Topical Encyclopedia The palm tree, a symbol of beauty, prosperity, and victory, holds a significant place in biblical literature and ancient Near Eastern culture. The first mention of the palm tree in Scripture is found in the Book of Exodus, specifically in the context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.Exodus 15:27 : "Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the waters." In this passage, the palm tree is introduced as part of the oasis at Elim, a place of rest and refreshment for the Israelites. After the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea and the subsequent journey through the desert, the Israelites arrived at Marah, where the waters were bitter. Following God's intervention to sweeten the waters, they traveled to Elim, a location marked by its abundance of water and palm trees. The mention of "seventy palm trees" at Elim is significant, as it highlights the provision and sustenance God provided for His people in the wilderness. The palm tree, known for its ability to thrive in arid conditions, symbolizes resilience and life in the midst of desolation. Its presence at Elim would have been a welcome sight for the weary travelers, offering shade and nourishment. In the broader biblical narrative, the palm tree is often associated with fertility and abundance. It is frequently mentioned in connection with the Promised Land, a land "flowing with milk and honey," where the palm tree would be a common sight. The palm's tall, straight trunk and lush fronds make it a fitting emblem of uprightness and righteousness, qualities esteemed in biblical teaching. The palm tree's introduction in Exodus sets the stage for its recurring role in Scripture, where it is used metaphorically to describe the righteous and their flourishing (Psalm 92:12) and as a decorative motif in the construction of sacred spaces, such as Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:29). Thus, the first mention of the palm tree in Exodus 15:27 not only provides a literal account of the Israelites' journey but also introduces a symbol that carries rich theological and cultural significance throughout the biblical text. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 15:27And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and three score and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved in So Far as ... On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ... Appendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised ... Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New ... Chapter xxxv The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New. Chapter xxxiv Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties. How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to Growing in Grace. Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ... Resources The Christian and Holidays ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus curse the fig tree? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the olive tree in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Palm-Tree: Blasted As a Punishment The Palm-Tree: First Mention of, in Scripture The Palm-Tree: Fruitful to a Great Age The Palm-Tree: Jericho Celebrated For The Palm-Tree: Represented in Carved Work on the Walls and Doors of The The Palm-Tree: Requires a Moist and Fertile Soil The Palm-Tree: Tents often Pitched Under the Shade of The Palm-Tree: The Branches of, Were used for Constructing Booths The Palm-Tree: The Branches of, Were: Carried at Feast of Tabernacles The Palm-Tree: The Branches of, Were: Spread Before Christ The Palm-Tree: The Branches of, Were: The Emblem of Victory The Palm-Tree: The Fruit of, Called Dates The Palm-Tree: The Upright Appearance of Idols Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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