Biblical Tree Imagery in Natural and Human Contexts

Human beings are captivated by trees, and history bears this out. From ancient times and in various cultures, trees function as central features of daily life, building and development, economics, shelter, and even religious reflection. In this volume, contributors explore how trees captivated the ancient mind, as revealed in metaphor and analogy in the biblical text, and then turn to reflect upon how modern research methods have aided interpreters in accessing the realia of the biblical world.

Utilizing relevant data secured through methods of botany and archaeo-botany, this collection first explores the symbolic imagery of trees found in the Hebrew Bible and the Ancient Near East, from soil, roots and branches to fruit, leaves and the Tree of Life itself. Moving then to different types of trees, the contributors assess the depictions and importance of fig trees, vines, date-palms, deciduous trees, cedars and olive trees. This volume serves biblical scholars by offering a confluence of textual analysis, archaeological reflection, and scientific exploration.