Poplars
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Poplars are a type of tree mentioned in the Bible, known for their tall stature and rapid growth. They belong to the genus Populus, which includes various species such as the white poplar, black poplar, and aspen. These trees are typically found in moist environments, often near rivers or streams, which is consistent with their biblical context.

Biblical References:

The most notable reference to poplars in the Bible is found in the book of Genesis, during the account of Jacob's dealings with Laban. In Genesis 30:37-39 , it is written: "Then Jacob took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled the bark, exposing the white inner wood of the branches. Then he set the peeled branches in the troughs in front of the flocks—where they came to drink. And the flocks mated in front of the branches, and they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted."

In this passage, Jacob uses poplar branches as part of a strategy to increase his share of the flock. The act of peeling the bark to expose the white inner wood is significant, as it was believed to influence the appearance of the offspring of the flocks. This practice reflects the ancient understanding of animal husbandry and the belief in sympathetic magic, where visual stimuli were thought to affect the outcome of breeding.

Symbolism and Cultural Context:

Poplars, with their rapid growth and adaptability, symbolize resilience and vitality. In the biblical narrative, they are associated with fertility and prosperity, as seen in Jacob's successful increase of his flocks. The use of poplar branches in Genesis highlights the importance of resourcefulness and divine providence in achieving success.

In the broader cultural context of the ancient Near East, trees often held symbolic significance, representing life, growth, and stability. The poplar, with its ability to thrive in various conditions, would have been a familiar and potent symbol to the original audience of the biblical texts.

Botanical Characteristics:

Poplars are deciduous trees, shedding their leaves in the autumn. They are known for their distinctive leaves, which are often triangular or heart-shaped, and their catkin flowers. The wood of poplars is relatively soft and light, making it useful for various purposes, including construction and crafting.

The presence of poplars in the biblical landscape underscores the diversity of flora in the region and the reliance of ancient peoples on natural resources for their livelihoods. The mention of poplars in Scripture serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of God's creation and the ways in which humanity interacts with the natural world.
Strong's Hebrew
6155. arab -- (a kind of tree) perhaps poplar, also a wadi in Moab
... Word Origin from the same as oreb Definition (a kind of tree) perhaps poplar, also
a wadi in Moab NASB Word Usage Arabim (1), poplars (1), willows (3). willow. ...
/hebrew/6155.htm - 6k
Library

Ridicule of the Heathen Divinities.
... Rhea becomes a tree; Zeus a dragon, on account of Persephone; the sisters of Pha?�thon
are changed into poplars, and Leto into a bird of little value, on whose ...
/.../tatian/tatians address to the greeks/chapter x ridicule of the heathen.htm

October.
... In the vale below, soft white flakes of mist still hung over the water meadows,
and barred the dark trunks of the huge elms and poplars, whose fast-yellowing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /october.htm

Acts x. 4-Jan
... Beside this fountain, not poplars and pines, nor cypresses, but other plants than
these, and far better, of goodly stature: friendship with God, praise with men ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxii acts x 4-jan.htm

Distinguishing Grace
... Their condition is smooth as oil, and as soft as young down, but their hearts are
as high as poplars, and their manners as stiff as hedge-stakes. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/distinguishing grace.htm

Down the Islands
... Gray pillars, which seemed taller than the tallest poplars, smooth and cylindrical
as those of a Doric temple, each carrying a flat head of darkest green, were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ii down the islands.htm

The King's Courts
... broken masses, or rising in perpendicular cliffs; whilst the rushing stream, far
below, is overgrown with oleanders and date-palms, willows, poplars, and tall ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/x the kings courts.htm

A Strain of Sodom.
... 1-399, which may be compared with the present piece. His two sisters were transformed
into white poplars, according to some; alders, according to others. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/2 a strain of sodom.htm

Love and Law.
... At last it reached the long avenue of poplars that lined the carriage-way leading
up to the house; the horses were coming at a rapid speed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/love and law.htm

Imperial Tombs.
... historical monuments. Strabo describes the place as paved with marble,
enclosed with brass railings, and shaded by poplars. The ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iv imperial tombs.htm

Christian Behavior
... 2. For place. When they should have worshipped at Jerusalem, they worshipped at
Bethel, at Gilgal and Dan, in gardens, under poplars and elms. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Thesaurus
Poplars (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Poplars (5 Occurrences). Leviticus 23:40 You shall
take on the first day the fruit of goodly trees, branches ...
/p/poplars.htm - 7k

Poplar (4 Occurrences)
... "They.... burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and terebinths,
because the shadow thereof is good" (Hosea 4:13). ...
/p/poplar.htm - 10k

Oaks (14 Occurrences)
... Hosea 4:13 They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains, and burn incense on the
hills, under oaks and poplars and terebinths, because its shade is good. ...
/o/oaks.htm - 10k

Trees (179 Occurrences)
... "The sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees" has been explained to
refer to the quivering of the leaves of poplars, but there is not much to ...
/t/trees.htm - 45k

Terebinths (12 Occurrences)
... Hosea 4:13 They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains, and burn incense on the
hills, under oaks and poplars and terebinths, because its shade is good. ...
/t/terebinths.htm - 10k

Elms (1 Occurrence)
... Hosea 4:13 They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon
the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good ...
/e/elms.htm - 6k

Mulberry (6 Occurrences)
... "The sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees" has been explained to
refer to the quivering of the leaves of poplars, but there is not much to ...
/m/mulberry.htm - 11k

Populace (5 Occurrences)

/p/populace.htm - 7k

Brides (3 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Hosea 4:13 They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains, and burn incense
on the hills, under oaks and poplars and terebinths, because its shade is good. ...
/b/brides.htm - 7k

Agreeable (6 Occurrences)
... Hosea 4:13 They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon
the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shade of them is ...
/a/agreeable.htm - 8k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Poplars (5 Occurrences)

Leviticus 23:40
You shall take on the first day the fruit of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before Yahweh your God seven days.
(See NIV)

Job 40:22
The lotuses cover him with their shade. The willows of the brook surround him.
(See NIV)

Isaiah 15:7
For this cause they will take away their wealth, and the stores they have got together, over the stream of the water-plants.
(See NIV)

Isaiah 44:4
And they will come up like grass in a well-watered field, like water-plants by the streams.
(See NAS)

Hosea 4:13
They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains, and burn incense on the hills, under oaks and poplars and terebinths, because its shade is good. Therefore your daughters play the prostitute, and your brides commit adultery.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS)

Subtopics

Poplars

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Poplar: A Tree
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