Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, orchards were significant agricultural sites where various fruit trees were cultivated. The concept of an orchard is closely tied to the agrarian lifestyle of the ancient Near East, where the cultivation of fruit-bearing trees was essential for sustenance and economic prosperity. Orchards are mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, symbolizing abundance, blessing, and sometimes judgment.Biblical References: 1. Song of Solomon 4:13 · "Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with the choicest fruits, with henna and nard." In this poetic book, the orchard is used metaphorically to describe the beauty and richness of the beloved. The imagery of an orchard filled with pomegranates and other choice fruits evokes a sense of fertility and delight. 2. Ecclesiastes 2:5 · "I made myself gardens and parks and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees." Here, Solomon reflects on his accomplishments, including the creation of gardens and orchards. This passage highlights the king's wealth and the importance of orchards as a symbol of prosperity and human achievement. 3. Isaiah 1:30 · "For you will be like an oak whose leaves are withered, like a garden without water." While not directly mentioning an orchard, this verse uses the imagery of a garden to convey desolation and judgment. The absence of water, essential for the flourishing of an orchard, symbolizes spiritual dryness and the consequences of turning away from God. 4. Joel 1:12 · "The vine is dried up, and the fig tree is withered; the pomegranate, palm, and apple—all the trees of the orchard—are withered. Surely the joy of mankind is withered away." In this prophetic book, the withering of the orchard trees serves as a metaphor for the devastation brought by locusts and drought, representing divine judgment and the loss of joy and sustenance. Symbolism and Significance: Orchards in the Bible often symbolize fertility, abundance, and divine blessing. The presence of fruit-bearing trees in an orchard is a sign of God's provision and the land's productivity. In contrast, the withering or destruction of orchards can symbolize judgment, desolation, and the consequences of sin. The cultivation of orchards required careful planning, planting, and maintenance, reflecting the diligence and stewardship expected of God's people. The imagery of an orchard is also used to describe the spiritual life, where believers are called to bear fruit in keeping with repentance and righteousness. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israel, orchards were an integral part of the agricultural landscape. Common fruit trees included figs, olives, pomegranates, and dates. These fruits were not only staples in the diet but also held economic value, being traded and used in various religious and cultural practices. The care of orchards involved knowledge of the seasons, soil, and water management, underscoring the connection between the land and the people. The cyclical nature of planting and harvest in orchards mirrored the spiritual cycles of growth, fruitfulness, and renewal in the life of the believer. Overall, orchards in the Bible serve as a rich metaphor for God's provision, human responsibility, and the spiritual truths of growth and fruitfulness in the life of faith. Smith's Bible Dictionary Orchard[GARDEN] Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A garden.2. (n.) An enclosure containing fruit trees; also, the fruit trees, collectively; -- used especially of apples, peaches, pears, cherries, plums, or the like, less frequently of nutbearing trees and of sugar maple trees. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ORCHARDor'-cherd: Greek 1638. elaion -- an olive orchard, ie spec. the Mt. of Olives ... elaion. 1639 . an olive orchard, ie spec. the Mt. ... Word Origin from elaia Definition an olive orchard, ie spec. the Mt. of Olives NASB Word Usage Olivet (3). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1638.htm - 7k 1068. Gethsemani -- Gethsemane, an olive orchard on the Mt. of ... Strong's Hebrew 6508. pardes -- a preserve, park... Word Origin of foreign origin Definition a preserve, park NASB Word Usage forest (1), orchard (1), parks (1). forest, orchard. Of ... /hebrew/6508.htm - 5k 3759. karmel -- a plantation, garden land, fruit, garden growth 1593. gannah -- a garden Library Thy Plants are a Paradise of Pomegranates, with the Fruits of the ... "The Axe is Laid to the Root. " The Cat came Back A Downward Step. Events During the War A Doomed People An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ... Chapter iv. Last Journey of Jesus to Jerusalem. The vision of Paul. Thesaurus Orchard (3 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ORCHARD. ... (2) kepos, "garden" or "orchard": "a white thorn in an orchard" (Baruch 6:71). Multi-Version Concordance ... /o/orchard.htm - 8k Forest (67 Occurrences) Park (2 Occurrences) Orchards (7 Occurrences) Orator (3 Occurrences) Nard (5 Occurrences) Fruit (318 Occurrences) Disposition (3 Occurrences) Paradise (6 Occurrences) Plant (92 Occurrences) Resources What will we be doing in Heaven? What will we do in Heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Mount Carmel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is Göbekli Tepe where the Garden of Eden was located? | GotQuestions.org Orchard: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Orchard (3 Occurrences)Exodus 23:11 Song of Songs 4:13 Song of Songs 6:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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