Topical Encyclopedia
The myrtle-tree, known scientifically as
Myrtus communis, is a fragrant evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region and parts of the Middle East. In the Bible, the myrtle-tree holds symbolic significance and is mentioned in several passages, primarily in the context of restoration and divine blessing.
Biblical References:
1.Nehemiah 8:15 : "So they proclaimed and circulated a proclamation in all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, 'Go out to the hills and bring olive branches, wild olive branches, myrtle branches, palm branches, and branches of other leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.'" In this passage, the myrtle is one of the branches used in the construction of booths for the Feast of Tabernacles, symbolizing peace and God's provision.
2.Isaiah 41:19 : "I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane, and the pine." Here, the myrtle is part of a divine promise to transform desolate places into lush, fertile lands, representing renewal and hope.
3.Isaiah 55:13 : "Instead of the thornbush, a cypress will grow, and instead of the brier, a myrtle will spring up; this will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, never to be destroyed." The myrtle-tree is used as a symbol of transformation and blessing, replacing the brier, which represents desolation and curse.
4.Zechariah 1:8-11 : "I saw at night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse, and he was standing among the myrtle trees which were in the ravine, with red, sorrel, and white horses behind him." In Zechariah's vision, the myrtle trees are associated with divine presence and the watchful care of God over His people.
Symbolism and Significance:
In biblical literature, the myrtle-tree is often associated with themes of peace, prosperity, and divine favor. Its evergreen nature and fragrant leaves make it a fitting symbol of life and vitality. The myrtle's presence in prophetic visions and promises underscores God's commitment to restore and bless His people.
The use of myrtle branches in the Feast of Tabernacles further emphasizes its role in celebrating God's provision and protection. The myrtle's transformation from a symbol of desolation to one of blessing inIsaiah 55:13 highlights the transformative power of God's word and His ability to bring about renewal and hope.
Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Israel, the myrtle-tree was valued not only for its beauty and fragrance but also for its practical uses. The leaves and berries were used for medicinal purposes, and the branches were employed in various religious and cultural ceremonies. The myrtle's resilience and ability to thrive in arid conditions made it a powerful symbol of endurance and divine sustenance.
Overall, the myrtle-tree in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's enduring promises and His ability to bring life and beauty out of barrenness. Its presence in Scripture invites believers to trust in God's provision and to look forward to the ultimate restoration He promises.Strong's Hebrew
1918. hadas --myrtle (tree)
... 1917, 1918. hadas. 1919 .myrtle (tree). Transliteration: hadas Phonetic
Spelling: (had-as') Short Definition: myrtle....myrtle tree....
Library
October 4. "Instead of the Brier, theMyrtle Tree" (Isa. Lv. 13).
... OCTOBER 4. "Instead of the brier, themyrtle tree" (Isa. lv. 13). "Instead
of the brier, themyrtle tree" (Isaiah 55:13). God's...
December 14. "Instead of the Thorn Shall Come up the Fir Tree"...
... unto us double for our time of testing, and fulfil the promise, "Instead of the
thorn shall come up the fir tree, instead of the brier themyrtle tree, and it...
'Make the Tree Good'
... The tree is made good, and 'instead of the briar shall come up themyrtle tree.'.
You may say, 'That is all very well in theory. What about the practice?...
The Breath of God
... Breathe o'er my spirit's barren land". The pine-tree and themyrtle-tree. Shall
spring amidst the desert sand; And where Thy living water flows....
Denunciation of False Teachers.
... Wherefore also he is unfruitful, like the wildmyrtle-tree. Footnotes:
[1236] Comp. John 6:70. Some read, "the son of the devil."....
The Cleansing of the Earth.
... Thus it is promised: "Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead
of the briar shall come up themyrtle tree," Isa.55:13....
Visions of Future Glory
... "Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree,. And instead of the brier shall
come up themyrtle tree.". "And an highway shall be there, and a way,....
Concerning Peaceableness
... Grace turns the vulture into a dove, the briar into amyrtle tree (Isaiah
55:13), the lion-like fierceness into a lamb-like gentleness....
Explanatory Notes to the American Edition
... "Voor een Distel een Mirt." (Instead of a Brier, aMyrtle-Tree.) 1891.
"Maranatha." Opening address at the meeting of Deputies.1891....
Number one Thousand; Or, "Bread Enough and to Spare"
... When instead of the brier shall come up themyrtle-tree, and instead of the thorn
shall come up the fir-tree, it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an...
Thesaurus
Myrtle-tree (1 Occurrence)Myrtle-
tree. Myrtles,
Myrtle-
tree. Myrtle-trees . Multi-Version
Concordance
Myrtle-
tree (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 55:13
...Myrtle (7 Occurrences)
... "Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir-tree; and instead of the brier shall
come up themyrtle-tree" (Isaiah 55:13), is one of the prophetic pictures of...
Fir-tree (5 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 55:13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir-tree; and instead of the
brier shall come up themyrtle-tree: and it shall be to Jehovah for a name...
Myrtle-trees (3 Occurrences)
Myrtle-trees.Myrtle-tree, Myrtle-trees. Myself . Multi-Version Concordance...
(See JPS ASV DBY WBS).Myrtle-tree, Myrtle-trees. Myself . Reference Bible.
Myrtles (4 Occurrences)
Brier (10 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 55:13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree; and instead of the
brier shall come up themyrtletree: and it shall be to Yahweh for a name, for...
Thorn (30 Occurrences)
... (11) cirpadh (Isaiah 55:13, "Instead of the brier shall come up themyrtle-tree"):
The Septuagint has konuza, which is (Post) the elecampane, Inula viscosa...
Fir (22 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 55:13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree; and instead of the
brier shall come up themyrtletree: and it shall be to Yahweh for a name, for...
Memorial (54 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 55:13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir-tree; and instead of the
brier shall come up themyrtle-tree: and it shall be to Jehovah for a name...
Flesh (468 Occurrences)
... (11) cirpadh (Isaiah 55:13, "Instead of the brier shall come up themyrtle-tree"):
The Septuagint has konuza, which is (Post) the elecampane, Inula viscosa...
Resources
Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the olive tree in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the tree of life? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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