Topical Encyclopedia
Poplars are a type of tree mentioned in the Bible, known for their tall stature and rapid growth. They belong to the genus
Populus, which includes various species such as the white poplar, black poplar, and aspen. These trees are typically found in moist environments, often near rivers or streams, which is consistent with their biblical context.
Biblical References:
The most notable reference to poplars in the Bible is found in the book of Genesis, during the account of Jacob's dealings with Laban. InGenesis 30:37-39 , it is written: "Then Jacob took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled the bark, exposing the white inner wood of the branches. Then he set the peeled branches in the troughs in front of the flocks—where they came to drink. And the flocks mated in front of the branches, and they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted."
In this passage, Jacob uses poplar branches as part of a strategy to increase his share of the flock. The act of peeling the bark to expose the white inner wood is significant, as it was believed to influence the appearance of the offspring of the flocks. This practice reflects the ancient understanding of animal husbandry and the belief in sympathetic magic, where visual stimuli were thought to affect the outcome of breeding.
Symbolism and Cultural Context:
Poplars, with their rapid growth and adaptability, symbolize resilience and vitality. In the biblical narrative, they are associated with fertility and prosperity, as seen in Jacob's successful increase of his flocks. The use of poplar branches in Genesis highlights the importance of resourcefulness and divine providence in achieving success.
In the broader cultural context of the ancient Near East, trees often held symbolic significance, representing life, growth, and stability. The poplar, with its ability to thrive in various conditions, would have been a familiar and potent symbol to the original audience of the biblical texts.
Botanical Characteristics:
Poplars are deciduous trees, shedding their leaves in the autumn. They are known for their distinctive leaves, which are often triangular or heart-shaped, and their catkin flowers. The wood of poplars is relatively soft and light, making it useful for various purposes, including construction and crafting.
The presence of poplars in the biblical landscape underscores the diversity of flora in the region and the reliance of ancient peoples on natural resources for their livelihoods. The mention of poplars in Scripture serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of God's creation and the ways in which humanity interacts with the natural world.Strong's Hebrew
6155. arab -- (a kind of tree) perhaps poplar, also a wadi in Moab
... Word Origin from the same as oreb Definition (a kind of tree) perhaps poplar, also
a wadi in Moab NASB Word Usage Arabim (1),poplars (1), willows (3). willow....
Library
Ridicule of the Heathen Divinities.
... Rhea becomes a tree; Zeus a dragon, on account of Persephone; the sisters of Pha?�thon
are changed intopoplars, and Leto into a bird of little value, on whose...
October.
... In the vale below, soft white flakes of mist still hung over the water meadows,
and barred the dark trunks of the huge elms andpoplars, whose fast-yellowing...
Acts x. 4-Jan
... Beside this fountain, notpoplars and pines, nor cypresses, but other plants than
these, and far better, of goodly stature: friendship with God, praise with men...
Distinguishing Grace
... Their condition is smooth as oil, and as soft as young down, but their hearts are
as high aspoplars, and their manners as stiff as hedge-stakes....
Down the Islands
... Gray pillars, which seemed taller than the tallestpoplars, smooth and cylindrical
as those of a Doric temple, each carrying a flat head of darkest green, were...
The King's Courts
... broken masses, or rising in perpendicular cliffs; whilst the rushing stream, far
below, is overgrown with oleanders and date-palms, willows,poplars, and tall...
A Strain of Sodom.
... 1-399, which may be compared with the present piece. His two sisters were transformed
into whitepoplars, according to some; alders, according to others....
Love and Law.
... At last it reached the long avenue ofpoplars that lined the carriage-way leading
up to the house; the horses were coming at a rapid speed....
Imperial Tombs.
... historical monuments. Strabo describes the place as paved with marble,
enclosed with brass railings, and shaded bypoplars. The...
Christian Behavior
... 2. For place. When they should have worshipped at Jerusalem, they worshipped at
Bethel, at Gilgal and Dan, in gardens, underpoplars and elms....
Thesaurus
Poplars (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Poplars (5 Occurrences). Leviticus 23:40 You shall
take on the first day the fruit of goodly trees, branches
...Poplar (4 Occurrences)
... "They.... burn incense upon the hills, under oaks andpoplars and terebinths,
because the shadow thereof is good" (Hosea 4:13)....
Oaks (14 Occurrences)
... Hosea 4:13 They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains, and burn incense on the
hills, under oaks andpoplars and terebinths, because its shade is good....
Trees (179 Occurrences)
... "The sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees" has been explained to
refer to the quivering of the leaves ofpoplars, but there is not much to...
Terebinths (12 Occurrences)
... Hosea 4:13 They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains, and burn incense on the
hills, under oaks andpoplars and terebinths, because its shade is good....
Elms (1 Occurrence)
... Hosea 4:13 They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon
the hills, under oaks andpoplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good...
Mulberry (6 Occurrences)
... "The sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees" has been explained to
refer to the quivering of the leaves ofpoplars, but there is not much to...
Populace (5 Occurrences)
Brides (3 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Hosea 4:13 They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains, and burn incense
on the hills, under oaks andpoplars and terebinths, because its shade is good....
Agreeable (6 Occurrences)
... Hosea 4:13 They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon
the hills, under oaks andpoplars and elms, because the shade of them is...
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
