Myrtle-tree
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The myrtle-tree, known scientifically as Myrtus communis, is a fragrant evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region and parts of the Middle East. In the Bible, the myrtle-tree holds symbolic significance and is mentioned in several passages, primarily in the context of restoration and divine blessing.

Biblical References:

1. Nehemiah 8:15 : "So they proclaimed and circulated a proclamation in all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, 'Go out to the hills and bring olive branches, wild olive branches, myrtle branches, palm branches, and branches of other leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.'" In this passage, the myrtle is one of the branches used in the construction of booths for the Feast of Tabernacles, symbolizing peace and God's provision.

2. Isaiah 41:19 : "I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane, and the pine." Here, the myrtle is part of a divine promise to transform desolate places into lush, fertile lands, representing renewal and hope.

3. Isaiah 55:13 : "Instead of the thornbush, a cypress will grow, and instead of the brier, a myrtle will spring up; this will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, never to be destroyed." The myrtle-tree is used as a symbol of transformation and blessing, replacing the brier, which represents desolation and curse.

4. Zechariah 1:8-11 : "I saw at night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse, and he was standing among the myrtle trees which were in the ravine, with red, sorrel, and white horses behind him." In Zechariah's vision, the myrtle trees are associated with divine presence and the watchful care of God over His people.

Symbolism and Significance:

In biblical literature, the myrtle-tree is often associated with themes of peace, prosperity, and divine favor. Its evergreen nature and fragrant leaves make it a fitting symbol of life and vitality. The myrtle's presence in prophetic visions and promises underscores God's commitment to restore and bless His people.

The use of myrtle branches in the Feast of Tabernacles further emphasizes its role in celebrating God's provision and protection. The myrtle's transformation from a symbol of desolation to one of blessing in Isaiah 55:13 highlights the transformative power of God's word and His ability to bring about renewal and hope.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, the myrtle-tree was valued not only for its beauty and fragrance but also for its practical uses. The leaves and berries were used for medicinal purposes, and the branches were employed in various religious and cultural ceremonies. The myrtle's resilience and ability to thrive in arid conditions made it a powerful symbol of endurance and divine sustenance.

Overall, the myrtle-tree in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's enduring promises and His ability to bring life and beauty out of barrenness. Its presence in Scripture invites believers to trust in God's provision and to look forward to the ultimate restoration He promises.
Strong's Hebrew
1918. hadas -- myrtle (tree)
... 1917, 1918. hadas. 1919 . myrtle (tree). Transliteration: hadas Phonetic
Spelling: (had-as') Short Definition: myrtle. ... myrtle tree. ...
/hebrew/1918.htm - 6k
Library

October 4. "Instead of the Brier, the Myrtle Tree" (Isa. Lv. 13).
... OCTOBER 4. "Instead of the brier, the myrtle tree" (Isa. lv. 13). "Instead
of the brier, the myrtle tree" (Isaiah 55:13). God's ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /october 4 instead of the.htm

December 14. "Instead of the Thorn Shall Come up the Fir Tree" ...
... unto us double for our time of testing, and fulfil the promise, "Instead of the
thorn shall come up the fir tree, instead of the brier the myrtle tree, and it ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /december 14 instead of the.htm

'Make the Tree Good'
... The tree is made good, and 'instead of the briar shall come up the myrtle tree.'.
You may say, 'That is all very well in theory. What about the practice? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/make the tree good.htm

The Breath of God
... Breathe o'er my spirit's barren land". The pine-tree and the myrtle-tree. Shall
spring amidst the desert sand; And where Thy living water flows. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/the breath of god.htm

Denunciation of False Teachers.
... Wherefore also he is unfruitful, like the wild myrtle-tree. Footnotes:
[1236] Comp. John 6:70. Some read, "the son of the devil.". ...
/.../chapter v denunciation of false teachers.htm

The Cleansing of the Earth.
... Thus it is promised: "Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead
of the briar shall come up the myrtle tree," Isa.55:13. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the cleansing of the earth.htm

Visions of Future Glory
... "Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree,. And instead of the brier shall
come up the myrtle tree.". "And an highway shall be there, and a way,. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 60 visions of future.htm

Concerning Peaceableness
... Grace turns the vulture into a dove, the briar into a myrtle tree (Isaiah
55:13), the lion-like fierceness into a lamb-like gentleness. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/18 concerning peaceableness.htm

Explanatory Notes to the American Edition
... "Voor een Distel een Mirt." (Instead of a Brier, a Myrtle-Tree.) 1891.
"Maranatha." Opening address at the meeting of Deputies.1891. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/explanatory notes to the american.htm

Number one Thousand; Or, "Bread Enough and to Spare"
... When instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle-tree, and instead of the thorn
shall come up the fir-tree, it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/number one thousand or bread.htm

Thesaurus
Myrtle-tree (1 Occurrence)
Myrtle-tree. Myrtles, Myrtle-tree. Myrtle-trees . Multi-Version
Concordance Myrtle-tree (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 55:13 ...
/m/myrtle-tree.htm - 6k

Myrtle (7 Occurrences)
... "Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir-tree; and instead of the brier shall
come up the myrtle-tree" (Isaiah 55:13), is one of the prophetic pictures of ...
/m/myrtle.htm - 12k

Fir-tree (5 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 55:13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir-tree; and instead of the
brier shall come up the myrtle-tree: and it shall be to Jehovah for a name ...
/f/fir-tree.htm - 11k

Myrtle-trees (3 Occurrences)
Myrtle-trees. Myrtle-tree, Myrtle-trees. Myself . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See JPS ASV DBY WBS). Myrtle-tree, Myrtle-trees. Myself . Reference Bible.
/m/myrtle-trees.htm - 7k

Myrtles (4 Occurrences)

/m/myrtles.htm - 7k

Brier (10 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 55:13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree; and instead of the
brier shall come up the myrtletree: and it shall be to Yahweh for a name, for ...
/b/brier.htm - 11k

Thorn (30 Occurrences)
... (11) cirpadh (Isaiah 55:13, "Instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle-tree"):
The Septuagint has konuza, which is (Post) the elecampane, Inula viscosa ...
/t/thorn.htm - 35k

Fir (22 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 55:13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree; and instead of the
brier shall come up the myrtletree: and it shall be to Yahweh for a name, for ...
/f/fir.htm - 19k

Memorial (54 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 55:13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir-tree; and instead of the
brier shall come up the myrtle-tree: and it shall be to Jehovah for a name ...
/m/memorial.htm - 28k

Flesh (468 Occurrences)
... (11) cirpadh (Isaiah 55:13, "Instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle-tree"):
The Septuagint has konuza, which is (Post) the elecampane, Inula viscosa ...
/f/flesh.htm - 69k

Resources
Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of the olive tree in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the tree of life? | GotQuestions.org

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