Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

As I read the cited passage, the intent was not to distinguish between differing or specific types of trees, but to draw a contrast between the various types of trees discussed (which each had their own beneficial purpose or gift in relation to humankind) and the bramble, which was useless and even destructive.

This was an analogy of the manner in which the sons of Gideon (also known as Jerubaal) had been treated by their brother Abimelech in killing them and usurping the judgeship over Israel.

April 15 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What do "trees" symbolise in the Bible if they do not have an obvious literal meaning?

In the Bible, trees can symbolise life, growth, and prosperity; divine teaching and judgment; or the opposite of life, depending on the context, such as the Tree of Life representing eternal life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil representing death. They also represent the source of both natural and spiritual blessings or curses, with the leaves of the Tree of Life in Revelation being "for the healing of the nations.

Trees are used as metaphors for people and nations. For example, in prophetic literature like Ezekiel and Daniel, majestic cedar trees represent powerful empires, and a cut-down stump can symbolise judgment followed by a promise of new life and restoration through a "branch" (Messiah).

In the Bible, trees are sometimes used figuratively to represent kingdoms, rulers, and individuals. (Ezekiel 31:1-18; Daniel 4:10-26) Trees are mentioned in association with the joyful, peaceful, and fruitful conditions resulting from God's kingship and the restoration of his people. (1 Chronicles 16:33; Isaiah 55:12; Ezekiel 34:27; 36:30) The Scriptures also promise that the days of God's people will be like those of a tree. (Isaiah 65:22) This has great meaning when we realise that some trees live for centuries.

The Psalmist said that a man who delights in God's law "will certainly become like a tree planted by streams of water, that gives its own fruit in its season and the foliage of which does not wither, and everything he does will succeed." A luxuriant tree planted by a plentiful water source reminded the Psalmist of the spiritual prosperity enjoyed by one whose "delight is in the law of God." (Psalm 1:1-3)

Then we have the promise that the days of God's restored people will be like those of a tree (Isa 65:22), which is made more meaningful by the fact that some trees of Palestine live for centuries, even up to a thousand years or more. 

And in Ezekiel's vision, a stream flows from the visionary temple, lined with fruitful trees of healing foliage, and a similar vision is presented in the book of Revelation. (Eze 47:7, 12; Re 22:2, 14) 

The expression "tree of life" is used to refer to true wisdom, the fruitage of the righteous, the realisation of a thing desired, and the calmness of the tongue; it is also associated with the crown of life. (Pr 3:18; 11:30; 13:12; 15:4; Re 2:7, 10) 

Trees are mentioned in association with the fruitful, peaceful, and joyful conditions resulting from God's kingship and the restoration of his people.​—1Ch 16:33; Ps 96:12; 148:9; Isa 55:12; Eze 34:27; 36:30.

16 hours ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report