Topical Bible: Forests: Tracts of Land Covered With Trees

◄ Forests: Tracts of Land Covered With Trees ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Forests in the biblical context are significant both in their literal and symbolic meanings. They are often depicted as vast tracts of land covered with trees, providing resources, shelter, and a setting for various events in biblical narratives. The Bible references forests in various books, highlighting their importance in the ancient Near Eastern landscape and their symbolic meanings in spiritual teachings.

Biblical References and Significance

1. Lebanon's Cedars: One of the most renowned forests in the Bible is the forest of Lebanon, famous for its majestic cedars. These trees were highly valued for their quality and durability, often used in construction, including the building of Solomon's Temple. In 1 Kings 5:6 , Solomon requests timber from Lebanon, saying, "So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will work with yours, and I will pay you for your servants according to whatever you say."

2. Symbol of Strength and Majesty: The cedars of Lebanon are frequently used as a metaphor for strength and majesty. In Psalm 92:12 , the righteous are compared to these trees: "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon."

3. Forests as Places of Refuge and Encounter: Forests also serve as places of refuge and divine encounter. David sought refuge in the forest of Hereth (1 Samuel 22:5), and Absalom met his demise in the forest of Ephraim (2 Samuel 18:6-8). These narratives illustrate the forest as a backdrop for significant events in Israel's history.

4. Symbolic Use in Prophecy: Prophets often used forests symbolically to convey messages of judgment or restoration. Isaiah 10:18-19 speaks of the destruction of Assyria, likening it to a forest consumed by fire: "The splendor of his forest and fertile fields it will completely destroy, as when a sick man wastes away. And the remaining trees of his forests will be so few that a child could count them."

5. Forests in Eschatological Visions: In eschatological visions, forests can symbolize the abundance and restoration of God's creation. Isaiah 41:19 describes a future transformation: "I will plant cedars in the wilderness, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees; I will set pines in the desert, together with fir and cypress."

Cultural and Economic Importance

Forests in biblical times were not only significant for their spiritual symbolism but also for their economic and cultural value. They provided timber for building, fuel for fire, and habitats for wildlife. The management and use of forest resources were crucial for the sustenance of ancient communities.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, forests can be seen as part of God's creation, reflecting His glory and creativity. They serve as reminders of the beauty and complexity of the natural world, which God entrusted to humanity's stewardship. The biblical portrayal of forests encourages believers to appreciate and care for the environment as part of their spiritual duty.

In summary, forests in the Bible are multifaceted, serving as literal landscapes, symbols of strength and judgment, and settings for divine encounters. They hold a place of reverence and utility, reflecting the intricate relationship between God's creation and His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 44:14
He hews him down cedars, and takes the cypress and the oak, which he strengthens for himself among the trees of the forest: he plants an ash, and the rain does nourish it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Naparima and Montserrat
... There are, doubtless, comparatively barren tracts of gravel ... to visiting new settlements
in the forests of the ... Through rich rolling land covered with cane; past ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
... wide plains, upland valleys, park-like forests, and almost ... shelving down through
the pasture tracts of the ... over with corn"; and the land, "greatly enriched ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 1 palestine eighteen centuries.htm

The Northern Mountains
... a chance of being alone in the forests; and into ... the tree, save a few millipedes
and land snails, were ... Possibly so: and possibly, again, on tracts long sunk ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm

The Cry of the Heathen
... Large tracts of country have been discovered, where the people ... like the boa-constrictor
of their own forests, he is ... of you would compass sea and land to make ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the cry of the heathen.htm

Ranee Khet Mission.
... With the exception of a little land cleared on one side ... for miles around was covered
with forests of pine ... at a small price portions of the Scriptures and tracts. ...
/.../chapter xxii ranee khet mission.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... behind this extends an immense table-land, slightly undulating ... have been but thinly
populated; tracts now denuded were then covered by large forests in which ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... entire tribes, and laid whole tracts of country waste ... a complicated network of gorges
and forests which had ... locusts swooping down upon the land, they assembled ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

His Journey to South Russia.
... The forests are immense, mostly of firs and birch, which being ... They stopped some
hours at Toula: the land south of ... in No.13 of his series of tracts, Turkey and ...
/.../chapter xix his journey to.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... by a gentle inclination of the head, and if covered, by lifting ... Louis, over land
to the Columbia river. ... to work with their own hands, and fell the trees of the ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... are; let us, therefore, set a king over us, so that the land may be ... being bitterly
cold in winter and almost tropical during the summer months; forests of oak ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm