Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "tree-top" is often used to describe the uppermost part of a tree, which can symbolize various spiritual and theological themes. The imagery of tree-tops is employed in several passages throughout the Bible, serving as a metaphor for height, visibility, and sometimes divine interaction.
Symbolism and ImageryTree-tops are frequently associated with height and prominence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, high places, including the tops of trees, were often considered closer to the divine realm. This symbolism is evident in the biblical narrative, where tree-tops can represent a vantage point or a place of revelation.
Biblical ReferencesOne notable reference to tree-tops is found in the book of Ezekiel. In
Ezekiel 17:22-23 , God speaks through the prophet, saying, "This is what the Lord GOD says: I will take a shoot from the lofty top of the cedar and plant it. I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it, and it will bear branches and produce fruit and become a majestic cedar." Here, the tree-top symbolizes the beginning of a new kingdom, one that God Himself will establish and nurture.
In
2 Samuel 5:24 , the tree-tops are mentioned in the context of divine guidance: "As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army." The sound in the tree-tops serves as a divine signal for King David, indicating God's presence and action on behalf of Israel.
Theological ThemesThe use of tree-tops in Scripture often conveys themes of divine sovereignty and providence. The imagery suggests that God is above all, overseeing and orchestrating events from a higher perspective. The tree-top, as a place of divine interaction, underscores the belief that God is actively involved in the world and in the lives of His people.
Additionally, the tree-top can symbolize growth and potential. Just as the top of a tree reaches towards the heavens, so too are believers encouraged to grow in their faith and reach towards spiritual maturity. The imagery of a tree-top bearing fruit, as seen in Ezekiel, reflects the idea of a fruitful and flourishing life under God's care.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn the ancient world, trees were often seen as sacred, and their tops were sometimes associated with the divine. This cultural understanding is reflected in the biblical text, where tree-tops are used to convey messages of divine presence and action. The high places, including tree-tops, were sometimes sites of worship, both true and idolatrous, as seen in various Old Testament accounts.
Overall, the concept of the tree-top in the Bible serves as a rich metaphor for divine interaction, guidance, and the potential for growth and fruitfulness under God's sovereign care.
Strong's Hebrew
6788. tsammereth -- (tree)top... 6787, 6788. tsammereth. 6789 . (
tree)
top. Transliteration: tsammereth
Phonetic Spelling: (tsam-meh'-reth) Short Definition: top.
...5586. saaph -- to lop off (boughs)
... top. A primitive root; properly, to divide up; but used only as denominative from
ca'iyph, to disbranch (atree) --top. see HEBREW ca'iyph. 5585, 5586....
Library
Clairvoyance
... The bird will call to you from thetree-top, the sea will change her mood for you,
the flower looks up appealingly from the wayside, and the sun, before he...
Introduction.
... You have seen the rays of light lingering upon the hillside andtreetop
and gilding the fleecy cloud after the sun had gone down....
July 3. "Look from the Top" (Song of Solomon iv. 8).
... How often when the traveler quite loses his way he can soon find it again from some
tree top or some hill top where all the winding paths he has gone spread...
Book iii when She Finished Her Lay, Its Soothing Tones Left Me...
... If the bird who sings so lustily upon the hightree-top, be caught and caged, men
may minister to him with dainty care, may give him cups of liquid honey and...
The Northern Mountains
... each other's shoulders at the great bully, who must feed himself first as his fee
for having roared to them for an hour at sunrise on atree-top, while they...
Striking Similes
... Laughter like the sudden outburst of the glad bird in thetree-top. Lazy merchantmen
that crawled like flies over the blue enamel of the sea....
Thesaurus
Tree-top (1 Occurrence)Tree-
top. Trees,
Tree-
top. Trellis . Multi-Version Concordance
Tree-
top (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 17:6 And a gleaning shall
...Trellis (1 Occurrence)
Boughs (29 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 17:6 And a gleaning shall be left in it, as at the shaking of an olive-tree:
two, three berries above, in thetree-top; four, five in its fruitful boughs...
Trees (179 Occurrences)
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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