Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The tamarisk is a small to medium-sized tree or shrub that is mentioned in the Bible, known for its feathery branches and small, scale-like leaves. It is native to the arid regions of the Middle East and is well-suited to the desert environment due to its ability to thrive in saline soils and withstand drought conditions. The tamarisk is often associated with biblical figures and events, symbolizing endurance and provision in challenging circumstances.Biblical References: 1. Genesis 21:33 · "Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Eternal God." In this passage, Abraham plants a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, a significant act that signifies his long-term commitment to the land and his faith in God's promises. The planting of the tamarisk may symbolize a covenant with God, as trees often represent life, growth, and stability in biblical literature. Beersheba itself becomes a place of worship and a testament to God's eternal nature. 2. 1 Samuel 22:6 · "Now Saul heard that David and his men had been discovered. At that time, Saul was in Gibeah, sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill with his spear in hand, and all his servants standing around him." Here, King Saul is depicted sitting under a tamarisk tree, a setting that underscores the tree's role as a place of rest and reflection. The tamarisk provides shade and a vantage point, symbolizing Saul's authority and his troubled reign. This scene foreshadows the tension between Saul and David, highlighting the contrast between Saul's earthly power and David's divine anointing. 3. 1 Samuel 31:13 · "Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days." After the death of Saul and his sons, their bones are buried under a tamarisk tree in Jabesh. This act of burial under the tamarisk signifies respect and mourning, as well as a connection to the land and its history. The tree serves as a living memorial, marking the place of their rest and the end of Saul's dynasty. Symbolism and Significance: The tamarisk tree holds symbolic significance in the biblical narrative. Its ability to survive in harsh conditions makes it a symbol of resilience and endurance. The tree's presence in key biblical events suggests themes of covenant, authority, and remembrance. In the context of Abraham's account, the tamarisk represents a lasting relationship with God and the land. In the accounts of Saul, it reflects the complexities of leadership and legacy. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern culture, trees were often seen as sacred and were associated with divine presence. The tamarisk, with its evergreen nature, would have been a valuable resource in the desert, providing shade, wood, and a place for gathering. Its mention in the Bible highlights its importance in the daily life and spiritual practices of the people. The tamarisk's ability to excrete salt through its leaves, creating a saline crust on the ground, may also have had practical implications, such as discouraging the growth of competing vegetation and preserving water resources. This characteristic further underscores the tree's role as a symbol of survival and adaptation in a challenging environment. Easton's Bible Dictionary Hebrews `eshel (Genesis 21:33; 1 Samuel 22:6; 31:13, in the R.V.; but in A.V., "grove, " "tree"); Arab. asal. Seven species of this tree are found in Palestine. It is a "very graceful tree, with long feathery branches and tufts closely clad with the minutest of leaves, and surmounted in spring with spikes of beautiful pink blosoms, which seem to envelop the whole tree in one gauzy sheet of colour" (Tristram's Nat. Hist.). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Any shrub or tree of the genus Tamarix, the species of which are European and Asiatic. They have minute scalelike leaves, and small flowers in spikes. An Arabian species (T. mannifera) is the source of one kind of manna.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TAMARISKtam'-a-risk: Strong's Hebrew 815. eshel -- a tamarisk tree... 814, 815. eshel. 816 . a tamarisk tree. Transliteration: eshel Phonetic Spelling: (ay'-shel) Short Definition: tree. Word Origin ... /hebrew/815.htm - 5k Library Under Ban of the Ritual Version ii. The Early Training of a Race. Compassion for Souls Sappho The Cost of a Lie The Rise of the Assyrian Empire The Nile and Egypt Choosing the Tens The Treasure Cave Thesaurus Tamarisk (5 Occurrences)... manna. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TAMARISK. tam ... vegetation. EWG Masteran. Multi-Version Concordance Tamarisk (5 Occurrences). Genesis ... /t/tamarisk.htm - 10k Tamarisk-tree (3 Occurrences) Grove (23 Occurrences) Beersheba (33 Occurrences) Manna (19 Occurrences) Tambour (7 Occurrences) Botany Wanderings (7 Occurrences) Jabesh (21 Occurrences) Resources Why are there contradictory accounts regarding the death of Saul in 1 and 2 Samuel? | GotQuestions.orgTamarisk: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tamarisk (5 Occurrences)Genesis 21:33 1 Samuel 22:6 1 Samuel 31:13 Jeremiah 17:6 Jeremiah 48:6 Subtopics Related Terms |