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.

Palms of victory

‘Go out into the hills and bring branches of … palm’ [Nehemiah 8. 15]

Technically speaking, palm trees do not have branches. Leafy twigs spread out from the top. This tree is very common in the area around Jericho and Jerusalem.

During the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land the people made many stops. In the itinerary [Num 33. 1 – 49] one of the places at which they set up camp was Elim because ‘there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees’ [Num 33. 9].

The Tent of Meeting, which they carried with them, was decorated with many carvings, some of which were palm trees [1 Kings 6. 29 – 35]. These were a reminder of the plants of the Garden of Eden. Similar carvings were also used later to decorate synagogues. When the Temple was built, as well as inner decorations, trees were planted in the Temple precincts as they signified a source of life and fertility because of the near presence of God. This is described in a vision experienced by Ezekiel [Ez 41. 17 – 20; 47. 1 – 12]. The tall stature of the palm tree is praised [SS 7. 7 – 8].

Nearly two hundred years before the birth of Jesus the Jews were under the rule of the Greeks who persecuted them, desecrated the Temple. They prohibited worship and the following of the legal rites. A priest at that time, Mattathias, had five sons, the third of which was named Judas. The family refused to worship the pagan gods and, after Mattathias died, having blessed his sons, Judas organised a revolt. After several battles he was victorious, the Temple was purified and worship recommenced. An annual festival to celebrate the purification of the Temple was inaugurated, Hanukkah, [1 Macc 4. 59; 2 Macc 10. 5].

Further persecutions and corresponding uprisings continued until a peace treaty was agreed. Unfortunately the ruling Greeks broke the treaty. Judas then made an alliance with the Romans and together they defeated the Greeks. Judas was killed in battle and his brothers Jonathan and Simon became the leaders. The family had a nickname, Maccabee, (Maccabaeus), the Hammer. They built up the army again and celebrated the festivals. After many further conflicts, plots and alliances, Simon gathered the people. Jonathan and Simon besieged Jerusalem and captured it. In June 141 BCE the victors entered Jerusalem in triumph ‘with praise and palm branches, and with harps and cymbals and stringed instruments, and with hymns and songs’ [1Macc 13. 51]. This day was also to be celebrated annually.

While all the gospels describe the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem it is only John that specifically refers to palm branches [John 12. 13]. Near the end of his ministry, this procession has some similarities to that of Simon Maccabaeus but also a number of differences. In both cases palm branches signify victory. Simon’s victory had already been won but for Jesus the victory is yet to come and there had been no previous physical violence by the followers of Jesus. The whole people followed Simon, a conquering hero, into the city and he was supported by all in authority. Jesus arrived quietly with just his immediate friends and the noise only began when people saw him coming. The leaders were not pleased at this affair. Everyone knew who Simon was but Jesus was not immediately recognised ‘Who is this?’ [Matt 21. 10].

Heavenly Father,
grant that we may bear our palms of glory
round the throne of the Lamb,
as we proclaim his victory through the cross,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end. Amen.