Topical Encyclopedia The term "Plain" or "Oak of" in the Bible often refers to significant locations marked by notable trees, particularly oaks, which served as landmarks or sites of divine encounters. These sites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament and hold historical and theological significance.1. Oak of Moreh The Oak of Moreh is first mentioned in Genesis 12:6, where Abram (later Abraham) traveled through the land and arrived at Shechem, "to the oak of Moreh." This location is significant as it is where God first appeared to Abram in the land of Canaan, promising to give the land to his descendants. The presence of the oak may have served as a notable landmark for this divine encounter. 2. Oak of Mamre The Oak of Mamre, also known as the "terebinths of Mamre," is another significant site associated with Abraham. In Genesis 18:1, it is recorded that "The LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day." This is the location where Abraham received three visitors, one of whom was the LORD, who announced that Sarah would bear a son. The Oak of Mamre thus becomes a place of divine visitation and promise. 3. Oak of Tabor In 1 Samuel 10:3, the Oak of Tabor is mentioned in the context of Saul's anointing as king. Samuel instructs Saul that he will meet three men at the Oak of Tabor who will give him bread, a sign of God's provision and confirmation of his kingship. This oak serves as a geographical marker in the narrative of Saul's rise to leadership. 4. Oak of Ophrah The Oak of Ophrah is noted in Judges 6:11, where the Angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon. "The Angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite." This encounter marks the commissioning of Gideon to deliver Israel from the Midianites, highlighting the oak as a place of divine calling and empowerment. 5. Oak of Weeping (Allon Bacuth) The Oak of Weeping, or Allon Bacuth, is mentioned in Genesis 35:8. It is the burial site of Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, near Bethel. The name "Oak of Weeping" reflects the mourning associated with Deborah's death, and the oak serves as a memorial for this event. 6. Oak of Zaanannim In Judges 4:11, the Oak of Zaanannim is referenced in the account of Jael and Sisera. Heber the Kenite had pitched his tent near the oak, which is located near Kedesh. This oak serves as a geographical reference point in the narrative of Israel's deliverance from Canaanite oppression. Throughout the biblical narrative, oaks and plains serve as significant landmarks where God interacts with His people, delivering promises, guidance, and judgment. These sites are often associated with pivotal moments in the history of Israel, underscoring the importance of place in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Plain or Oak OfZAANANNIM; PLAIN OR OAK OF za-a-nan'-im, elon betsa`anayim; or betsa`anannim Codex Vaticanus Besamiein; Codex Alexandrinus Besananim (Joshua 19:33); in Judges 4:11 Codex Vaticanus translates it as pleonektounton, and Codex Alexandrinus has anapauomenon): In Joshua 19:33 the King James Version reads "Allon to Zaanannim," the Revised Version (British and American) "the oak in Zaanannim," the Revised Version margin "oak (or terebinth) of Bezaanannim." In Judges 4:11 the King James Version reads "plain of Zaanaim," the Revised Version (British and American) "oak in Zaanannim." It is probable that the same place is intended in the two passages. It was a place on the southern border of the territory of Naphtali (Joshua), and near it the tent of Heber the Kenite was pitched (Judges). The absence of the article before 'elon shows that the "be" is not the preposition before "z", but the first letter of the name, which accordingly should be read "Bezaanannim." We should naturally look for it near Adami and Nekeb. This agrees also with the indications in Judges, if the direction of Sisera's flight suggested in MEROZ (which see) is correct. The Kadesh, then, of Judges 4:11 may be represented by the ruin Qadish on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee; and in the name Khirbet Bessum, about 3 miles Northeast of Tabor, there is perhaps an echo of Bezaanannim. Strong's Hebrew 436. elon -- a terebinth... plain. Prolonged from 'ayil; an oak or other strong tree -- plain. See also 'Eylown. see HEBREW 'ayil. see HEBREW 'Eylown. 435, 436. elon. 437 . ... /hebrew/436.htm - 6k Library The Story of Gideon and his Three Hundred Soldiers Abraham --The Father of the Faithful. The National Oath at Shechem The Story of the Tower of Babel God who Appeared to Moses is Distinguished from God the Father. The Lord Reigneth Unfruitful Works of Darkness Chapter xxxv The Call of Isaiah Index of Tunes. Resources Are the “angels” of the churches in Revelation 1-3 real angels, or are they human messengers? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Verbal Plenary Preservation? | GotQuestions.org What is the age of the earth? How old is the earth? | GotQuestions.org Plain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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