Topical Bible: Rivers: Banks of Planted With Trees

◄ Rivers: Banks of Planted With Trees ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, rivers hold significant symbolic and practical importance, often representing life, sustenance, and divine provision. The imagery of trees planted by rivers is a recurring motif in Scripture, symbolizing spiritual vitality, stability, and prosperity.

Biblical References

One of the most prominent references to trees planted by rivers is found in the book of Psalms. Psalm 1:3 describes the righteous man: "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does." This verse highlights the spiritual nourishment and stability that comes from a life rooted in God's Word, akin to a tree drawing sustenance from a nearby river.

Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah echoes this imagery in Jeremiah 17:7-8 : "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Here, the river symbolizes the constant and unfailing provision of God, sustaining the believer through trials and adversities.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The imagery of trees planted by rivers serves as a powerful metaphor for the believer's relationship with God. Just as trees rely on the river for nourishment, believers are called to depend on God for spiritual sustenance. The river, representing God's Word and presence, provides the necessary resources for growth, fruitfulness, and resilience.

In the context of the ancient Near East, where water was a precious and often scarce resource, the presence of a river was a sign of blessing and abundance. Trees planted by rivers would have been seen as particularly robust and fruitful, drawing a parallel to the spiritual health and prosperity of those who live in accordance with God's will.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the imagery of rivers and trees underscores the importance of remaining connected to God. It emphasizes the need for a deep, abiding relationship with the Creator, who is the ultimate source of life and strength. This connection is cultivated through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and obedience to God's commands.

Furthermore, the motif of trees by rivers points to the eschatological hope found in Revelation 22:1-2 , where the river of the water of life flows from the throne of God and the Lamb, and on either side of the river stands the tree of life. This vision of the New Jerusalem encapsulates the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of eternal life and unending fellowship with Him.

Practical Application

For believers today, the image of trees planted by rivers serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in faith and to seek nourishment from God's Word. It encourages a life of spiritual discipline and trust in God's provision, even in times of difficulty. By staying rooted in the divine source, believers can experience the peace, strength, and fruitfulness that come from a life aligned with God's purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 47:7
Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter iii. True Religion a Work of Grace in the Heart; but it ...
... But a tree may stand so near a river as to be watered when it overflows its banks;
and yet, if its roots ... He shall be as a tree planted by the rivers of water ...
/.../letter iii true religion a.htm

The Waterer Watered
... We ought to be very tender over your condition, as being planted on no fruitful
hill, but on a very ... The rivers at certain seasons overflow their banks. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the waterer watered.htm

The Germination of the Earth.
... were artfully laid out, and an infinitude of plants embellished the banks of the
rivers. ... to it, full of fruit and of good works; and thus, planted in the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily v the germination of.htm

The River of Life
... there springs up, as if by magic, fair trees 'on the banks thereof, whose ... both dwell
upon the unfading leaf of the tree that grows planted by rivers of water ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the river of life.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... [Illustration: 017.jpg A PHOENICIAN GALLEY WITH TWO BANKS OF OARS]. ... The Pharaoh kept
himself behind his rivers; the military science and skill which had baffled ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

Mission Tours.
... The high banks of the river here and there prevent ... Doab"the country of the two rivers,
the Mesopotamia of ... Trees have been largely planted along the road, and ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xiv mission tours.htm

The Savanna of Aripo
... wherewith to support a fresh crop if planted, is reduced ... of the coast, and which
is fertilised by various rivers? ... fancy, ages since, on the opposite banks of a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xii the savanna of.htm

The Water of Life;
... a river that abounds and that overflows its banks in an ... and justice, lets out to
us rivers of his ... thus, so it also maintains these things once planted in the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... savagely to her full height, and planted her feet ... and changing course, between shifting
banks which it ... into permanent canals or regular rivers, navigable at ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... the promontory of Carmel, with the sacred town, Rosh-Qodshu, planted on its ... sides
of the torrents from the Amanos, along the banks of rivers, near springs ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm