Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Oaks are significant trees mentioned throughout the Bible, symbolizing strength, endurance, and sometimes idolatry. They are often associated with important biblical events and locations. The oak tree's prominence in the biblical landscape reflects its importance in the ancient Near East.
Biblical References:1.
Symbol of Strength and Stability: Oaks are frequently used as a metaphor for strength and stability in the Scriptures. In
Isaiah 61:3 , the righteous are compared to "oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified." This imagery underscores the enduring and steadfast nature of those who follow God's ways.
2.
Places of Worship and Idolatry: Oaks were sometimes associated with pagan worship practices. In
Hosea 4:13 , it is noted, "They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oaks, poplars, and terebinths, because their shade is pleasant." This verse highlights the misuse of these trees as sites for idolatrous practices, contrasting their intended purpose as part of God's creation.
3.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Oaks were often landmarks or significant locations in biblical narratives. In
Genesis 35:4 , Jacob buried foreign gods under the oak near Shechem, marking a moment of purification and dedication to the LORD. Similarly, in
Joshua 24:26 , Joshua set up a large stone under an oak near the holy place of the LORD as a witness to the covenant between God and Israel.
4.
Judgment and Destruction: The Bible also uses oaks as symbols of judgment. In
Isaiah 1:29-30 , the prophet warns, "You will be ashamed of the oaks you desired, and you will be embarrassed by the gardens you have chosen. For you will become like an oak whose leaves are withering, like a garden without water." This passage illustrates the consequences of turning away from God and relying on false idols.
5.
Covenantal Significance: Oaks are sometimes associated with covenants and divine encounters. In
Genesis 12:6-7 , Abram passed through the land to the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem, where the LORD appeared to him and promised the land to his descendants. This event marks a significant moment in the establishment of God's covenant with Abram.
Conclusion:Oaks in the Bible serve as powerful symbols and settings for both divine encounters and human failings. They represent strength and righteousness when aligned with God's purposes, but also serve as reminders of the dangers of idolatry and disobedience. The presence of oaks in biblical narratives underscores their cultural and spiritual significance in the ancient world.
Strong's Hebrew
352d. ayil -- a terebinth... a terebinth. Transliteration: ayil Short Definition:
oaks. Word Origin from the
same as ulam Definition a terebinth NASB Word Usage
oaks (3). 352c, 352d.
...437. allon -- an oak
... Word Origin from the same as allah Definition an oak NASB Word Usage oak (4),oaks
(4). oak. A variation of 'elown -- oak. see HEBREW 'elown. 436, 437....
436. elon -- a terebinth
... Word Origin prol. from ayil Definition a terebinth NASB Word Usage oak (6),oaks
(4). plain. Prolonged from 'ayil; an oak or other strong tree -- plain....
Library
The First Trumpet.
... Moreover, the same paraphrast teaches us that trees, in prophetic parables, signify
the great and rich, who foroaks of Basan (Isaiah 11:13.) substitutes the...
When the Nation of the Picts Received the Faith of Christ. [565 AD...
... Before he crossed over into Britain, he had built a famous monastery in Ireland,
which, from the great number ofoaks, is in the Scottish tongue called Dearmach...
The Earthquake at Madeley
... ground into numberless chasms, large and small; in the large, threw up mounts,
[31] fifteen or twenty feet high; it carried a hedge, with twooaks, above forty...
A Farther Quotation from virgilius Maro Respecting Christ, with...
... Far otherwise has it been during the corrupt and lawless period of human
life. The knottedoaks shall showers of honey weep. [3475]....
Of Removing Tithes.
... Trees."-Wood is, de jure a great tithe. Timber-trees, such asoaks, ashes, and elms,
and in some places beech, &c.... Mo.541. Noy.30.2 Rol.83. Tho'oaks, &c....
The Memorial of Symmachus, Prefect of the City.
... been the cause of this barrenness, life is sustained by trees and shrubs, and the
need of the country folk has betaken itself once more to theoaks of Dodona....
Concerning "Perfect" and "One. "
... [504] There are manyoaks with different capacities of growth and productiveness,
yet all belong to the same "oak species"; and there are many species or kinds...
Organization.
... by the constitution, held a synod of their own at Buffalo Creek, in Stork's
congregation, where the "Untimely Synod" had been held, under theoaks, near the...
Epistle xviii. Reply of St. Ambrose to the Memorial of Symmachus.....
... changing corn for the Chaonian acorn, going back once more to the food of cattle
and the nourishment of wretched provisions, they shook theoaks and solaced...
David the Shepherd Youth.
... upon a time the Philistines gathered their young men, and came, with their
battle-flags and drums, up the great Vale of Elah, the valley ofoaks, to attack...
Thesaurus
Oaks (14 Occurrences)...Oaks (14 Occurrences). Genesis 13:18 Abram moved his tent, and came and lived by
the
oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to Yahweh.
...Terebinths (12 Occurrences)
... Genesis 13:18 And Abram moved his tent, and came and dwelt by theoaks of Mamre,
which are in Hebron, and built there an altar unto Jehovah. (See JPS)....
Mamre (10 Occurrences)
... Genesis 23:17, 19; 35:27); called also in Authorized Version (13:18) the "plain
of Mamre," but in Revised Version more correctly "theoaks [marg., `terebinths...
Oak (22 Occurrences)
... and RV, "among theoaks"); 61:3 ("trees").... Theoaks have alternate leaves,
often variously lobed, and staminate flowers in catkins....
Terebinth (15 Occurrences)
... oak," and in margin "terebinth"; "vale of Elah," margin "the terebinth" in 1 Samuel
17:2, 19; 1 Samuel 21:9. (2) 'elim (Isaiah 1:29, "oaks," margin "terebinths...
Hebron (71 Occurrences)
... Here he pitched his tent under theoaks of Mamre, by which name it came afterwards
to be known; and here Sarah died, and was buried in the cave of Machpelah...
Jael (6 Occurrences)
... the Canaanites were defeated by Barak, Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, fled
and sought refuge with the friendly tribe of Heber, beneath theoaks of Zaanaim...
Moreh (3 Occurrences)
... in Deuteronomy 11:30 ('elone moreh, "terebinths of Moreh," the King James Version
"plains," the Revised Version (British and American) "oaks," the Revised...
Poplar (4 Occurrences)
... "They.... burn incense upon the hills, underoaks and poplars and terebinths,
because the shadow thereof is good" (Hosea 4:13)....
Abram (48 Occurrences)
... Genesis 13:18 Abram moved his tent, and came and lived by theoaks of Mamre,
which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to Yahweh....
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