Topical Encyclopedia Dates are the sweet fruit of the date palm tree, scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera. This fruit has been a staple food in the Middle East for thousands of years and holds significant cultural and historical importance in biblical times. The date palm is often associated with prosperity and abundance, and its fruit is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible.Biblical References While the Bible does not frequently mention dates explicitly, the palm tree, which produces dates, is referenced several times. In the Old Testament, the palm tree is often a symbol of beauty and righteousness. Psalm 92:12 states, "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." This verse highlights the palm tree's association with growth and prosperity, qualities that are also attributed to the righteous. In the Song of Solomon, the palm tree is used metaphorically to describe beauty and stature: "Your stature is like a palm tree, and your breasts are like clusters of fruit" (Song of Solomon 7:7). This imagery suggests the desirability and sweetness of the date fruit, paralleling the beloved's attributes. Cultural and Historical Context Dates were a vital part of the diet in ancient Israel and surrounding regions. They were consumed fresh or dried and were often used to make date honey, a sweet syrup that served as a natural sweetener. This syrup is sometimes thought to be the "honey" referred to in the phrase "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), indicating the land's fertility and abundance. The date palm's significance extended beyond its fruit. The tree itself was valued for its wood, which was used in construction and for making various tools and household items. The leaves were used for weaving baskets and mats, and the fibers were used for ropes and other materials. Symbolism and Significance In biblical symbolism, the palm tree and its fruit often represent victory, peace, and eternal life. This symbolism is evident in the use of palm branches during the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of celebration and thanksgiving for the harvest. Leviticus 23:40 instructs, "On the first day you are to take the branches of majestic trees—palm branches, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook—and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days." Palm branches also play a significant role in the New Testament, particularly during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. John 12:13 records, "They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: 'Hosanna!' 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Blessed is the King of Israel!'" The use of palm branches here signifies the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and King, echoing themes of victory and peace. Conclusion Dates and the palm tree hold a rich tapestry of meanings and uses in biblical times, symbolizing prosperity, beauty, and divine blessing. Their presence in Scripture, though not always explicit, underscores the cultural and spiritual significance of this fruit in the biblical narrative. Smith's Bible Dictionary Dates(2 Chronicles 31:5) marg. [PALM TREE TREE] International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DATESdats (debhash): Arabic, dibbs (2 Chronicles 31:5, King James Version margin); English Versions of the Bible HONEY (which see). See also PALM TREE. Greek 963. Bethania -- "house of affliction" or "house of dates ... ... 962, 963. Bethania. 964 . "house of affliction" or "house of dates," Bethany, the name of two cities in Palestine. Part of Speech ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/963.htm - 6k 4608. sikera -- fermented liquor 5029. tacha -- quickly, perhaps Strong's Hebrew 8534. taltallim -- perhaps locks (of hair)... 8533b, 8534. taltallim. 8535 . perhaps locks (of hair). Transliteration: taltallim Phonetic Spelling: (tal-tal') Short Definition: dates. ... /hebrew/8534.htm - 6k 829. eshpar -- perhaps cake or roll Library Dates of Treatises, &C. , Here Translated. Probable Dates of his Works. Index of Writers with Dates of Birth and Death Importance of the Anniversaries Connected with the Years 1894-1897 ... But that the Order of the Dates May be Correctly Preserved... The Bishops that Flourished at that Time. Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia. The Bishops of Jerusalem from the Age of Our Saviour to the Period ... The Bishops of Rome and of Alexandria During the Reign Of The Bishops that were Well Known at this Time. Thesaurus Dates (4 Occurrences)...DATES. dats (debhash): Arabic, dibbs (2 Chronicles 31:5, King James Version margin); English Versions of the Bible HONEY (which see). ...Dates (4 Occurrences). ... /d/dates.htm - 7k Drink (414 Occurrences) Menahem (8 Occurrences) Strong (736 Occurrences) Hittites (39 Occurrences) Antonius Felix (11 Occurrences) Genealogy (29 Occurrences) Aramaic (12 Occurrences) Number (2370 Occurrences) Resources When did _______ live? What are the approximate dates of the lives of various people in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhen were the Gospels written? | GotQuestions.org Is it possible to know when Jesus is coming back? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dates (4 Occurrences)1 Thessalonians 5:1 2 Samuel 6:19 1 Chronicles 16:3 Song of Songs 5:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |