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 Olive Tree

‘You, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in their place to share the rich root of the olive tree’
[Romans 11. 17]

It was an olive leaf that the dove brought back to Noah to indicate that the flood had abated. [Gen 8. 11] and the olive tree and its fruit was one of the good plants to be found in the Promised Land. When the Tent of Meeting was being constructed, the Ark, which housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments, had two cherubim covering the Ark. These cherubim and the doors to the inner sanctuary were made of olive wood.

The person that trusts in the Lord is ‘like a green olive tree in the house of God’ [Ps 52. 8] and a man is blessed by his children who ‘will be like olive shoots’ [Ps 128. 3] around his table. God describes his people as a ‘green olive tree, fair with goodly fruit’ [Jer 11. 16] if they keep the covenant and, when the people return to God after a time of disobedience, he will make ‘shoots (will) spread out; his [Israel’s] beauty shall be like the olive tree’ [Hos 14. 6].

Thus, as well as being described as a vine, God’s people are also portrayed as a fruitful olive tree. This image is used by St Paul when he speaks of the gentiles joining the community of those who believe in Jesus. The people of Israel, chosen by God for God’s mission to the whole world have the blessings of the covenant, the law, the promises, and the prophets [Rom 9. 4 – 5] but not all the descendants of Abraham can be classed as children of Abraham. In Christ differences between Jew and gentile are eliminated [Rom 10. 12]. All that matters is faith in Jesus Christ [Rom 12. 13]. God does not reject the Jews [Rom 11. 1] but salvation also comes to the gentiles [Rom11.11]. Paul explains how all are to be included using the image of the olive tree, which signifies the whole people of God, into which may be grafted branches. Normally wild root stock is used and cultivated shoots are grafted in but this analogy reverses the technique. The branches that are grafted in become part of the plant and are fed by the roots [Rom 11. 16 – 18].

Zechariah had a vision in which he saw two olive trees by gold lampstands [Zech 4. 3, 11]. These two trees represent Joshua and Zerubbabel, who restored the Temple after the exile. This image is introduced again in the visions of Revelation [Rev 11. 4]. The two witnesses, required by the Law [Deut 19. 15] are represented by two olive trees symbolising those who will build up the Church, the Temple of the new creation.

Gracious God,
we praise you for your faithfulness
and pray that every nation
may find your blessing
in the face of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.