Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

REED, RUSH

Water-abiding plants that the Bible refers to by various names. Heb. qāneh is usually translated reed but also has the specific meaning of a measuring rod equal to 6 cubits (Ezek. 40:3, 5); thus from it we have the word “canon” to denote the standard holy texts of the Bible. Gk. kálamos follows the Hebrew in duality of meaning: it is the name of the plant Jesus was given to resemble a scepter when he was mocked (Matt. 27:29), and it is a unit of measure (Rev. 11, 21).

Reeds grow in swamps, marshes, and next to bodies of water. They are hollow and can be over 3 m. (10 ft.) tall. Reeds are easily bruised, bent, and broken (Luke 7:24). The Rabshakeh of Assyria compared Egypt to a broken reed, “which will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it” (2 Kgs. 18:21 = Isa. 36:6). Reeds that grow in the Near East include Arundo donax and several species of Phragmites. Heb. ʾāḥû, ʾagmôn, ʾăgam, ʾēḇeh, and sûp also refer to marsh-dwelling plants and have been inconsistently translated both reed and rush. Rushes are similar to reeds. The cattail (Typha australis sp.) is one rushlike plant that thrives in Israel and Egypt.

Rushes and reeds were utilized in a number of industries. Mats, baskets, shoes, pens, brushes, and even houses were constructed of these water plants. One reed, the papyrus (Cyperus papyrus L.) was processed into paper. Papyrus is also buoyant and therefore was used in boat construction (Isa. 18:2). The baby Moses was placed in a basket of papyrus (gōmeʾ), which floated on the Nile (Exod. 2:3-5). The biblical name for the Red Sea is yam sûp, or Sea of Reeds.

Megan Bishop Moore

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

REED, RUSH

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)