The poplar tree is mentioned in the Bible as part of the natural world that God created and sustains. It is referenced in the context of pastoral and agricultural life, reflecting the everyday experiences of the people in biblical times. The poplar is noted for its rapid growth and adaptability, characteristics that made it a common sight in the ancient Near East.

Biblical References:

The poplar tree is specifically mentioned in Genesis 30:37, where Jacob uses rods of poplar, along with almond and plane trees, in a breeding strategy for his flocks. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Then Jacob took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled the bark, exposing the white inner wood of the branches." This passage highlights the poplar's role in Jacob's innovative approach to increasing his livestock, demonstrating the tree's significance in the economic and domestic life of the patriarchs.

Symbolism and Usage:

In biblical symbolism, trees often represent life, growth, and prosperity. The poplar, with its ability to thrive in various conditions, can be seen as a symbol of resilience and adaptability. Its presence in the account of Jacob suggests a connection to themes of resourcefulness and divine provision. The use of poplar rods in Genesis 30 may also reflect an understanding of natural processes and the wisdom imparted by God to His people in managing their resources.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, poplar trees were valued for their wood, which was used in construction and crafting. Their fast growth made them a practical choice for planting in areas needing quick reforestation or shade. The poplar's adaptability to different soil types and its ability to grow near water sources made it a common feature in the landscapes of biblical lands.

Theological Insights:

From a theological perspective, the mention of poplar trees in the Bible can be seen as a reminder of God's provision and the intricate design of His creation. The natural world, including trees like the poplar, serves as a testament to God's creativity and care for His creation. The use of poplar in Jacob's account underscores the belief that God equips His people with the knowledge and resources necessary to fulfill His purposes.

In summary, the poplar tree, while not extensively mentioned in the Bible, plays a role in illustrating the connection between God's creation and the daily lives of His people. Its presence in Scripture invites reflection on themes of growth, resourcefulness, and divine provision.Genesis 30:37
And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods.
Nave's Topical Index

Hosea 4:13
They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains, and burn incense on the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good: therefore your daughters shall commit prostitution, and your spouses shall commit adultery.
Nave's Topical Index

6155. arab -- (a kind of tree) perhaps poplar, also a wadi in Moab
... (a kind of tree) perhaps poplar, also a wadi in Moab. Transliteration: arab or
arabah Phonetic Spelling: (aw-rawb') Short Definition: willows. ...
/hebrew/6155.htm - 6k

3839. libneh -- poplar
... poplar. From laban; some sort of whitish tree, perhaps the storax -- poplar. see
HEBREW laban. 3838, 3839. libneh. 3840 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/3839.htm - 6k

An Earnest Invitation
... On our common, you will remember, at Clapham, a man sought shelter beneath a poplar
tree, and in a moment a bolt fell from heaven and rent his body in pieces ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/an earnest invitation.htm

That Christ is the Hand and Arm of God.
... I will establish in the land of drought the cedar-tree and the box-tree, and the
myrtle and the cypress, and the elm [3953] and the poplar, that they may see ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/4 that christ is the.htm

The Germination of the Earth.
... and then, that a careful examination will show us that every tree has seed, or some
property which takes the place of it. The black poplar, the willow, the elm ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily v the germination of.htm

A Strain of Sodom.
... Of rivers, if, just where it forks, some tree. Meets the swift waves (not long to
stand, save while. ... Let Eridanus. See to it, if one poplar on his banks. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/2 a strain of sodom.htm

Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
... There it is; the old poplar tree against it, and there are the stacks round which
he and his brother used to run and play; and at the sight of the old ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/confession of sina sermon with.htm

Ode on the Installation of the Duke of Devonshire, Chancellor of ...
... spire and town; Humming mills and golden meadows, Barred with elm and poplar shadows;
Giant ... too soon; {306} A sun gone down at highest noon; A tree from Odin's ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/ode on the installation of.htm

The Exercises Suited to a Good Life.
... "And Abraham," it is said, "served up for three, dinner under a tree, and waited
on them as they ate ... [1665] Genesis 30:37. Not "poplar," as in AV [See Abp. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter x the exercises suited to.htm

Notes
... Church in the Catacombs, p.315, for a woodcut of the Good Shepherd with a lamb over
His shoulders, two sheep at His feet, a palm tree (or poplar) on either side ...
//christianbookshelf.org/prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/notes.htm

The High Woods
... them, too, at some twenty yards apart, are the stems of a tree looking much ... Those
who have stood under a Lombardy poplar in early spring, and looked up at its ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vii the high woods.htm

On the Morning of Christ's Nativity
... He saw a greater Sun appear Than his bright throne, or burning axle-tree, could
bear. ... and loud lament; From haunted spring and dale Edg'd with poplar pale, The ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/on the morning of christs.htm

Did Jacob placing branches in front of his flock really result in the offspring being speckled and spotted? | GotQuestions.org

What was the “spirit of prostitution” in Hosea 4:12? | GotQuestions.org

Poplar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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