Apple-trees, while not frequently mentioned in the Bible, hold a place of significance in biblical literature and symbolism. The apple-tree is often associated with beauty, love, and sustenance, reflecting its esteemed status in ancient Near Eastern culture.

Biblical References:

1. Song of Solomon 2:3 : "Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste." In this poetic and allegorical book, the apple-tree is used as a metaphor for the beloved, symbolizing attractiveness and desirability. The imagery of sitting in its shade and enjoying its sweet fruit suggests comfort, protection, and pleasure.

2. Song of Solomon 8:5 : "Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? Under the apple tree I awakened you; there your mother conceived you; there she travailed and brought you forth." Here, the apple-tree is a setting for love and life, marking significant moments of intimacy and birth. It serves as a backdrop for the unfolding of love and the continuity of life.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:

In the ancient Near East, apple-trees were valued for their fruit, which was considered a delicacy. The apple's sweetness and nourishing qualities made it a symbol of sustenance and delight. In biblical literature, the apple-tree often represents beauty and love, as seen in the Song of Solomon, where it is used to describe the beloved's allure and the joy found in their presence.

The apple-tree's symbolism extends beyond its physical attributes to encompass spiritual and relational dimensions. It is a metaphor for the blessings and pleasures found in relationships, particularly in the context of marital love. The tree's shade and fruit are emblematic of the protection and satisfaction that come from a loving relationship.

Theological Reflections:

From a theological perspective, the apple-tree can be seen as a representation of God's provision and the beauty of His creation. Just as the apple-tree provides shade and sweet fruit, God offers protection and sustenance to His people. The imagery of the apple-tree in the Song of Solomon can also be interpreted as a reflection of the love between Christ and the Church, with the tree symbolizing the nurturing and life-giving relationship that believers have with their Savior.

In summary, while apple-trees are not extensively mentioned in the Bible, their appearances carry rich symbolic meaning. They evoke themes of love, beauty, and divine provision, offering a glimpse into the cultural and spiritual landscape of the biblical world.Apple-Trees

Mentioned in So 2:3:8:5 Joel 1:12. Many suppose the citron- tree to be here meant. The rich color, fragrant odor and handsome appearance of this tree, both in flower and in fruit, agree well with the above passages. Thoughts of wise men, well expressed, are like "apples of gold in pictures of silver," That is, like ripe and golden fruit in finely wrought silver baskets, Proverbs 25:11.

The Apple Trees
... CHAPTER XIX THE APPLE TREES. BUT there was a warning the Master had to give,
when he had spoken of the joy and gladness of the men ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xix the apple trees.htm

Let My Beloved Come into his Garden and Eat the Fruit of His
... CHAPTER V. 1. Let my beloved come into his garden and eat the fruit of his.
appletrees. I am come into my garden, my sister Spouse ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/1 let my beloved come.htm

How by Holy Complacency we are Made as Little Infants at Our ...
... what pleases, feeds. Let my beloved come into his garden, said the sacred
spouse, and eat the fruit of his apple-trees. [224] Now ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ii how by holy.htm

Chapter v.
... drunk my wine with my milk; eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O
beloved.1. Let my beloved come into his garden and eat the fruit of his appletrees. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter v.htm

"The Axe is Laid to the Root. "
... Your life must be profitable to God, or you cannot escape the axe. A man does
not plant apple trees to look at, but to gather fruit from. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxxi the axe is laid.htm

Individuality.
... Probably we would train those oaks, and cedars, and apple-trees in the midst
of the wood to more conventional shapes if we had them to-day. ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter iv individuality.htm

Three Friends of God
... CHAPTER XVII "THE HERITAGE OF THE HEATHEN". CHAPTER XVIII THE FREIGHTED SHIP. CHAPTER
XIX THE APPLE TREES. CHAPTER XX WORK. CHAPTER XXI THE RELIGION OF MAN. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/

Waiting Only Upon God
... and deserted. At length they came to a large garden, or orchard, full of
apple trees, bending under the weight of fruit. They entered ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/waiting only upon god.htm

1875-1877. Mrs. Way's Sewing --Class for Jewesses --Bible Flower ...
... "I am able to plough now, and milk cows, chop wood, reap grain, and mow hay.
I am raising fifty young apple-trees of the Spitenberg kind. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vi 1875-1877 mrs ways.htm

What does it mean that you will know them by their fruit in Matthew 7:16? | GotQuestions.org

Why do I face the consequences of Adam's sin when I did not eat the fruit? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about Creation (All) | GotQuestions.org

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