramble bushes, which are often thorny and not typically associated with desirable fruit like figs or grapes.

2. Gideon was given the name "Jerubbaal" after he destroyed the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it, as recorded in Judges 6:32.  "Jerubbaal" means "Let Baal contend" or "Baal will contend." "Contend" means to fight, struggle, or compete. It reflects the idea that Baal should defend himself or fight back against Gideon, who destroyed Baal's altar.

- Continued in Part 2 -