In the biblical context, woodlands refer to areas covered with trees and dense vegetation, often serving as significant locations for events, symbolism, and teachings throughout Scripture. The Bible, while not extensively detailing woodlands as a specific category, frequently mentions forests, trees, and groves, which are integral to the landscape of the ancient Near East.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Creation and Provision: Woodlands are part of God's creation, providing resources and sustenance. In Genesis, God creates trees that are "pleasing to the eye and good for food" (Genesis 2:9). This highlights the provision and beauty inherent in wooded areas.

2. Places of Refuge and Encounter: Woodlands often serve as places of refuge and divine encounter. David, for instance, finds safety in the forest of Hereth while fleeing from Saul (1 Samuel 22:5). These settings provide solitude and protection, allowing for reflection and divine communication.

3. Symbol of Strength and Majesty: Trees within woodlands symbolize strength and majesty. The cedars of Lebanon are frequently mentioned as symbols of power and grandeur (Psalm 92:12). The imagery of strong trees is used to describe the righteous, who are "planted in the house of the LORD" and "flourish in the courts of our God" (Psalm 92:13).

4. Judgment and Desolation: Conversely, woodlands can also symbolize judgment and desolation. Isaiah prophesies the destruction of forests as a sign of God's judgment against nations (Isaiah 10:18-19). The imagery of a forest being cut down is used to depict the downfall of the proud and mighty.

5. Idolatry and False Worship: Woodlands and groves are sometimes associated with idolatry and false worship. The Israelites are warned against setting up Asherah poles and worshiping under every spreading tree (Deuteronomy 16:21). These practices often took place in wooded areas, which were seen as sacred by pagan cultures.

6. Restoration and Hope: Prophetic literature often uses the imagery of flourishing woodlands to convey hope and restoration. Isaiah speaks of a time when the wilderness will rejoice and blossom, and the glory of Lebanon will be given to it (Isaiah 35:1-2). This transformation signifies the renewal and blessing of God's people.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, woodlands were vital for their economic and ecological contributions. They provided timber for construction, fuel for fire, and habitats for wildlife. The management and preservation of these areas were crucial for sustaining communities.

Theological Implications

Woodlands in the Bible serve as a backdrop for understanding God's interaction with His creation. They reflect His provision, judgment, and the promise of restoration. The imagery of trees and forests is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating spiritual truths about strength, growth, and the consequences of sin.

In summary, while woodlands are not a primary focus in biblical narratives, they play a significant role in illustrating God's relationship with His people and His creation. Through the lens of Scripture, woodlands are seen as places of beauty, refuge, and divine encounter, as well as symbols of judgment and hope.

The Red, Red Sky
... And the sea is all aglow. In the dim and misty evening the purple mountains stand,.
And the glooms that hush the woodlands lie over all the land,. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/the red red sky.htm

Easter Week
... Earth with heaven above rejoices; Fields and gardens hail the spring; Shaughs and
woodlands ring with voices, While the wild birds build and sing. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/easter week.htm

Dartside
... is faithful, and fruitful, and young, And her bridal day shall come ere long, And
you shall know what the rocks and the streams And the whispering woodlands say ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/dartside.htm

Sonnet
... who, sitting far apart, Tells to his listening mate within the nest The wonder of
his star-entranced heart Till all the wakened woodlands laugh and thrill ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/sonnet 2.htm

National Days 432. Judge Eternal, Throned in Splendour
... Cries aloud for sin to cease; And the homesteads and the woodlands. Plead in
silence for their peace. Crown, O God, thine own endeavour; ...
/.../national days 432 judge eternal.htm

Fairest Lord Jesus
... Thou, my soul's glory, joy, and crown. Fair are the meadows,. Fairer still the
woodlands,. Robed in the blooming garb of spring: Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer ...
/.../catechism 356 fairest lord jesus.htm

But If, for the Contest's Sake, God had Appointed Martyrdoms for ...
... the wedding-dress, through failing to provide oil for their torchlets"would be such
as would have to be sought for over mountains and woodlands, and carried ...
/.../tertullian/scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter vi but if for.htm

The Days of the Week
... My friends, among these very woodlands here, some thirteen hundred years ago, you
might have come upon one of the places where your forefathers worshipped Thor ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxv the days of.htm

Carey's College
... The silent robbery of the people's rights called "inclosures" has done much, before
and since Carey's time, to sweep away or shut up the woodlands. ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter i careys college.htm

To the Rev. Andrew Brandram
... It was now night, and we were in the midst of woodlands, feeling our way, for the
darkness was so great that I could scarcely see the length of a yard before ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev andrew brandram 2.htm

Woodlands (3 Occurrences)
...Woodlands (3 Occurrences). ... (BBE). 2 Chronicles 27:4 In addition, he made towns in
the hill-country of Judah, and strong buildings and towers in the woodlands. ...
/w/woodlands.htm - 7k

Woodland (13 Occurrences)

/w/woodland.htm - 11k

Wooded (3 Occurrences)
... Wooded (3 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles 27:4 In addition, he made towns in the
hill-country of Judah, and strong buildings and towers in the woodlands. ...
/w/wooded.htm - 7k

Woodoffering

/w/woodoffering.htm - 6k

Buildings (28 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Chronicles 27:4 In addition, he made towns in the hill-country of Judah,
and strong buildings and towers in the woodlands. (BBE). ...
/b/buildings.htm - 14k

Clearing (11 Occurrences)
... Joshua 17:15 Then Joshua said to them, If you are such a great people, go up into
the woodlands, clearing a place there for yourselves in the land of the ...
/c/clearing.htm - 11k

Hauran (2 Occurrences)
... The western slopes of the mountain are well cultivated, and very fruitful; vineyards
abound; and there are large reaches of shady woodlands. ...
/h/hauran.htm - 11k

Forest (67 Occurrences)
... From many references it is evident that Palestine had in Old Testament times
much more extensive forests and woodlands than today. ...
/f/forest.htm - 37k

Wide (206 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Joshua 17:15 Then Joshua said to them, If you are such a great people, go
up into the woodlands, clearing a place there for yourselves in the land of the ...
/w/wide.htm - 37k

Addition (112 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Chronicles 27:4 In addition, he made towns in the hill-country of Judah,
and strong buildings and towers in the woodlands. (BBE). ...
/a/addition.htm - 37k

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