The holm-tree, also known as the holm oak or holly oak (Quercus ilex), is a species of oak native to the Mediterranean region. It is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height and is characterized by its leathery, dark green leaves and acorns. The holm-tree is not directly mentioned in the Bible; however, it is often associated with the broader category of oaks, which are referenced in several biblical passages.

Biblical References to Oaks:

1. Genesis 35:4 · "So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods in their possession and all the earrings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem." This passage highlights the oak as a significant landmark and a place of burial for idols, symbolizing a turning away from false gods.

2. Joshua 24:26 · "And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was near the sanctuary of the LORD." Here, the oak serves as a witness to the covenant between God and Israel, emphasizing its role as a symbol of strength and endurance.

3. 1 Kings 13:14 · "and went after the man of God. He found him sitting under an oak tree and asked, 'Are you the man of God who came from Judah?' 'I am,' he replied." The oak tree provides shade and a place of rest, illustrating its practical uses in the ancient Near East.

4. Isaiah 1:29 · "For you will be ashamed of the oaks in which you have delighted; you will be embarrassed by the gardens that you have chosen." In this prophetic rebuke, oaks are associated with idolatrous practices, indicating their use in pagan worship and the spiritual unfaithfulness of the people.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:

In biblical times, oaks, including the holm-tree, were often seen as symbols of strength, longevity, and stability. Their robust nature and evergreen foliage made them a fitting representation of enduring faith and the steadfastness of God's promises. The oak's presence in various biblical narratives underscores its importance as a natural landmark and a witness to significant events.

Holm-Tree in Ancient Practices:

While the holm-tree itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its characteristics align with the general depiction of oaks in Scripture. The tree's durable wood and evergreen leaves made it valuable for construction and as a source of shade. In the Mediterranean climate, the holm-tree's resilience and adaptability would have been well appreciated, contributing to its symbolic association with strength and permanence.

Conclusion:

The holm-tree, as part of the broader category of oaks, holds a place of significance in biblical literature and ancient culture. Its enduring presence in the landscape of the biblical world serves as a reminder of the strength and faithfulness that believers are called to embody.HOLM-TREE

hom'-tre:

(1) tirzah (Isaiah 44:14, the King James Version "cypress"): The name, from the root meaning (compare Arabic taraza) "to be hard," implies some very hard wood. Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) has ilex, which is Latin for holm oak, so named from its holly-like leaves (hollen in Old English = "holly"); this translation has now been adopted, but it is doubtful.

(2) prinos, Susanna verse 58. This is the ilex or holm oak. There is a play on the words prinos and prisai (literally, "saw") in verses 58 and 59 (see SUSANNA). The evergreen or holm oak is represented by two species in Palestine, Quercus ilex and Q. coccifera. The leaf of both species is somewhat like a small holly leaf, is glossy green and usually spiny. The Q. ilex is insignificant, but Q. coccifera is a magnificent tree growing to a height of 40 ft. or more, and often found in Palestine flourishing near sacred tombs, and itself not infrequently the object of superstitious veneration.

E. W. G. Masterman

A Letter to Origen from Africanus About the History of Susanna.
... And when the one said, "Under a holm-tree" (prinos), he answered that the angel
would saw him asunder (prisein); and in a similar fashion menaced the other who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens letters/a letter to origen from.htm

A Letter from Origen to Africanus.
... the Spirit, he placed them apart, and asked them severally where they saw her
committing adultery; and when the one said, Under a holm-tree' (prinos) he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens letters/a letter from origen to.htm

Holmtree
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HOLM-TREE. hom'-tre: (1) tirzah (Isaiah
44:14, the King James Version "cypress"): The name, from ...
/h/holmtree.htm - 7k

Holm-tree
Holm-tree. Holmtree, Holm-tree. Holofernes . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HOLM-TREE. ... EWG Masterman. Holmtree, Holm-tree. Holofernes . Reference Bible
/h/holm-tree.htm - 7k

Cypress (17 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews tirzah, "hardness"), mentioned only in Isaiah
44:14 (RV, "holmtree"). ... si'-pres. See HOLM-TREE. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/c/cypress.htm - 12k

Holofernes

/h/holofernes.htm - 7k

Holm-oak (1 Occurrence)
Holm-oak. Hollows, Holm-oak. Holmtree . Multi-Version Concordance Holm-oak
(1 Occurrence). ... (See JPS). Hollows, Holm-oak. Holmtree . Reference Bible.
/h/holm-oak.htm - 6k

Susanna (1 Occurrence)
... under a mastick tree")... schisei ("will cut"); verses 58, prinon ("under
a holmtree")... prisai ("to cut"). But this last word ...
/s/susanna.htm - 17k

History (57 Occurrences)
... under a mastick tree")... schisei ("will cut"); verses 58, prinon ("under
a holmtree")... prisai ("to cut"). But this last word ...
/h/history.htm - 67k

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