Topical Encyclopedia The term "broom" in the Bible typically refers to a desert shrub known for its resilience and utility in the arid regions of the Near East. The Hebrew word often translated as "broom" is "rotem," which is identified with the plant species Retama raetam, commonly known as the white broom or juniper. This plant is notable for its ability to thrive in harsh, dry environments, making it a fitting symbol in biblical literature.Biblical References: 1. 1 Kings 19:4-5 : The broom tree is mentioned in the account of the prophet Elijah. After fleeing from Queen Jezebel, Elijah finds himself in the wilderness, where he sits under a broom tree and prays for death. "While he himself traveled on a day’s journey into the wilderness, he sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, LORD,' he said. 'Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.' Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep." This passage highlights the broom tree as a place of refuge and rest, even in despair. 2. Job 30:3-4 : The broom tree is also mentioned in the context of desolation and poverty. "Gaunt from poverty and hunger, they gnawed the dry land, in the gloom of wasteland and desolation. They plucked mallow among the shrubs, and the roots of the broom tree were their food." Here, the broom tree is associated with the harshness of the wilderness and the struggle for survival, as its roots were used as a last resort for sustenance. 3. Psalm 120:4 : The broom tree is metaphorically linked to judgment and punishment. "Sharp arrows from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree!" In this verse, the coals of the broom tree are used to describe the intensity and severity of divine retribution. The wood of the broom tree was known for producing a hot, enduring fire, making it a powerful image of consuming judgment. Cultural and Symbolic Significance: In biblical times, the broom tree was valued not only for its practical uses but also for its symbolic meanings. Its ability to grow in desolate areas made it a symbol of endurance and survival. The plant's branches provided shade and shelter, while its roots could be used as a source of food in dire circumstances. The burning coals of the broom tree, known for their intense heat, were used metaphorically to convey the idea of purification and judgment. The broom tree's presence in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's provision and care even in the most challenging circumstances. It illustrates themes of refuge, sustenance, and divine justice, reflecting the broader biblical narrative of God's interaction with His people in both mercy and judgment. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A plant having twigs suitable for making brooms to sweep with when bound together; esp., the Cytisus scoparius of Western Europe, which is a low shrub with long, straight, green, angular branches, minute leaves, and large yellow flowers.2. (n.) An implement for sweeping floors, etc., commonly made of the panicles or tops of broom corn, bound together or attached to a long wooden handle; -- so called because originally made of the twigs of the broom. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BROOMbroom: Occurs in 1 Kings 19:4 m ("broomtree"); Job 30:4, and Psalm 120:4 m as the translation of the Hebrew rothem, where the King James Version employed "juniper" which is retained in the Revised Version (British and American) text in 1 Kings 19:4 and Job 30:4. Juniper is certainly incorrect and broom is not a particularly happy rendering. The rothem was doubtless the shrub called by the Arabs ratam, a shrub which casts so little shadow that it would be used for shade only when there was no other refuge from the desert sun, and would be eaten only in case of the direst necessity, but which could be burned and used for the making of charcoal. Greek 4563. saroo -- to sweep ... sweep. From a derivative of sairo (to brush off; akin to suro); meaning a broom; to sweep -- sweep. see GREEK suro. (saroi) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4563.htm - 6k 537. hapas -- all, the whole Strong's Hebrew 4292. matate -- broom, besom... 4291, 4292. matate. 4293 . broom, besom. Transliteration: matate Phonetic Spelling: (mat-at-ay') Short Definition: broom. Word Origin ... /hebrew/4292.htm - 6k 7574. rethem -- broom plant, retem Library Chapter twenty-eight Diamond Became a Great Favourite with all the Men About the Mews. ... And as She Stood Looking Towards London, Diamond Saw that She was ... The Lost Silver Piece Book vii. On the Useful or the Ordinary Diamond Said Nothing to his Mother About his Adventures. ... One Day when Old Diamond was Standing with his Nose in his Bag ... The Christian is to Walk Circumspectly. Scotch Song If You Give a Grape to Him when Hungry... Thesaurus Broom (5 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) An implement for sweeping floors, etc., commonly made of the panicles or tops of broom corn, bound together or attached to a long wooden handle; -- so ... /b/broom.htm - 9k Broom-roots (1 Occurrence) Broom-bush (2 Occurrences) Broom-plant (2 Occurrences) Broom-coals (1 Occurrence) Broom-wood (1 Occurrence) Broom-tree (2 Occurrences) Juniper (7 Occurrences) Sweep (34 Occurrences) Rithmah (2 Occurrences) Resources Why can't I stop sinning? Please help! | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome a crisis of faith? | GotQuestions.org Who are the Shakers? | GotQuestions.org Broom: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Broom (5 Occurrences)1 Kings 19:4 1 Kings 19:5 Job 30:4 Psalms 120:4 Isaiah 14:23 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |