The maple tree, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, holds significance in biblical lands and symbolism due to its characteristics and uses. The maple is a deciduous tree known for its vibrant autumn foliage and the production of sap, which can be made into syrup. Its wood is valued for its strength and beauty, often used in fine furniture and instruments.

Symbolism and Characteristics

In biblical symbolism, trees often represent life, growth, and prosperity. The maple, with its deep roots and expansive canopy, can be seen as a symbol of stability and endurance. Its seasonal transformation from lush green to brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow can be likened to the spiritual transformation and renewal that believers experience through faith.

The shedding of leaves in autumn and the subsequent renewal in spring can also be seen as a metaphor for the cycles of life and the hope of resurrection. This aligns with the biblical theme of death and rebirth, as seen in passages such as John 12:24 : "Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."

Uses and Cultural Context

While the maple tree itself is not native to the Middle East, its characteristics can be compared to trees mentioned in the Bible, such as the cedar or the oak, which were used for construction and craftsmanship. The strength and durability of maple wood make it a fitting parallel to the cedars of Lebanon, renowned for their use in building the Temple of Solomon (1 Kings 5:6).

The production of maple syrup from the tree's sap can also be seen as a reflection of God's provision and the sweetness of His word. Psalm 119:103 states, "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey in my mouth!" This sweetness is a reminder of the nourishment and delight found in God's teachings.

Spiritual Lessons

The maple tree's ability to thrive in various climates and its adaptability can serve as a lesson in resilience and faithfulness. Believers are called to be like trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season (Psalm 1:3). The maple's deep roots and ability to withstand harsh conditions can inspire Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, drawing strength from their relationship with God.

In summary, while the maple tree is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its attributes and uses provide rich symbolism and lessons that align with biblical teachings. Its beauty, strength, and capacity for renewal offer a reflection of God's creation and the spiritual truths found in Scripture.(n.) A tree of the genus Acer, including about fifty species. A. saccharinum is the rock maple, or sugar maple, from the sap of which sugar is made, in the United States, in great quantities, by evaporation; the red or swamp maple is A. rubrum; the silver maple, A. dasycarpum, having fruit wooly when young; the striped maple, A. Pennsylvanium, called also moosewood. The common maple of Europe is A. campestre, the sycamore maple is A. Pseudo-platanus, and the Norway maple is A. platanoides.

1879-1880. Experiences among Indians --Picnic in the Bush ...
... and holidays. Most picturesque it was to see him seated on the green slope
near the river, leaning against a tall maple tree. His ...
/.../lowe/gods answers/chapter viii 1879-1880 experiences among.htm

On Easter
... Mingled together, the willow, the fir, the hazel, the osier, [2117] the elm, the
maple, the walnut, each tree applauds, delightful with its leaves. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/venantius/on easter/on easter.htm

Liii. The Contemplation of Death.
... The dogwood leaves are bright carmine, and the maple yellow as sulphur, the last
flowers are out in the hedges, the pink cranesbill and the blue oxtongue which ...
/.../liii the contemplation of death.htm

The Hermit and the Boy
... scarcely distinguishable path led to no other spot, and had, in fact, been mainly
worn by his own feet as he descended the cliff to fill his maple dish with ...
/.../chapter v the hermit and.htm

Coghill
... She was then residing in Canada, and the hymn was first printed in a Canadian
newspaper. The author's text is found in her Oak and Maple, 1890. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/nutter/hymn writers of the church/coghill.htm

The Story of one Furlough (1908-1910)
... Leading me back to the kitchen, they showed me the table covered with twenty jars
of the most delicious looking fruit, and a large can of maple syrup. ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/vii the story of one.htm

1870-1871. Workers' Meetings at Home of Industry --Training Home ...
... "Believing that our gift was to pioneer, we left our dear friends embosomed at
Marchmont among the bursting maple trees in loveliest spring-time. ...
/.../lowe/gods answers/chapter iii 1870-1871 workers meetings.htm

The Way of Transgressors.
... No one of my friends enjoys better general health than I do.". "And so might the
graceful maple say of the sturdy oak in the first years of their existence. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/the way of transgressors.htm

Of Removing Tithes.
... hazel, holly, willow, sallow, alder, elder, maple, and whitethorn trees, (and of
fruit-trees, see Fruit-trees,) of whatsoever age they are; because, these are ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/8 of removing tithes.htm

The Story of a Cup of Water
... patter years and years ago; to gather fruit in the old orchard; to fish in the same
streams; to sit on the same rock, or under the same elm or maple, and see ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the story of a cup.htm

Maple (1 Occurrence)
... A. saccharinum is the rock maple, or sugar maple, from the sap of which sugar is
made, in the United States, in great quantities, by evaporation; the red or ...
/m/maple.htm - 7k

Curled (2 Occurrences)
... & pp) of Curl. 2. (a.) Having curls; curly; sinuous; wavy; as, curled maple (maple
having fibers which take a sinuous course). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/c/curled.htm - 7k

Sycamore (9 Occurrences)
... character; so also probably Jeremiah (24:2). It is to be distinguished from our
sycamore (the Acer pseudo-platanus), which is a species of maple often called a ...
/s/sycamore.htm - 10k

Mar (7 Occurrences)

/m/mar.htm - 9k

Key (8 Occurrences)
... 12. (n.) An indehiscent, one-seeded fruit furnished with a wing, as the fruit
of the ash and maple; a samara; -- called also key fruit. 13. ...
/k/key.htm - 14k

Uncovering (13 Occurrences)
... Genesis 30:37 And Jacob took fresh rods of white poplar, almond-tree, and maple;
and peeled off white stripes in them, uncovering the white which was on the ...
/u/uncovering.htm - 10k

Orchard (3 Occurrences)
... trees, collectively; -- used especially of apples, peaches, pears, cherries, plums,
or the like, less frequently of nutbearing trees and of sugar maple trees. ...
/o/orchard.htm - 8k

Wax (32 Occurrences)
... mineral wax, and ozocerite. 11. (n.) Thick syrup made by boiling down the
sap of the sugar maple, and then cooling. 12. (vt) To smear ...
/w/wax.htm - 18k

Map (1 Occurrence)

/m/map.htm - 7k

Brick (10 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Any oblong rectangular mass; as, a brick of maple sugar; a penny brick
(of bread). 4. (n.) A good fellow; a merry person; as, you 're a brick. ...
/b/brick.htm - 15k

Maple: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus