Topical Encyclopedia
Palm-trees hold significant symbolism and practical importance throughout the Bible, often representing victory, peace, and eternal life. These trees are mentioned in various contexts, from the construction of sacred spaces to the celebration of triumphs.
Biblical References and Symbolism1.
Construction and Decoration: Palm-trees were used in the design and decoration of sacred spaces, symbolizing beauty and divine presence. In the construction of Solomon's Temple, palm-trees were intricately carved into the walls and doors. As described in
1 Kings 6:29 , "On the walls all around the temple, in both the inner and outer sanctuaries, he carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers."
2.
Feast of Tabernacles: The palm-tree is also associated with the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of rejoicing and remembrance of God's provision.
Leviticus 23:40 instructs, "On the first day you are to take the branches of majestic trees—palm branches, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook—and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days."
3.
Symbol of Righteousness: The palm-tree is a metaphor for the righteous in
Psalm 92:12 , which states, "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." This imagery conveys strength, resilience, and the ability to thrive in adverse conditions.
4.
Triumphal Entry: In the New Testament, palm branches are prominently featured during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
John 12:13 recounts, "They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: 'Hosanna!' 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Blessed is the King of Israel!'" This event is celebrated as Palm Sunday, symbolizing Jesus' kingship and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy.
5.
Heavenly Vision: In the book of Revelation, palm branches appear in a vision of the redeemed in heaven.
Revelation 7:9 describes, "After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands." This scene signifies victory and eternal peace in the presence of God.
Cultural and Historical ContextPalm-trees were abundant in the ancient Near East, particularly in regions like Jericho, often referred to as the "City of Palms" (
Deuteronomy 34:3). The date palm, in particular, was valued for its fruit, shade, and wood, making it an essential resource for the people of the Bible.
In biblical times, palm branches were used in processions and celebrations, symbolizing joy and triumph. The palm's ability to grow in arid climates made it a powerful symbol of life and sustenance, reflecting God's provision and faithfulness to His people.
ConclusionThroughout Scripture, palm-trees serve as a rich symbol of victory, righteousness, and divine blessing. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, they are woven into the fabric of biblical narrative, representing both the temporal and eternal aspects of God's kingdom.
Greek
5404. phoinix -- the date palm, a palm... palm. Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition the date palm, a palm NASB
Word Usage palm branches (1),
palm trees (1). palm tree.
...Strong's Hebrew
5899. ir hattemarim -- Ir-hat-Temarim, a place in Palestine -- the...... Ir-hat-Temarim, a place in Palestine -- the city of
palm trees From iyr and the
plural of tamar with the article interpolated; city of the
palmtrees; Ir-hat
...362. Elim -- "terebinths," a place in the desert
... Elim. Plural of 'ayil;palm-trees; Elim, a place in the Desert -- Elim. see
HEBREW 'ayil. 361, 362. Elim. 363 . Strong's Numbers.
8558. tamar -- palm tree, date palm
... Word Origin from the same as tomer Definition palm tree, date palm NASB Word Usage
date palms (1), palm (3), palm tree (3),palm trees (4), palms (1)....
8561. timorah -- palm (tree) figure
... Word Origin from the same as tomer Definition palm (tree) figure NASB Word Usage
palm tree (3), palm tree ornaments (6),palm trees (10). palm tree....
Library
The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
... "And they overflow the plain seventy furlongs in length, and twenty in breadth:
and there they nourish very fair and thick gardens ofpalm-trees of divers kinds...
Bethany. Beth-Hene.
... certainly seems to be the same altogether with our Bethany; and the name to be drawn
from the word Ahene, which signifies the "dates ofpalm-trees," not come...
Anointed for Burial.
... (John 12:12). 12. On the next day. This was Sunday, often called Palm Sunday, because
on this day the multitude took the branches ofpalm trees....
Bowed with Grief and Anguish Low,
... Past the willows and the grave,. To the land wherepalm trees wave. VI. Willows
by earth's waters weep,.Palm trees wave beneath its sun;...
Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
... to Zin, as our translation reads, Numbers 34:4,"in the Jerusalem Targumist, is
over-against the mountain of iron: and in Jonathan, unto thepalm-trees of the...
John Chapter xii. 26-Dec
... to, says: "On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard
that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches ofpalm trees and went...
How Moses when He had Brought the People Out of Egypt Led
... 3. And now removing from thence they came to Elim; which place looked well at a
distance, for there was a grove ofpalm-trees; but when they came near to it...
Jericho Itself.
... I. "They ingrafted, or folded, together,palm-trees every day." Here is need
of a long commentary, and they produce one, but very obscure....
Opening Thoughts.
... From its quietpalm-trees[1] He issued forth on His last day's journey across
Mount Olivet. It was with Bethany in view He ascended to heaven....
Book 5 Footnotes
... [14] It appears by the sacred history, Judges 1:16; 3:13, that Eglon's pavilion
or palace was at the City ofPalm-Trees, as the place where Jericho had stood...
Thesaurus
Palm-trees (23 Occurrences)Palm-
trees. Palm-tree,
Palm-
trees. Palsied . Multi-Version
Concordance
Palm-
trees (23 Occurrences). John 12:13 Took
...Carved (36 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 6:29 He carved all the walls of the house around with carved figures of
cherubim andpalmtrees and open flowers, inside and outside....
Uprights (20 Occurrences)
... windows inside the doorway all round, and in the same way the covered way had windows
all round on the inside: and on every upright there werepalm-trees....
Jambs (19 Occurrences)
... to the lodges, and to their posts within the gate all around, and likewise to the
arches; and windows were around inward; and on each post werepalmtrees....
Decorated (12 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 2 Chronicles 3:5 The greater house he made a ceiling with fir wood, which
he overlaid with fine gold, and ornamented it withpalmtrees and chains....
Arches (13 Occurrences)
... to the lodges, and to their posts within the gate all around, and likewise to the
arches; and windows were around inward; and on each post werepalmtrees....
Vestibule (36 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:26 There were seven steps to go up to it, and its arches were before
them; and it hadpalmtrees, one on this side, and another on that side, on its...
Openings (27 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 6:29 and all the walls of the house round about he hath carved with openings
of carvings, cherubs, andpalmtrees, and openings of flowers, within and...
Ornamented (14 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 6:29 And all the walls of the house inside and out were ornamented with
forms of winged ones andpalm-trees and open flowers. (BBE)....
Elim (5 Occurrences)
... It had "twelve wells of water and threescore and tenpalmtrees." It has been
identified with the Wady Ghurundel, the most noted of the four wadies which...
Resources
What is Palm Sunday? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the triumphal/triumphant entry? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible describe Jesus being worshiped? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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