Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

PALM TREE

The date palm (Heb. tāmār, timōrâ; Gk. phoínix), a magnificent, tall tree that grows abundantly in the Near East. Its large leaves radiate from the top of a single trunk that can grow to more than 15 m. (50 ft.) tall. Date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) grow well in hot conditions in saline soil. They may grow alone, but a clump of palm trees in the desert likely signals an oasis (cf. Elim, Exod. 15:27; Num. 33:9). Jericho, which to this day is a verdant oasis, was known as the city of palm trees (Deut. 34:3; 2 Chr. 28:15).

In the Bible, the palm tree appears as a symbol of grandeur and steadfastness. Deborah judged underneath a palm tree, probably due to both its shade and its prominence (Judg. 4:5). The youth of Cant. 7:7(MT 8) calls his bride “stately as a palm tree.” The likeness of the palm tree appeared in several places in Solomon’s temple (1 Kgs. 6:29-35). Palm branches figured in many celebrations and are used in the construction of booths for Succoth (Lev. 23:40; Neh. 8:15). Following the Maccabean Revolt, the Jews rededicated the temple carrying palm branches (1 Macc. 13:51). Jesus was greeted in Jerusalem by people holding palm branches (John 12:13).

The palm tree was a frequent symbol of Israel, both in the Bible (Isa. 9:14; Joel 1:12) and in ancient society. The Hasmonean rulers put palm branches on several of their coins, and the Romans celebrated the capture of Judea in a.d. 70 by minting various coins reading Ioudaias Ealokuias (“Judea has been captured”) and depicting palm branches.

Almost every part of the palm tree can be utilized. Baskets, sandals, mats, and ropes are made from palm branches and fibers. The palm tree provides oil, a sweet liquor, and honey (cf. Deut. 8:8). Dates, the fruit of the palm tree, grow in large clusters and were a staple of ancient Near Eastern diets. Therefore, palm trees were a valuable crop and were actively cultivated. Palm trees are either male or female. Though the extent of the ancients’ understanding of tree fertilization is unknown, the practice of putting the pollen from male trees near female trees was apparently carried on for centuries.

Megan Bishop Moore

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

PALM TREE

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)