The cypress tree, known for its durability and evergreen nature, holds a significant place in biblical literature and ancient Near Eastern culture. The Hebrew word often translated as "cypress" is "berosh" (בְּרוֹשׁ), though there is some debate among scholars regarding the exact species referred to in the biblical texts. The cypress is frequently mentioned in the context of construction and craftsmanship, symbolizing strength and longevity.

Biblical References:

1. Construction and Craftsmanship:
The cypress tree is noted for its use in building and construction due to its durable wood. In Isaiah 41:19 , God promises to plant cypress trees in the desert as a sign of His provision and transformation: "I will plant cedars in the wilderness, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees; I will set cypress in the desert, the plane and the pine together." This passage highlights the cypress as part of a divine act of renewal and blessing.

2. Symbol of Strength and Beauty:
In the construction of the Temple, cypress wood was used alongside cedar, indicating its value and strength. 1 Kings 5:8-10 describes the agreement between Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre, for the supply of timber: "So Hiram sent word to Solomon, saying: 'I have received your message; I will do all you desire regarding the cedar and cypress timber.'"

3. Metaphorical Usage:
The cypress tree is also used metaphorically in Scripture to convey ideas of stability and endurance. In Hosea 14:8 , God uses the imagery of a cypress to describe His enduring care and provision for Israel: "O Ephraim, what have I to do anymore with idols? I answer him and care for him. I am like a green cypress tree; your fruitfulness comes from Me."

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, the cypress tree was highly valued not only for its practical uses but also for its symbolic meanings. Its evergreen nature made it a symbol of eternal life and immortality, which may explain its frequent use in religious and royal architecture. The wood's resistance to decay made it an ideal choice for building projects intended to last for generations.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the cypress tree serves as a reminder of God's provision and the enduring nature of His promises. Its inclusion in prophetic visions of restoration and blessing underscores the hope of renewal and the establishment of God's kingdom. The cypress, with its strength and beauty, reflects the attributes of God as a provider and sustainer, offering a glimpse of the divine order and care for creation.

In summary, the cypress tree in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol, representing strength, beauty, and divine provision. Its presence in Scripture invites believers to reflect on the enduring nature of God's promises and the hope of restoration and renewal in His kingdom.1265. berosh -- cypress or fir
... fir tree. Of uncertain derivation; a cypress (?) Tree; hence, a lance or a musical
instrument (as made of that wood) -- fir (tree). 1264, 1265. berosh. 1266 ...
/hebrew/1265.htm - 6k

On the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
... Quasi cedrus exaltata sum in Libano, it quasi cypressus in monte Sion. "I was exalted
like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress-tree on Mount Sion.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxii on the exaltation.htm

How Amaziah Made an Expedition against the Edomites and Amalekites ...
... There was a vastly tall cypress tree in Mount Lebanon, as also a thistle; this thistle
sent to the cypress tree to give the cypress tree's daughter in marriage ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how amaziah made.htm

The Testament of Abraham. Version I.
... And as they went on from the field toward his house, beside that way there stood
a cypress tree, and by the command of the Lord the tree cried out with a human ...
/.../unknown/the testament of abraham/the testament of abraham version.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... tree, and the LXXX. of the cypress tree, and only overlaid with gold; and
both agree they were ten cubits high. I suppose the number ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

Cypress-tree (2 Occurrences)
Cypress-tree. Cypresses, Cypress-tree. Cypress-trees .
Multi-Version Concordance Cypress-tree (2 Occurrences). Song ...
/c/cypress-tree.htm - 6k

Cypresses (6 Occurrences)

/c/cypresses.htm - 8k

Cypress-trees (6 Occurrences)
Cypress-trees. Cypress-tree, Cypress-trees. Cypress-wood . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See JPS). Cypress-tree, Cypress-trees. Cypress-wood . Reference
/c/cypress-trees.htm - 8k

Gopher (1 Occurrence)
... planed wood." Other versions have rendered it "pine" and "cedar;" but the weight
of authority is in favour of understanding by it the cypresstree, which grows ...
/g/gopher.htm - 9k

Fir-tree (5 Occurrences)
... In APC Sirach 24:13, Wisdom says: "I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, And as
a cypresstree on the mountains of Hermon." And in Sirach 50:10 the high ...
/f/fir-tree.htm - 11k

Firtree
... In APC Sirach 24:13, Wisdom says: "I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, And as
a cypresstree on the mountains of Hermon." And in Sirach 50:10 the high ...
/f/firtree.htm - 9k

Fir (22 Occurrences)
... In APC Sirach 24:13, Wisdom says: "I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, And as
a cypresstree on the mountains of Hermon." And in Sirach 50:10 the high ...
/f/fir.htm - 19k

Cypress (17 Occurrences)
... (BBE DBY JPS NAS RSV). Song of Songs 1:14 My love is to me as a branch of
the cypress-tree in the vine-gardens of En-gedi. (BBE YLT). ...
/c/cypress.htm - 12k

Vine-gardens (41 Occurrences)
... not kept. (BBE). Song of Songs 1:14 My love is to me as a branch of the
cypress-tree in the vine-gardens of En-gedi. (BBE). Song of ...
/v/vine-gardens.htm - 19k

Branch (60 Occurrences)
... branch. (KJV WBS). Song of Songs 1:14 My love is to me as a branch of the
cypress-tree in the vine-gardens of En-gedi. (BBE). Isaiah ...
/b/branch.htm - 28k

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