The term "lotus-trees" appears in the context of biblical literature and is often associated with the flora of the ancient Near East. While the specific identification of the lotus-tree in the Bible is not entirely clear, it is generally understood to refer to a type of tree or plant known for its beauty and possibly its fruit.

Biblical References:

The lotus-tree is mentioned in the Book of Job, a poetic and wisdom text in the Old Testament. In Job 40:21-22 , the description of the behemoth includes a reference to the lotus-tree: "He lies under the lotus plants, in the cover of the reeds and marsh. The lotus trees cover him with their shade; the willows of the brook surround him." This passage suggests that the lotus-tree provided shade and was part of a lush, watery environment, indicating its association with fertility and abundance.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, the lotus was a symbol of beauty, purity, and prosperity. The lotus-tree, therefore, may have been a plant that was both aesthetically pleasing and significant in the cultural and religious practices of the time. Some scholars suggest that the biblical lotus-tree could be identified with the Ziziphus lotus, a shrub native to the Mediterranean region, known for its small, edible fruit.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

From a symbolic perspective, the lotus-tree in the Bible can be seen as a representation of God's provision and the natural beauty of His creation. The imagery of the behemoth resting under the lotus-trees emphasizes the creature's strength and the abundance of the environment God has created. The lotus-tree's association with water and shade further underscores themes of refreshment and protection, which are recurrent motifs in biblical literature.

Theological Significance:

The mention of the lotus-tree in the context of Job's narrative serves to highlight the majesty and complexity of God's creation. It reflects the divine order and the intricate balance of nature, which is beyond human understanding. The lotus-tree, as part of this creation, points to the Creator's wisdom and the care with which He sustains all living things.

In summary, while the exact identity of the lotus-tree in the Bible remains uncertain, its presence in the text enriches the imagery and theological depth of the Scriptures, inviting readers to contemplate the beauty and providence of God's creation.

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
The Principal Works of St. Jerome. <. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Lotus-trees (2 Occurrences)
Lotus-trees. Lotuses, Lotus-trees. Loud . Multi-Version Concordance
Lotus-trees (2 Occurrences). Job 40:21 He lieth ...
/l/lotus-trees.htm - 6k

Lotus (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LOTUSTREES. ... Lotus (2 Occurrences). Job 40:21 He
lies under the lotustrees, in the covert of the reed, and the marsh. ...
/l/lotus.htm - 8k

Marsh (4 Occurrences)
... Can the flag grow without water?" and in Job 40:21 (of the behemoth), "He lieth
under the lotus-trees, In the covert of the reed, and the fen (bitstsah)." In 1 ...
/m/marsh.htm - 9k

Behemoth (1 Occurrence)
... "He lieth under the lotus-trees, In the covert of the reed, and the fen.
The lotus-trees cover him with their shade; The willows ...
/b/behemoth.htm - 9k

Trees (179 Occurrences)
... EWG Masterman. LOTUSTREES. lo'-tus ... fruit. See SYCOMORE. EWG Masterman. SHADY, TREES.
shad'-i (Job 40:21 f). See LOTUSTREES. THICK TREES. (`ets ...
/t/trees.htm - 45k

Lotuses (1 Occurrence)

/l/lotuses.htm - 6k

Reeds (27 Occurrences)
... Can the reed-grass grow without water? (See RSV NIV). Job 40:21 He lieth under the
lotus-trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens. (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/r/reeds.htm - 14k

Covert (18 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT RSV). Job 40:21 He lies under the lotustrees, in the covert
of the reed, and the marsh. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). ...
/c/covert.htm - 12k

Shadow (72 Occurrences)
... etc.). In Job 40:21, 22, for "shady trees" the Revised Version (British and
American) has "lotus-trees." WL Walker. SHADOW OF DEATH. ...
/s/shadow.htm - 35k

Shade (67 Occurrences)
... In Job 40:21, 22, for "shady trees" the Revised Version (British and American) has
"lotus-trees." WL Walker. Multi-Version Concordance Shade (67 Occurrences). ...
/s/shade.htm - 31k

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