Topical Bible: Righteous: Trees Planted Beside Rivers

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The imagery of trees planted beside rivers is a powerful biblical metaphor for the righteous, illustrating their stability, prosperity, and spiritual vitality. This metaphor is prominently featured in the Psalms and the prophetic writings, offering a vivid picture of the life of those who are rooted in God's Word and His ways.

Psalm 1:3 · The righteous are likened to "a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does" . This verse underscores the idea that the righteous, like a well-watered tree, are continually nourished and sustained by their relationship with God. The streams of water symbolize the life-giving Word of God, which provides the necessary sustenance for spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 · The prophet Jeremiah echoes this imagery, stating, "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit" . Here, the emphasis is on trust and confidence in the Lord as the source of strength and resilience. The righteous are depicted as having deep roots that reach toward the stream, signifying a profound and unwavering connection to God.

Ezekiel 47:12 · In Ezekiel's vision of the river flowing from the temple, the trees growing along the riverbanks are described as bearing fruit every month and having leaves for healing. "Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind will grow. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. Each month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will be used for food and their leaves for healing" . This passage highlights the abundant and continuous provision that comes from being planted near the divine source of life.

Revelation 22:1-2 · The imagery of trees planted by rivers reaches its culmination in the vision of the New Jerusalem, where "the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb" nourishes the tree of life. "On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations" . This eschatological vision reinforces the eternal and life-giving nature of God's provision for the righteous.

The metaphor of trees planted beside rivers serves as a profound reminder of the blessings and stability that come from a life rooted in faith and obedience to God. The righteous, like these trees, are sustained by the living waters of God's Word, enabling them to withstand trials, remain fruitful, and provide healing and nourishment to others.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 1:3
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Revelation of Paul.
... there were by the bank of the river, trees planted, full of ... of the sun, and I saw
there trees of great ... he brings him in the city of God, near the righteous. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/revelation of paul/revelation of paul.htm

Balaam
... did not understand, but opened his heart to say righteous and wise ... the trees of lign
aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xiv balaam.htm

Deliverance from Assyria
... And the vineyard which Thy right hand hath planted,. ... yet shalt thou be brought down
with the trees of Eden ... the day of final awards, when the righteous Judge of ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 30 deliverance from assyria.htm

Mission Tours.
... Trees have been largely planted along the road, and ... gentle breeze rustles through
the trees, and the ... called Dhurmsalas, places erected by righteous, good men. ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xiv mission tours.htm

Justinus' Triad of Principles; his Angelography Founded on this ...
... says, concerning which Moses speaks: "God planted a garden ... Allegorically the angels
are styled trees of this garden ... the Lord: through this the righteous enter in ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxi justinus triad of principles.htm

God's Purpose for his Church
... side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat ... Of Israel God declared: "I had
planted thee a noble vine ... too wise to need instruction, too righteous to need ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 1 gods purpose for.htm

Appendices
... another at the same time from this day forward, and we will fulfil it, and will
act in a righteous manner ... The place is planted with maple trees, oaks, and ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... and gnashing of teeth, when the righteous will shine ... of our worship, though] others
everywhere worship trees and rivers ... be like the tree which is planted by the ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

On the Ten Points of Doctrine.
... that thence also He might redeem the righteous [685 ... God again accuseth them, and
saith, Yet I planted thee a ... Seest thou how the trees stand now for many months ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture iv on the ten.htm

On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man.
... is not dependent on the nature of trees, but is ... place "woody" Cyril refers to a grove
planted by Hadrian ... between which is the appearance of the Righteous Judge ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xii on the words.htm