The role of trees in the Bible – Day 1

Trees are significant throughout the Bible — the King James Version of the Bible mentions 37 differently named trees. Some species such as cypress, acacia and ash appear only once. Others, notably the palm, olive, fig, and cedar, occur many times. This month we’ll be winding our way through a forest of trees found in the Bible and learning from their significance.

Before we start looking at the significance of different trees in the Bible, let’s take a look at four characteristics of trees which we as Christians are called to emulate.

If we are going to be like trees, we need to be planted, productive, pleasing and prosperous.

Trees are planted. If we are going to be like a tree, we are going to have to begin by being transplanted, removed from our old lives and into a new relationship with Christ. And it’s important that we are transplanted by God because, as Matthew 15:13 tells us: “He replied, ‘Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.’ ”

Trees are productive. Notice the phrase “… planted by the rivers of water …” If a tree isn’t planted near water so its roots can reach out and suck it up, it will wither and die. When God planted you, he planted you next to your own life-giving source so that you can grow and flourish and be productive for him — the Holy Spirit. Your roots are anchored in this life-giving source that enables you to yield spiritual fruit.

Tomorrow we’ll look at what trees can teach us about being pleasing and prosperous.