Cypress-wood, known for its durability and aromatic qualities, is mentioned in the Bible as a material used in construction and craftsmanship. The Hebrew word often translated as "cypress" is "berosh," though there is some debate among scholars regarding the exact species referred to in ancient texts. It is generally accepted that "berosh" refers to a coniferous tree, possibly the cypress or a similar evergreen.

Biblical References:

1. Construction of the Temple and Palaces:
Cypress-wood was notably used in the construction of significant biblical structures. In 1 Kings 5:8-10, King Solomon arranged with Hiram, the king of Tyre, to supply timber for the building of the Temple. The passage states, "So Hiram sent word to Solomon, saying: 'I have heard the message you sent me; I will do all you desire concerning the cedar and cypress timber.'" This indicates the high value placed on cypress-wood for its quality and suitability in sacred architecture.

2. Symbol of Strength and Beauty:
The use of cypress-wood in the Temple and other royal buildings symbolizes strength and beauty. In Isaiah 41:19, the prophet speaks of the restoration and blessing of Israel, saying, "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 together." Here, cypress is listed among other noble trees, signifying its esteemed status.

3. Craftsmanship and Trade:
Cypress-wood was also a significant commodity in ancient trade. Ezekiel 27:5 describes the construction of Tyre's ships, stating, "They made all your planking of cypress from Senir; they took a cedar from Lebanon to make a mast for you." This highlights the wood's importance in maritime craftsmanship, valued for its resistance to decay and its strength.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, cypress-wood was prized for its resistance to rot and insects, making it an ideal material for construction and shipbuilding. Its aromatic properties also made it a preferred choice for sacred and royal purposes. The wood's association with durability and beauty made it a symbol of divine blessing and human achievement.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the use of cypress-wood in the construction of the Temple and other significant structures underscores the biblical theme of using the finest materials to honor God. The durability and beauty of cypress-wood reflect the enduring and majestic nature of God's presence among His people. The inclusion of cypress in prophetic visions of restoration and blessing further emphasizes its symbolic role in representing God's provision and the renewal of creation.

In summary, cypress-wood in the Bible is a testament to the value placed on quality and beauty in worship and daily life, serving as a reminder of God's enduring strength and the splendor of His creation.

Introduction to the Homilies on S. Ignatius and S. Babylas.
... honour, ample in its proportions, sumptuous in its adornments; the internal walls
were resplendent with polished marbles, the lofty ceiling was of cypress wood ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/introduction to the homilies on.htm

Noah and the Great Flood
... I am going to destroy them from the earth. Make yourself an ark of cypress wood.
Build rooms in the ark, and cover it within and without with pitch. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/noah and the great flood.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... be subservient to thee in all that thou sendest to me about; for when by my subjects
I have cut down many and large trees of cedar and cypress wood, I will ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome
... She was buried at Ravenna; and, with some ambiguity of meaning, it is said that
there her corpse, seated in a chair of cypress wood, was preserved for ages. ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/vii women who witnessed the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... he poured libations of oil, honey, palm-wine, and other wines of various kinds;
he himself took the mason's hod, and with tools of ebony, cypress wood, and oak ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Imperial Tombs.
... times, they found, while digging there, a tomb of exquisite marble, containing a
sarcophagus, and inside of it, a smaller coffin of cypress wood overlaid with ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iv imperial tombs.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <. ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

Cypress-wood (6 Occurrences)
Cypress-wood. Cypress-trees, Cypress-wood. Cyprian . Multi-Version
Concordance Cypress-wood (6 Occurrences). 2 Samuel ...
/c/cypress-wood.htm - 8k

Cypress (17 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 6:5 And David and all the house of Israel played before Jehovah on all
manner of instruments made of cypresswood, with harps, and with lutes, and ...
/c/cypress.htm - 12k

Cedar-wood (22 Occurrences)
... Kings 5:8 Then Hiram sent to Solomon, saying; The words you sent have been given
to me: I will do all your desire in the question of cedar-wood and cypress-wood...
/c/cedar-wood.htm - 12k

Cypress-trees (6 Occurrences)
Cypress-trees. Cypress-tree, Cypress-trees. Cypress-wood . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See JPS). Cypress-tree, Cypress-trees. Cypress-wood . Reference
/c/cypress-trees.htm - 8k

Lutes (16 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 6:5 And David and all the house of Israel played before Jehovah on all
manner of instruments made of cypresswood, with harps, and with lutes, and ...
/l/lutes.htm - 11k

Folding-doors (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 6:34 And the two folding-doors were of cypress-wood: the two leaves of the
one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding. ...
/f/folding-doors.htm - 7k

Tambours (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 6:5 And David and all the house of Israel played before Jehovah on all
manner of instruments made of cypresswood, with harps, and with lutes, and ...
/t/tambours.htm - 9k

Roofed (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 3:5 And the greater house was roofed with cypress-wood, plated with
the best gold and ornamented with designs of palm-trees and chains. (BBE). ...
/r/roofed.htm - 7k

Plated (29 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Chronicles 3:5 And the greater house was roofed with cypress-wood, plated
with the best gold and ornamented with designs of palm-trees and chains. ...
/p/plated.htm - 14k

Boarded (3 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Chronicles 3:5 And the greater house he boarded with cypress-wood, which
he overlaid with fine gold, and set on it palm-trees and chains. (DBY). ...
/b/boarded.htm - 7k

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