Topical Bible: Terebinths

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Topical Encyclopedia

The terebinth tree, known scientifically as Pistacia terebinthus, is a small deciduous tree native to the Mediterranean region. In the Bible, the terebinth is often mentioned in connection with significant events and locations, serving as a notable landmark in the ancient landscape of the Near East. The tree is known for its longevity and resilience, characteristics that have made it a symbol of endurance and strength in biblical literature.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 12:6-7 : "Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, 'To your offspring I will give this land.' So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him." The "great tree of Moreh" is often understood to be a terebinth, marking a significant moment in Abram's journey and God's covenant promise.

2. Genesis 35:4 : "So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem." The term "oak" here is sometimes translated as "terebinth," indicating a place of purification and renewal for Jacob and his family.

3. Judges 6:11 : "Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites." The "oak" is again often identified as a terebinth, serving as the setting for Gideon's divine encounter and calling.

4. 1 Samuel 31:13 : "Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and they fasted seven days." While this passage mentions a tamarisk, it is worth noting that terebinths and tamarisks are both significant trees in biblical narratives, often associated with burial and remembrance.

5. Isaiah 1:29-30 : "For you will be ashamed of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted; you will be embarrassed by the gardens that you have chosen. You will be like an oak with fading leaves, like a garden without water." The terebinth is used metaphorically here, symbolizing the spiritual decline and idolatry of the people.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:

In the ancient Near East, terebinths were not only important as physical landmarks but also held cultural and religious significance. They were often associated with sacred sites and were sometimes used in idol worship, as indicated in Isaiah's rebuke. The terebinth's deep roots and ability to thrive in arid conditions made it a powerful symbol of resilience and faithfulness, qualities that are echoed in the lives of biblical figures who encountered God under its branches.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the terebinth serves as a reminder of God's presence and promises. The tree's recurring appearance in key biblical narratives underscores the idea of God meeting His people in the ordinary and the natural world. It also highlights the importance of sacred spaces and the role of creation in the divine narrative. The terebinth, therefore, is not merely a backdrop but an integral part of the biblical account, representing both the constancy of God's covenant and the call to spiritual fidelity.
Strong's Hebrew
362. Elim -- "terebinths," a place in the desert
... 361, 362. Elim. 363 . "terebinths," a place in the desert. Transliteration:
Elim Phonetic Spelling: (ay-leem') Short Definition: Elim. Word Origin pl. ...
/hebrew/362.htm - 6k
Library
Six Cities
... The earliest mention made of it is when the patriarch Abraham slept under its oaks,
(the Terebinths of Moreh,) when he came to Canaan from distant Chaldea, and ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm
Chapter xiii
... 18. And Abram kept moving his tent along and came and dwelt by the terebinths of
Mamre, which are in Hebron; and he built an altar there unto Yahweh. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiii.htm
Chapter xx
... We last met Abraham near Hebron, living amid the terebinths of Mamre (Genesis
18:1). He "journeys" (literally: "pulls up") to go from thence toward the region ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xx.htm
Chapter xiv
... eyl, which means "terebinth" or "large tree" generally, would seem to indicate that
originally El or Elath was marked by a large grove of perhaps terebinths. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm
Chapter xxiii
... Abraham wanted a place of burial as near as possible to his place of residence,
which since Genesis 14:13 apparently had always been the terebinths of Mamre ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiii.htm
Chapter xxxv
... Comparing with Genesis 18:1, we notice that Mamre will most likely be a briefer
designation for "the terebinths of Mamre." The well-informed writer lists both ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm
Chapter xxxiv
... Comparing with Genesis 18:1, we notice that Mamre will most likely be a briefer
designation for "the terebinths of Mamre." The well-informed writer lists both ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm
Thesaurus
Terebinths (12 Occurrences)
...Terebinths (12 Occurrences). ... 1 Samuel 17:19 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of
Israel were in the valley of terebinths, fighting against the Philistines. ...
/t/terebinths.htm - 10k
Terebinth (15 Occurrences)
... oak," and in margin "terebinth"; "vale of Elah," margin "the terebinth" in 1 Samuel
17:2, 19; 1 Samuel 21:9. (2) 'elim (Isaiah 1:29, "oaks," margin "terebinths...
/t/terebinth.htm - 15k
Moreh (3 Occurrences)
... Plain of Moreh): It seems probable that the place here intended may be the same
as that mentioned in Deuteronomy 11:30 ('elone moreh, "terebinths of Moreh ...
/m/moreh.htm - 11k
Oak (22 Occurrences)
... Plain of Moreh): It seems probable that the place here intended may be the same
as that mentioned in Deuteronomy 11:30 ('elone moreh, "terebinths of Moreh ...
/o/oak.htm - 33k
Elah (17 Occurrences)
... It was near Shochoh of Judah and Azekah (17:1). It is the modern Wady es-Sunt, ie,
"valley of the acacia." "The terebinths from which the valley of Elah takes ...
/e/elah.htm - 17k
Mamre (10 Occurrences)
... 17, 19; 35:27); called also in Authorized Version (13:18) the "plain of Mamre,"
but in Revised Version more correctly "the oaks [marg., `terebinths'] of Mamre ...
/m/mamre.htm - 16k
Poplar (4 Occurrences)
... "They.... burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and terebinths,
because the shadow thereof is good" (Hosea 4:13). ...
/p/poplar.htm - 10k
Botany
... species of tree. Commonly they are oaks, terebinths, carob, meis (nettle
tree), sidr (zizyphus) or hawthorn. Besides the willful ...
/b/botany.htm - 38k
Psalms (44 Occurrences)
... poem. Thus the subscript to Psalm 55, "The dove of the distant terebinths,"
becomes a pictorial title of 55:6-8 of the psalm. The ...
/p/psalms.htm - 54k
Oaks (14 Occurrences)
... Hosea 4:13 They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains, and burn incense on the
hills, under oaks and poplars and terebinths, because its shade is good. ...
/o/oaks.htm - 10k
Resources
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Concordance
Terebinths (12 Occurrences)
Genesis 13:18
And Abram moved his tent, and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built there an altar unto Jehovah.
(See JPS)
Genesis 14:13
And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew: now he dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner; and these were confederate with Abram.
(See JPS)
Genesis 18:1
And Jehovah appeared unto him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
(See JPS)
Deuteronomy 11:30
Are they not beyond the Jordan, behind the way of the going down of the sun, in the land of the Canaanites that dwell in the Arabah, over against Gilgal, beside the oaks of Moreh?
(See JPS)
1 Samuel 17:2
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the valley of terebinths, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
(DBY)
1 Samuel 17:19
Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel were in the valley of terebinths, fighting against the Philistines.
(DBY)
1 Samuel 21:9
And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of terebinths, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod; if thou wilt take that, take it; for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that: give it me.
(DBY)
Psalms 56:1
For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Silent Dove in Distant Lands." A poem by David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, God, for man wants to swallow me up. All day long, he attacks and oppresses me.
(See RSV)
Isaiah 1:29
For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.
(See JPS DBY)
Isaiah 57:5
ye that inflame yourselves among the oaks, under every green tree; that slay the children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?
(See JPS)
Isaiah 61:3
to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah, that he may be glorified.
(See JPS DBY)
Hosea 4:13
They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains, and burn incense on the hills, under oaks and poplars and terebinths, because its shade is good. Therefore your daughters play the prostitute, and your brides commit adultery.
(WEB JPS ASV)
Subtopics
Terebinths
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