Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

OAK

Many species of oak (genus Quercus) inhabit Israel. Several of these have been identified with the biblical oak (Heb. ʾallôn, ʾēlôn), but no scholarly consensus exists. For instance, the Tabor oak (Quercus ithaburensis Decne.) is a grand deciduous tree that may reach 23 m. (75 ft.) in height and 18 m. (60 ft.) in crown circumference, a stature that coincides with the biblical reverence for the oak’s strength. The Valonia oak (Q. Aegilops) still inhabits Bashan, and may be one of the species of the “oaks of Bashan” (Isa. 2:13; Ezek. 27:6; Zech. 11:2). Oaks are known for their longevity, up to 500 years.

Oaks symbolize strength and power (Amos 2:9), which may explain their association with gods and ritual customs in the Bible. Large trees were also a burial site; Deborah, Rebecca’s nurse, was buried under an oak tree (Gen. 35:8). The prophets condemn idol worship that took place under oaks and other large trees (Ezek. 6:13; Hos. 4:13). In Gen. 18:1 God appears to Abraham at the oaks of Mamre.

In some translations, ʾallôn and ʾēlôn have also been rendered “terebinth,” and ʾēlâ and ʾallâ have been translated “oak.” Debate over these terms still exists. It is possible that they refer to large, stately trees in general, since many types of oak and the terebinth fit this description.

Megan Bishop Moore

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

OAK

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)