The term "reed" in the Bible typically refers to a type of water plant that grows in marshy or aquatic environments. Reeds are often associated with the Nile River and other bodies of water in the ancient Near East. They are characterized by their tall, slender stalks and are frequently mentioned in Scripture for their symbolic and practical significance.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Reeds are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing fragility or instability due to their swaying nature. In 2 Kings 18:21, the prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of a reed to describe the unreliable support of Egypt: "Look now, you are depending on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it!" . This metaphor highlights the futility of relying on earthly powers instead of trusting in God.

In the New Testament, Jesus refers to John the Baptist in a rhetorical question, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?" (Matthew 11:7). Here, the reed symbolizes something easily swayed or influenced, contrasting with John's steadfastness and prophetic authority.

Practical Uses

Reeds were also used in ancient times for various practical purposes. They were commonly employed in the construction of baskets, mats, and even writing materials. The papyrus plant, a type of reed, was particularly significant in Egypt for making paper-like writing surfaces. This practical use underscores the resourcefulness of ancient cultures in utilizing natural resources for daily life.

Reeds in Biblical Narratives

Reeds appear in several key biblical narratives. In Exodus 2:3, the mother of Moses places him in a basket made of reeds and sets it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. This act of faith and protection leads to Moses being discovered by Pharaoh's daughter, setting the stage for his future role as the deliverer of Israel.

In the account of the crucifixion, a reed is used to mock Jesus. Matthew 27:29-30 describes how the Roman soldiers placed a reed in His right hand as a scepter, mocking His claim to kingship, and then struck Him on the head with it. This act of mockery fulfilled the prophecy of the suffering servant and highlighted the humility and sacrifice of Christ.

Reeds in Prophetic Imagery

Reeds also appear in prophetic imagery, symbolizing judgment and restoration. In Isaiah 42:3, a prophecy concerning the Messiah states, "A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; in faithfulness He will bring forth justice" . This passage emphasizes the compassion and gentleness of the Messiah, who will bring justice without crushing the weak or vulnerable.

In Ezekiel 29:6-7, God pronounces judgment on Egypt, likening it to a reed that fails to provide support: "Then all the inhabitants of Egypt will know that I am the LORD. You have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel" . This imagery serves as a warning against misplaced trust and the consequences of relying on unreliable sources of strength.

Conclusion

The reed, as a water plant, holds a multifaceted role in biblical literature, serving as a symbol of fragility, a tool for daily life, and a prophetic image of judgment and restoration. Its presence in Scripture invites reflection on the themes of trust, humility, and the enduring faithfulness of God.Isaiah 19:6,7
And they shall turn the rivers far away; and the brooks of defense shall be emptied and dried up: the reeds and flags shall wither.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 35:7
And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
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Jeremiah 51:32
And that the passages are stopped, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted.
Nave's Topical Index

Through-The-Week Activities for Boys' Organized Classes
... Exhibit Coin Exhibit Stamp Exhibit Arts and Crafts Photographs Wild Flower Tree
and Plant Sea Shell ... Corsan."At Home in the Water (.75). ... Reed."Bird Guide. ...
/.../the boy and the sunday school/x through-the-week activities for boys.htm

None Greater than John the Baptist, Yet. . .
... fallen beneath his usual level, below high-water mark, that ... Thou say that he is not
a reed shaken with ... which is developed in due course the plant, the flower ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xii none greater than john.htm

Man's Place in the World.
... formed dust and poured it out beside the reed; That he ... day that Jehovah made earth
and heaven, no plant of the ... used to rise from the earth and water the whole ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study i mans place in.htm

The Germination of the Earth.
... tree, but from a reed grows another reed, and from ... The same water, pumped up through
the root, nourishes in a ... the fruits swell"it gives to the plant its gum ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily v the germination of.htm

Christ the Arrester of Incipient Evil and the Nourisher of ...
... evil, may be typified for us by this bruised reed. ... ever see a gardener dealing with
some plant, a spray ... an erect position, and then gives it water and loving ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/christ the arrester of incipient.htm

First Catechetical Lecture of Our Holy Father Cyril,
... For as a writing-reed or a dart has need of one to use it, so grace also has need
of believing minds ... As then it is His part to plant and to water [483] , so ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/first catechetical lecture of our.htm

The Great Teacher
... to swim in; and other places where the water is shallow ... The lilies that the vale
adorn; The reed that trembles ... be a good thing to have a flowering plant in the ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the great teacher.htm

The Crucifixion and the Resurrection
... to do with the death of Jesus, and water would not ... robe; and they twisted pieces
of a thorny plant which grows ... put it on His head; and they put a reed in His ...
/.../anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter xii the crucifixion and.htm

Survival of the Fittest
... in the kingdom of grace the bruised reed is not ... organisms in the drying pool, the
water-newt upon ... Every plant, insect, animal, man"man physical, mental, moral ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/survival of the fittest.htm

Faith
... not grow in nature, it is an outlandish plant, a fruit ... is a root sin, and the devil
labours to water this root ... A reed is but weak, especially when it is bruised ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 1 faith.htm

What does it mean that “a bruised reed He will not break” in Matthew 12:20? | GotQuestions.org

Did the Israelites in the book of Exodus cross the Red Sea or the Reed Sea? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that “the smoking flax He will not quench” in Matthew 12:20? | GotQuestions.org

Reed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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