Sunday, March 26, 2017

Tree Imagery in Isaiah

Isa. 6:13; 7:2; 10:19; 14:8; 17:6; 24:13; 34:4; 37:24; 40:20; 41:19; 44:14, 23; 55:12-13; 56:3; 57:5; 60:13; 61:3 and 65:22; 66:17.

I sometimes wonder why Isaiah uses so much tree imagery. How do other prophetic books compare with his?

15 comments:

Duncan said...

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Trees

Duncan said...

Compare Isaiah 6:13 with http://schoolofpermaculture.com/permaculture-tip-of-the-day-growing-forest-from-fores-2/#.WNg46oDTVpV

Edgar Foster said...

Thanks, Duncan. There are many references to trees in Isaiah, quite a few being metaphorical/figurative, and it is also interesting to see examples of tree growth.

JimSpace said...

Nice list Edgar.
I noticed that Isaiah 44:19 is about idolatry, using the wood from a tree. Lastly, Isaiah 34:16 does not appear to mention a tree.

Best,
Jim

Edgar Foster said...

Hi Jim,

Isaiah 44:19 is easier to explain than 34:16 is. When I first started this project, I was just looking for tree references in Isaiah, whether metaphorical or not. That would explain the inclusion of 44:19, but I cannot account for 34:16 although see 34:4. Thanks for pointing these things out.

All the best, my friend.

Duncan said...

https://www.eh-resources.org/the-role-of-wood-in-world-history/

JimSpace said...

Thank you for your reply. Biblical tree references are nothing short of legion and deserve proper attention.

All the best!

Edgar Foster said...

You're welcome, Jim. I did make some edits based on your input. Yes, indeed, occurrences of the word for "tree" are abundant; I believe that is why my research is limited to figurative uses of "tree." Thanks for your help. All the best!

Edgar Foster said...

Thanks for giving me more work, Duncan. That is an interesting link. I like how the writer develops the topic historically.

Best,

Edgar

Philip Fletcher said...

Don't forget the main tree in Daniel. It seems that trees are used thru out the bible, Revelation has trees that impart leaves for the curing of the nations. The mention of the bramble tree to rule over the other trees as King at Judges chapter 9. Yes there is a lot of symbolism for trees in the bible.

Duncan said...

That an interesting verse in Judges:-

http://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/flora-and-fauna/brambles-rubus-fructicosus/

"Large amounts of bramble can affect the microclimate of the ground / herb layer; influencing the growth and development of other plants. On one hand, it can offer protection from grazing / browsing to young tree seedlings but equally it can suppress the development of light loving species."

But I do not think the verse is talking about a bramble tree, but rather brambles and the regeneration of cedar trees.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r13x3lmIhI

Duncan said...

Also note:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedrus_libani

"wide enclosed by pale brown deciduous scales"

Duncan said...

https://news.mongabay.com/2016/05/heres-whats-driving-deforestation-in-south-america/

https://news.mongabay.com/2012/02/new-meteorological-theory-argues-that-the-worlds-forests-are-rainmakers/

Debbie Holm said...

Thank you for this. I used your list as a start for my paper.

Edgar Foster said...

You're welcome Debbie and I appreciate your feedback.