Trees: an extended study of the significance of trees in the Bible.

Introduction.

When God creates all things good for human beings, a specific tree is mentioned: the Tree of Life (Gen 2. 9). It is put in the middle of the Garden of Eden: this garden planted by God (Gen 2. 8).

At the pivot point in the history of humanity is the Tree of the Cross, the life-giving tree.

History comes to an end as the Tree of Life is again mentioned. At the very end of time, it flourishes, perhaps as a group of trees, on both sides of the River of the Water of Life which flows from the Throne of God (Rev 22. 1 – 3). This is in the Holy City of the New Creation.

All through the Bible there is mention of trees and they are often used in familiar stories and events, in poetry and prophesy. They play a part in the story of redemption. In this set of reflections various aspects of trees (some admittedly fairly tenuous) will be examined. Hopefully this will lead to further thought or investigation on the part of the reader.

In general a chronological or historical approach will be used but some freedom and flexibility may also be applied if deemed appropriate or expedient.

This theme has been chosen to take us through the Trinity season because the liturgical colour for this season is green, evoking thoughts of new life, flourishing and hope.

The Fable of the Trees

‘Listen to me … so that God may listen to you’ [Judges 9. 7]

Leadership of the people changes frequently in the time of the Judges. After the coup by Abimelech, Jotham, who had escaped the slaughter of all other claimants to leadership, addressed the current leaders from the top of Mount Gerizim in a fable. This is probably the oldest fable recorded in the Bible. In examining how leaders are chosen, their character and suitability, the fable leads to a moral judgement [Judg 9. 8 – 15].

First the olive tree is asked to be the king of the trees. The olive declines because its oil is needed to anoint priests, kings and objects [Ex 30. 30; 1 Sam 9. 16; Ex 40.10]. When the fig tree is asked to reign it refuses because it has to produce sweet fruit. Wine is important because it brings cheer to people and so the vine rejects the offer of sovereignty. Each of these trees produced fruits that are important in the life of the people.

Finally, since the noble trees have not taken up the offer, the bramble is approached and it, realising that it is by no means first choice and is probably considered unsuitable, agrees but with a clever warning. The trees must come under its shelter. But this means their growth will be stunted. If they do not co-operate the bramble, which easily catches fire in a hot climate, will burn and thus also destroy all the other trees.

Using this fable, Jotham is able to point out that, because of the way the present ruler, Abimelech, has taken control, he will have a difficult time as leader.

Lord, we pray for ourselves.
May we, in any role of leadership that we may take up,
adopt the example of servant leadership
that Jesus demonstrated.
Help us to walk the path he has set.
May our greatest passion be compassion,
our greatest strength love,
and our greatest victory the reward of peace,
through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen