Topical Encyclopedia The almond tree, known scientifically as Prunus dulcis, holds significant symbolism and practical importance in the biblical narrative. It is one of the earliest blooming trees in the Middle East, often heralding the arrival of spring. The Hebrew word for almond, "shaqed," is derived from a root meaning "to watch" or "to be alert," reflecting the tree's early blossoming.Biblical References: 1. Genesis 43:11 · The almond is mentioned as one of the choice products of the land of Canaan. When Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain during the famine, he instructs them to take "some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry down to the man as a gift—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds." 2. Numbers 17:8 · The almond tree is central to the account of Aaron's rod. To quell the rebellion against Moses and Aaron's leadership, God commands that each tribe present a rod, and the rod that buds will signify His chosen leader. "The next day Moses entered the Tent of the Testimony and saw that Aaron’s staff, representing the house of Levi, had sprouted, put forth buds, blossomed, and produced almonds." This miraculous event confirmed Aaron's divine appointment as high priest. 3. Ecclesiastes 12:5 · The almond tree is used metaphorically to describe the aging process. "When the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire is no longer stirred." The white blossoms of the almond tree are likened to the white hair of old age, symbolizing the winter of life. 4. Jeremiah 1:11-12 · The almond tree serves as a symbol of God's watchfulness and readiness to fulfill His word. The Lord asks Jeremiah, "What do you see, Jeremiah?" He replies, "I see the branch of an almond tree." The Lord said to him, "You have observed correctly, for I am watching over My word to accomplish it." The play on words between "almond" (shaqed) and "watching" (shoqed) underscores God's vigilance. Cultural and Symbolic Significance: In biblical times, the almond tree was valued not only for its beauty and early blossoms but also for its fruit. Almonds were a staple in the diet and were used in various culinary and medicinal applications. The tree's early flowering made it a symbol of hope and renewal, as it was the first to awaken from the dormancy of winter. The almond's role in Aaron's rod and its association with divine selection and authority highlight its spiritual significance. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring life and fruitfulness from seemingly barren situations. Practical Uses: Almonds were consumed as food and were also pressed for oil. The oil was used for anointing and as a base for perfumes. The wood of the almond tree, though not as frequently mentioned, would have been used for various practical purposes in ancient times. In summary, the almond tree and its fruit are woven into the fabric of biblical history and theology, symbolizing watchfulness, divine favor, and the promise of new beginnings. Smith's Bible Dictionary Almond Tree; AlmondThis word is found in (Genesis 43:11; Exodus 25:33,34; 37:19,20; Numbers 17:8; Ecclesiastes 12:5; Jeremiah 1:11) in the text of the Authorized Version. It is invariably represented by the same Hebrew word, shaked meaning hasten. (Jeremiah 1:11,12) The almond tree is a native of Asia and North Africa, but it is cultivated in the milder parts of Europe." It resembles the peach tree in form, blossom and fruit. It is in fact only another species of the same genus." The height of the tree is about 12 or 14 feet; the flowers are pink, and arranged for the most part in pairs, the leaves are long, ovate, with a serrated margin and an acute point. The covering of the fruit is down and succulent, enclosing the hard shell which contains the kernel. It is this but for which the tree is chiefly valued. It is curious to observe, in connection with the almond bowls of the golden candlestick, that, in the language of lapidaries, almonds are pieces of rock crystal, even now used in adorning branch candlesticks. Strong's Hebrew 3869. luz -- almond tree, almond wood... 3868, 3869. luz. 3870 . almond tree, almond wood. Transliteration: luz Phonetic Spelling: (looz) Short Definition: almond. Word ... /hebrew/3869.htm - 5k 8247. shaqed -- almond (tree) Library May the Fifteenth God is Wide-Awake Letter Xli. St. Ambrose in this Letter to his Sister Continues the ... The Ancestral Home Why Miracles are not Usual Works. Then Midas, King of Pessinus, Wishing to Withdraw the Youth from ... Finally, that we May Always Abide by the Rule and Definition by ... The Conclusion of the Matter The Fifth Commandment Joshua Kocherthal. Life as a Joy Shadowed by the Judgment Resources Did Jacob placing branches in front of his flock really result in the offspring being speckled and spotted? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is contextualization? | GotQuestions.org What is the menorah? | GotQuestions.org Almond: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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