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 significant symbolic meaning 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 branches are used in the construction of booths for the Feast of Tabernacles, symbolizing peace and God's provision during the Israelites' wilderness journey.
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 of transformation and renewal, where barren lands will be made fruitful, reflecting God's power to bring life and abundance.
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 a memorial to the LORD, an everlasting sign that will never be destroyed." The myrtle tree replaces the brier, symbolizing the reversal of the curse and the establishment of God's everlasting covenant with His people.
4.Zechariah 1:8-11 : In Zechariah's vision, the prophet sees a man riding a red horse standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine. This vision is part of a series of night visions that convey God's watchful presence and His intention to restore Jerusalem. The myrtle trees here symbolize peace and the hope of restoration for Israel.
Symbolism and Significance:
In biblical symbolism, the myrtle tree often represents peace, prosperity, and God's blessing. Its evergreen nature signifies eternal life and the enduring presence of God. The fragrant leaves of the myrtle are associated with joy and celebration, as seen in its use during the Feast of Tabernacles.
The myrtle's inclusion in prophetic visions and promises underscores its role as a symbol of divine favor and the transformation that comes through God's intervention. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant and His ability to bring about renewal and restoration in the lives of His people.
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 presence in the landscape of Israel would have been a familiar and comforting sight to the people, reinforcing its symbolic associations with peace and divine blessing.
Overall, the myrtle tree in the Bible is a powerful emblem of hope, renewal, and the transformative power of God's presence among His people.Strong's Hebrew
1918. hadas -- myrtle (tree)
... myrtle. Word Origin from the same as hadom Definition myrtle (tree) NASB
Word Usage myrtle (3),myrtle trees (3). myrtle tree. Of...
Library
The Morning Breaketh
... of Zechariah the eighth to the eleventh verses, "I saw by night, and behold a man
riding upon a red horse, and he stood among themyrtle trees that were in the...
The Incarnation and Birth of Christ
... There is a passage in Zechariah which teaches us a lesson:"lt is said that
the man on the red horse stood among themyrtle-trees....
A Caution to the Presumptuous
... The holy dove came to Jordan; we read not that it ever rested on Bashan. The man
upon the white horse rode among themyrtle trees, not among the cedars....
Malachi.
... I. Eight Visions Encouraging the Rebuilding of the Temple, Chs.1-6. Introduction,
1:1-6. 1. The horseman among themyrtle trees, 1:7-17....
The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <....
Thesaurus
Myrtle-trees (3 Occurrences)Myrtle-
trees. Myrtle-tree,
Myrtle-
trees. Myself . Multi-Version
Concordance
Myrtle-
trees (3 Occurrences). Zechariah
...Myrtle (7 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 1:8 "I had a vision in the night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse,
and he stood among themyrtletrees that were in a ravine; and behind him...
Bottom (33 Occurrences)
... metsullah, "to be dark," "shadowy place," from primitive root tsalal, "to tumble
down," ie "settle"; hence, the idea of a valley ("themyrtle-trees that were...
Fro (54 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 1:10 And the man that stood among themyrtletrees answered and said,
These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth....
Glen (1 Occurrence)
... Zechariah 1:8 "I had a vision in the night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse,
and he stood among themyrtletrees that were in a ravine; and behind him...
Myrtle-tree (1 Occurrence)
Myrtle-tree. Myrtles, Myrtle-tree.Myrtle-trees . Multi-Version Concordance...
(ASV WBS). Myrtles, Myrtle-tree.Myrtle-trees . Reference Bible.
Patrol (2 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 1:10 The man who stood among themyrtletrees answered, "They are the
ones Yahweh has sent to go back and forth through the earth." (See NAS RSV)....
Patrolled (2 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 1:11 They reported to the angel of Yahweh who stood among themyrtletrees,
and said, "We have walked back and forth through the earth, and behold...
Peaceful (19 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 1:11 They reported to the angel of Yahweh who stood among themyrtletrees,
and said, "We have walked back and forth through the earth, and behold...
Brown (5 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 1:8 "I had a vision in the night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse,
and he stood among themyrtletrees that were in a ravine; and behind him...
Resources
What are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Hadassah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the olive tree in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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