Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ALMOND

The almond tree, Amygdalus communis L., derives its Hebrew name (šāqēḏ) from the verb “to wake” or “to watch.” In a play on words, the Lord shows Jeremiah an almond branch as a sign that he is watching and about to act (Jer. 1:11).

Three species of almond tree are found in Palestine; two wild species, Prunus amygdalus and Amygdalus communis, have bitter and inedible fruit, while the third, domesticated species, Prunus dulcis, has an edible nut and produces a mild almond oil. The almond tree bears light pink blossoms in February (cf. Eccl. 12:5, which compares them to the white hair of old age). Golden, almond- blossom-shaped cups adorned the lampstand in the tabernacle (Exod. 25:33-34; 37:19-20), and Aaron’s staff sprouted almond blossoms and nuts, designating him as head of the priestly lineage (Num. 17:8[MT 23]). Almond nuts were among the delicacies Jacob sent to Joseph in Egypt (Gen. 43:11). Heb. lûz also refers to the almond tree (Gen. 30:37), and is the former name of Bethel.

Megan Bishop Moore/Randall W. Younker

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ALMOND

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)