Topical Bible: Beasts: Habitations of Under Spreading Trees

◄ Beasts: Habitations of Under Spreading Trees ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the imagery of beasts dwelling under spreading trees is a recurring motif that symbolizes both the natural order and the divine provision for creation. This imagery is often used to illustrate God's care for all living creatures and the harmony of His creation.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 17:23 : "On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it, that it may bear branches and produce fruit and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind will nest under it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches." This passage uses the metaphor of a tree to describe the kingdom of God, where all creatures find refuge and sustenance. The spreading branches provide a habitat for birds, symbolizing the inclusivity and protection offered by God's kingdom.

2. Daniel 4:12 : "Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit was abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter, and in its branches the birds of the air nested." In this vision given to King Nebuchadnezzar, the great tree represents his kingdom, which provides for all creatures. The beasts finding shelter under the tree signify the prosperity and provision that a righteous rule can offer to all of creation.

3. Isaiah 30:24 : "The oxen and donkeys that work the ground will eat salted fodder, winnowed with shovel and pitchfork." While not directly mentioning trees, this verse highlights the provision for beasts of burden, indicating a broader theme of God's care for animals, which is often depicted through the imagery of trees and natural habitats.

4. Job 40:21-22 : "Under the lotus plants he lies, hidden among the reeds of the marsh. The lotus plants conceal him in their shade; the willows of the brook surround him." This description of Behemoth, a mighty creature, emphasizes the natural habitat provided by God. The spreading trees and plants offer shade and protection, illustrating the Creator's intricate design in providing for even the most formidable of His creatures.

Theological Significance:

The depiction of beasts dwelling under spreading trees serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His provision for all His creation. It reflects the biblical theme of harmony between humanity, nature, and the divine. The imagery underscores the idea that God's creation is interdependent, with each part playing a role in the sustenance and balance of the whole.

In a broader theological context, these passages can also be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual refuge and sustenance that God provides to His people. Just as the beasts find shelter and nourishment under the trees, believers find spiritual protection and nourishment in their relationship with God.

Symbolism in Prophetic Literature:

In prophetic literature, the imagery of beasts under spreading trees often symbolizes nations and their rulers. The health and prosperity of a nation are depicted through the flourishing of trees and the abundance of wildlife that they support. This symbolism serves as a reminder of the responsibility of leaders to provide for and protect their people, just as a tree provides for the creatures that dwell beneath it.

Overall, the biblical motif of beasts inhabiting the spaces under spreading trees is rich with meaning, illustrating God's provision, the interconnectedness of creation, and the ideal of righteous leadership.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 4:12
The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelled in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Pentateuch.
... of creation"man, the garden of Eden, beasts and birds ... the Israelites to the Red sea
under the guidance ... are extensive ruins of former habitations, and enclosed ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

The First Theban Empire
... Delta braved the perils of wild beasts and of ... Nubian deities, as well as numerous
habitations, now in ... under his Holiness of Khakeri, Usirtasen, who gives life ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

Book ii.
... names from those that bring them to their new habitations. ... hath not despised the
care of brute beasts, by permitting ... of animals; as some to be under the earth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book ii.htm

The Second Theological Oration.
... by worshipping monsters, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things ... the earth, and
flowing under caverns, are ... part being distributed into habitations, and part ...
/.../lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxviii the second theological.htm

The Water of Life;
... to water; for that it is of a spreading nature, and can ... grace of God is here presented
unto us under the terms ... open, yet it is common for all the beasts of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... bears and wolves, and other wild beasts of the ... and prayed as they returned comfortless
to their habitations. ... Several who had been under awakening, having now ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... of elephants still roamed,** and wild beasts, including lions ... they must have quickly
fallen under their own ... elevated above the crowd of private habitations. ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... the wood or pit, but as they first pass under the hand ... must be hewed and squared,
and the trees sawn and ... winds that are destructive to man and beasts, to fruit ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... Having reached the place, he laid the assassins under a curse, and gave permission ...
dwellings so difficult of access, which are still used as habitations by the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... were the tools of Satan, and whose habitations were full ... It is said that in some
countries trees will grow ... help them rightly to behave themselves, under all the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm