Topical Bible: Trees were Cut Down for Fuel

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the cutting down of trees for fuel was a common practice, essential for daily life and various religious activities. Wood served as a primary source of fuel for cooking, heating, and sacrificial offerings. The Bible provides numerous references to the use of wood, highlighting its significance in the ancient Near Eastern context.

Biblical References and Context

1. General Use of Wood for Fuel: The use of wood as fuel is implied in several passages. In Isaiah 44:14-15, the prophet describes a man who "cuts down cedars, or perhaps takes a cypress or oak. He lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a pine, and the rain nourishes it. Then it becomes fuel for a man; he takes some of it and warms himself; he kindles a fire and bakes bread." This passage illustrates the everyday reliance on wood for warmth and cooking.

2. Sacrificial Offerings: Wood was indispensable for the burnt offerings prescribed in the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 6:12, the Lord commands, "The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it shall not go out. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it." The continuous need for wood to maintain the altar fire underscores its importance in worship and religious observance.

3. Construction and Craftsmanship: While not directly related to fuel, the use of wood in construction and craftsmanship is noteworthy. The building of the Temple by Solomon involved the use of cedar and cypress wood, as detailed in 1 Kings 5:6, where Solomon requests, "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." This highlights the value and versatility of wood in ancient Israelite society.

4. Symbolic and Prophetic Imagery: Trees and wood often carry symbolic meanings in the Bible. In Ezekiel 20:47, the Lord declares, "Say to the forest of the Negev: Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the Lord GOD says: I am about to set fire to you, and it will consume every green tree and every dry tree." Here, the imagery of trees being consumed by fire serves as a metaphor for judgment.

Cultural and Historical Insights

The ancient Israelites lived in a region where wood was a valuable resource, yet not as abundant as in other areas. The careful management and use of trees for fuel reflect a society that understood the necessity of sustainable practices. The reliance on wood for daily life and religious duties underscores its integral role in the cultural and spiritual fabric of the time.

Theological Implications

The use of wood for fuel in the Bible can also be seen as a reflection of God's provision. Trees, as part of God's creation, were given for the sustenance and benefit of humanity. The responsible use of natural resources is a theme that resonates with the biblical mandate for stewardship of the earth, as seen in Genesis 2:15, where Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it."

In summary, the cutting down of trees for fuel in biblical times was a practice deeply embedded in the daily and religious life of the Israelites. It highlights the practical, cultural, and theological dimensions of wood as a resource provided by God for the well-being of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 44:14-16
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

Matthew 3:10
And now also the ax is laid to the root of the trees: therefore every tree which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"The Axe is Laid to the Root. "
... Can you not hear the step of the feller of trees? ... else, but it will burn as though
it were made for ... axe to fall from his hand; but when Mercy says, "Cut it down ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxxi the axe is laid.htm

Of Removing Tithes.
... El.347. Nor for roots, or stubs of trees, or underwood cut, for which tithes were
paid; if they be rooted up before new germins grow.1. Rol.637. l.35. ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/8 of removing tithes.htm

Divine Destruction and Protection
... with them; away with them," as if they were so much ... mount even to the stars; the
high tree, cut down by the axe ... and let all the high trees fall!" O God, what a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/divine destruction and protection.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... Third. The cumber-ground is a sucker; he draws away the heart and nourishment from
the other trees. Were the cumber ground cut down, the others would be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

The Right to Privacy
... But there were no mountains; the country was as flat ... Good, fertile land, cut up into
tiny fields; well-kept ... grove of trees"surely in among the trees we could ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 5 the right to.htm

Vespasian, when He had Taken the City Gadaea Marches to Jotapata. ...
... So when they had cut down all the trees on the ... engine to what part they pleased,
those that were above it ... poles, and by tying hooks at their ends, cut off the ...
/.../chapter 7 vespasian when he.htm

Christ Teaching by Miracles
... man to go out the day before and cut the wood ... in which he had been engaged, he laid
down in the ... For more than a mile in width trees were uprooted, houses, barns ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching by miracles.htm

Why are Men Saved?
... of heaven were made out of knots; the temple of God, the king of heaven, is a cedar
one, but the cedars were all knotty trees before he cut them down ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/why are men saved.htm

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... smooth it over, to plane it, and to cut down woods that ... also ^a lieth at the root
of the trees: every tree ... to do the very reverse of what they were doing, which ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm

Man's Chief End
... Trees in the forest may be barren, but trees in the ... the sword in vain, but labours
to cut down sin, and ... Were there more of this holy contention God would have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 mans chief end.htm