Boxwood is a dense, fine-grained wood derived from the box tree, known scientifically as Buxus. This wood is renowned for its durability and smooth texture, making it highly valued in ancient craftsmanship and artistry. In biblical times, boxwood was used for various purposes, including the creation of musical instruments, intricate carvings, and decorative inlays.

Biblical References:

The term "boxwood" is mentioned in the context of the construction and adornment of sacred spaces. In Isaiah 41:19 , the prophet speaks of the Lord's promise to transform the wilderness into a lush and fertile land: "I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set the juniper in the desert, the cypress, and the box tree together." Here, the box tree is listed among other valuable and robust trees, symbolizing God's provision and the restoration of Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, boxwood was prized for its workability and aesthetic appeal. Its fine grain allowed artisans to carve detailed designs, making it a preferred material for items that required precision and beauty. The wood's natural resistance to decay also made it suitable for objects intended to last, such as religious artifacts and temple furnishings.

Boxwood's significance extended beyond its physical properties. In biblical symbolism, trees often represent life, strength, and prosperity. The inclusion of the box tree in prophetic literature underscores the themes of renewal and divine blessing. The transformation of barren landscapes into verdant gardens, featuring boxwood, reflects the hope of restoration and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Symbolism and Theological Implications:

The use of boxwood in Scripture can be seen as a metaphor for resilience and divine craftsmanship. Just as artisans shaped boxwood into objects of beauty and utility, so too does God shape His creation with purpose and care. The presence of boxwood in prophetic visions of renewal serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring life and order out of chaos.

In the broader biblical narrative, the imagery of trees, including the box tree, often points to the flourishing of God's kingdom and the ultimate restoration of creation. The prophetic vision of a transformed wilderness, adorned with boxwood and other trees, anticipates the eschatological hope of a new heaven and a new earth, where God's presence brings life and abundance.

Conclusion:

While boxwood is not frequently mentioned in the Bible, its inclusion in prophetic literature highlights its value and symbolic significance. As a material cherished for its beauty and durability, boxwood serves as a testament to the skill of ancient craftsmen and the enduring promises of God. Through the imagery of the box tree, Scripture conveys themes of renewal, divine provision, and the hope of restoration for God's people.(n.) The wood of the box (Buxus).839. ashur -- perhaps boxwood (a kind of wood)
... 838, 839. ashur or ashurim. 840 . perhaps boxwood (a kind of wood).
Transliteration: ashur or ashurim Phonetic Spelling: (ash-oor') Short Definition: ...
/hebrew/839.htm - 6k

Ezekiel's Discourse
... Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; they have made thy benches
of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the isles of Kittim. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/vii ezekiels discourse.htm

Sections ii. , iii. And the Lord Said: "And I Will Bring the ...
... And God charged Noah, saying: Make for thyself rattles [1369] of boxwood (or
cypress). Now sms'r is the wood called Sagh, ie, Indian plane. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/sections ii iii and the.htm

Of the Predictions Concerning the Salvation of the World in Christ ...
... advent of Christ, who was to come, is Habakkuk understood to say, "And the Lord
answered me, and said, Write the vision openly on a tablet of boxwood, that he ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 31 of the predictions concerning.htm

Letter cvii. To Laeta.
... For if they have learned some mischief they may teach more. Get for her a set of
letters made of boxwood or of ivory and called each by its proper name. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cvii to laeta.htm

Boxwood (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The wood of the box (Buxus). Multi-Version
Concordance Boxwood (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 27:6 Of the ...
/b/boxwood.htm - 6k

Box-tree (2 Occurrences)
Box-tree. Boxtree, Box-tree. Boxwood . Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews ... glorious.
(ASV DBY). Boxtree, Box-tree. Boxwood . Reference Bible.
/b/box-tree.htm - 8k

Bench (1 Occurrence)
... in English Versions of the Bible in Ezekiel 27:6, in the prophet's "lamentation
over Tyre": "They have made thy benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the ...
/b/bench.htm - 8k

Kittites (2 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; they have
made thy benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the isles of Kittim. ...
/k/kittites.htm - 6k

Oak-trees (1 Occurrence)
... Ezekiel 27:6 Of oak-trees from Bashan they have made your driving blades; they have
made your floors of ivory and boxwood from the sea-lands of Kittim. (BBE). ...
/o/oak-trees.htm - 6k

Oaks (14 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made your oars; they have made your
benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the islands of Kittim. ...
/o/oaks.htm - 10k

Oars (4 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made your oars; they have made your
benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the islands of Kittim. ...
/o/oars.htm - 7k

Larch (3 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; they have
made thy benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the isles of Kittim. ...
/l/larch.htm - 7k

Inlaid (8 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Ezekiel 27:6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made your oars; they have
made your benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the islands of Kittim. ...
/i/inlaid.htm - 8k

Floors (12 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:6 Of oak-trees from Bashan they have made your driving blades; they have
made your floors of ivory and boxwood from the sea-lands of Kittim. (BBE). ...
/f/floors.htm - 9k

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