Topical Encyclopedia
Firs are a type of evergreen tree belonging to the genus
Abies, known for their tall, straight trunks and needle-like leaves. In the Bible, fir trees are mentioned several times, often symbolizing strength, beauty, and prosperity. They are associated with the construction of important buildings and the creation of musical instruments, reflecting their valued status in ancient times.
Biblical References:
1.Construction and Craftsmanship:
Fir trees were highly prized for their wood, which was used in the construction of significant structures. In the building of Solomon's Temple, fir wood was utilized alongside cedar and other materials.2 Chronicles 2:8 records Solomon's request to Hiram, king of Tyre: "Send me also cedar, cypress, and algum logs from Lebanon, for I know that your servants have skill to cut timber in Lebanon."
2.Symbol of Beauty and Majesty:
The fir tree is often used metaphorically to describe beauty and majesty. InIsaiah 60:13 , the glory of Lebanon, which includes the fir tree, is mentioned as being brought to beautify the sanctuary: "The glory of Lebanon will come to you—its cypress, elm, and boxwood together—to adorn the place of My sanctuary, and I will glorify the place of My feet."
3.Restoration and Blessing:
Fir trees are also mentioned in the context of restoration and divine blessing. InIsaiah 41:19 , God promises to plant fir trees in the wilderness as a sign of His provision and care: "I will plant cedars in the desert, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees; I will set pines in the wasteland, firs, and cypresses together."
4.Musical Instruments:
The wood of fir trees was used in the making of musical instruments, highlighting its versatility and importance. In2 Samuel 6:5 , we read about David and the Israelites celebrating before the Lord with instruments made of fir wood: "David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals."
Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Near East, fir trees were abundant in the mountainous regions of Lebanon and were considered a valuable resource. The wood's durability and pleasant aroma made it ideal for construction and artistic purposes. The biblical references to fir trees often highlight their role in the grandeur and splendor of Israel's worship and national identity.
Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, fir trees in the Bible can be seen as symbols of God's provision and the beauty of His creation. Their use in the construction of the temple and other sacred spaces underscores the importance of offering the best of creation back to God in worship. The imagery of fir trees in prophetic literature often points to a future hope where God's people will experience restoration and blessing, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.Library
Isaiah 55
... the forests clap their hands. Where briers grew midst barren wilds,. shallfirs
and myrtles spring; And nature, through its utmost bounds,. eternal praises sing...
Instructions to the Seventy on their Mission. (Luke, X. ) the Wo...
... In thefirs, sense, it would imply that the town was exalted by the lot which had
fallen to it; certainly not in reference to worldly wealth, although it was a...
The Last Smile of the Muse
... bunches of green covert, slashed with the rose plumes of the lime trees and the
burnished leaves of the hazels, and where already the northernfirs lift their...
1870-1871. Workers' Meetings at Home of Industry --Training Home...
... the sun descending and streaming with splendour on the cliffs and magnificent river;
some of the heights bare, others clothed withfirs, all picturesque and...
The Two Paths
... An outer belt offirs is sometimes planted round a centre of more tender and valuable
wood to shelter the young trees; so we have to make a fence of...
His Journey to South Russia.
... The road, with but little exception, is flat and uninteresting. The forests are
immense, mostly offirs and birch, which being thickly set grow small....
The Two-Horned Beast.
... The naphtha was mingled, I know not by what methods, or in what proportions, with
sulphur, and with the pitch that is extracted from evergreenfirs....
Concerning "Perfect" and "One. "
... of growth and productiveness, yet all belong to the same "oak species"; and there
are many species or kinds of trees (oaks, chestnuts,firs, etc.) yet all...
A Strain of the Judgment of the Lord.
... Nor better in its season blooms her bough. In spring-tide. Here blackfirs on
lofty peak. 290 Bloom; and the only woods that know no hail....
A Synopsis of Some Apostolic Words from the Same Discourse.
... Now there are large trees, such as the cedar, pines,firs, which annually bear much
leaves and fruit; and one may see that they consume none of the surrounding...
Thesaurus
Firs (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Firs (9 Occurrences).
... Psalms 104:17 Where birds
do make nests, The stork -- the
firs 'are' her house. (YLT).
...Remotest (13 Occurrences)
... of my chariots I have come up to a high place of mountains -- The sides of Lebanon,
And I cut down the height of its cedars, The choice of itsfirs, And I...
Extremity (46 Occurrences)
... of my chariots I have come up to a high place of mountains -- The sides of Lebanon,
And I cut down the height of its cedars, The choice of itsfirs, And I...
Fir-pine (1 Occurrence)
Fir-pine. Firmness, Fir-pine.Firs . Multi-Version Concordance Fir-pine (1
Occurrence).... (YLT). Firmness, Fir-pine.Firs . Reference Bible.
Rafters (5 Occurrences)
... (See JPS NAS NIV). Song of Songs 1:17 The beams of our house are cedars.
Our rafters arefirs. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Double-boarded (1 Occurrence)
... Ezekiel 27:5 Offirs of Senir they have built to thee all thy double-boarded ships,
Of cedars of Lebanon they have taken to make a mast for thee, (YLT)....
Panels (10 Occurrences)
... pavement of stone. (WEB ASV DBY NIV). Song of Songs 1:17 The beams of our house
are cedars, And our rafters arefirs. (See JPS). Song of...
Chargers (3 Occurrences)
... shield of his mighty ones is become red, Men of might 'are in' scarlet, With fiery
torches 'is' the chariot in a day of his preparation, And thefirs have been...
Algums (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Chronicles 2:8 and send to me cedar-trees,firs, and algums from Lebanon, for
I have known that thy servants know to cut down trees of Lebanon, and lo, my...
Reviled (25 Occurrences)
... multitude of my chariots I have come up to a high place of hills, The sides of Lebanon,
And I cut down the height of its cedars, The choice of itsfirs, And I...
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