Topical Encyclopedia The term "Teil" refers to a specific type of tree mentioned in the Bible, often identified with the terebinth or oak. These trees are significant in biblical literature for their symbolic and practical roles in the ancient Near East.Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 6:13 : "And though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste. But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land." In this passage, the terebinth (often translated as "teil" in older versions) symbolizes resilience and hope. The imagery of a stump remaining after the tree is cut down serves as a metaphor for the remnant of Israel that will survive judgment and eventually flourish. 2. Hosea 4:13 : "They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oaks, poplars, and terebinths, because their shade is pleasant. Therefore your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery." Here, the terebinth is associated with idolatrous practices. The pleasant shade of these trees provided a setting for pagan rituals, which were condemned by the prophets. Cultural and Symbolic Significance: In the ancient Near East, the terebinth was a large, long-lived tree, often found in the highlands of Israel. Its robust nature made it a symbol of strength and endurance. The terebinth's ability to regenerate from its stump after being cut down made it a powerful symbol of renewal and hope, as seen in Isaiah's prophecy. The terebinth was also a common site for significant events and covenants. For example, in Genesis 35:4, Jacob buried foreign gods under the terebinth near Shechem, signifying a turning point in his family's spiritual journey. Practical Uses: The terebinth tree was valued not only for its symbolic meanings but also for its practical uses. It produced a resin known as turpentine, which was used for medicinal and industrial purposes. The wood of the terebinth was durable and used in construction and crafting. Theological Implications: The references to the terebinth in the Bible often carry theological implications. The tree's resilience and ability to regenerate symbolize God's enduring covenant with His people and the hope of restoration after judgment. Conversely, its association with idolatrous practices serves as a warning against turning away from God. In summary, the "Teil" or terebinth tree holds a multifaceted role in biblical texts, representing both the strength and resilience of God's promises and the dangers of idolatry. Its presence in Scripture invites reflection on themes of judgment, hope, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 6:13But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. Torrey's Topical Textbook Resources What is the significance of the olive tree in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.org What is the lily of the valley (Song of Solomon 2:1)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trees of the Life and Conversation of the Righteous Trees were Cut Down by Besieging Armies for Erecting Forts Trees were Cut Down for Building Trees were Cut Down for Making Idols Trees were Sold With the Land on Which They Grew Trees: (Casting Their Leaves Yet Retaining Their Substance) of Trees: (Dry) of the Wicked Ripe for Judgment Trees: (Dry) of Useless Persons Trees: (Duration of) of Continued Prosperity of Saints Trees: (Good and Fruitful) of Saints Trees: (Green) of the Innocence of Christ Trees: (Producing Evil Fruit) the Wicked Trees: (Shaking of the Leaves off) the Terror of the Wicked Trees: Afford an Agreeable Shade in Eastern Countries During The Trees: Designed to Beautify the Earth Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned of the Forest Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned of the Wood Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Bearing Fruit Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Deciduous or Casting the Leaves Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Evergreen Trees: Each Kind Has Its own Seed for Propagating Its Species Trees: Each Kind of, Known by Its Fruit Trees: Early Custom of Planting, in Consecrated Grounds Trees: Given As Food to the Animal Creation Trees: God Increases and Multiplies the Fruit of, for his People Trees: God often Renders, Barren As a Punishment Trees: Made for the Glory of God Trees: Nourished by the Rain from Heaven Trees: Nourished: Through Their own Sap Trees: Often Propagated by Birds Who Carry the Seeds Along With Them Trees: Often Suffered From: Desolating Armies Trees: Often Suffered From: Fire Trees: Often Suffered From: Hail and Frost Trees: Often Suffered From: Locusts Trees: Originally Created by God Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Branches Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Fruit or Seeds Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Leaves Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Roots Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Stem or Trunk Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Tender Shoots Trees: Solomon Wrote the History of Trees: Specially Flourished Beside the Rivers and Streams of Water Trees: The Jews: Considered Trees on Which Criminals Were Executed Trees: The Jews: Often Buried Under Trees: The Jews: Often Executed Criminals On Trees: The Jews: Often Pitched Their Tents Under Trees: The Jews: Prohibited from Cutting Down Fruit Bearing, for Sieges Trees: The Jews: Prohibited from Planting in Consecrated Places Trees: when Cut Down often Sprouted from Their Roots Again Related Terms Sycamore-trees (6 Occurrences) Sycomore-trees (6 Occurrences) Mulberry-trees (4 Occurrences) |