The Terebinth Tree

   

                   The Terebinth Tree.

        An important tree in biblical history.

The terebinth tree grows to around 30-35 feet. It’s also known to be an oak, fig, or a pistachio. A strong, hardy and long-lived tree, found in a number of the Arabic regions. A common tree which usually stands alone, meaning it doesn’t grow in a group.

Spiritually, this tree symbolizes there are things we can only do alone and not within a group. If you have a problem and see a terebinth tree, it’s said to be a sign that you need to look into the matter on your own. While working on the solution to your problem, it pays to remember, you have the power to overcome any obstacle in your life, if you would but try.

The terebinth can live to be a thousand years. It has strong, deep roots, therefor it’s not drought affected. It’s a symbol of our powerful nature and a sign of determination and strength. It can regrow after it's been cut down.

The tree is seen as a sign of great knowledge and as individuals, symbolizes we have the ability to discern right from wrong. It is also identified as a sign of success.

A terebinth was present when Saul prepared to fight the Philistines. The battleground of David and Goliath had terebinth trees.

Abraham passed through the land as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. Moreh is viewed as the place where God spoke. The terebinth is a landmark, where Abraham pitched his tent and where the Lord would appear, making the area a land mark and a faith mark to Abraham.

175 years later, Jacob would dig a well and settle here. It was here that Jacob would bury foreign idols under the terebinth. Jacob’s sons would herd their sheep here and it was here Joseph was sold into slavery. Joshua would return here hundreds of years later, with millions of Jacob’s decedents, putting a faith stone as a further landmark and faith-mark. Joseph’s bones were also buried here.

Absalom’s mule went under the terebinth tree, where Absalom’s head became caught in its branches. A man saw it and told Joab he saw Absalom hanging from the terebinth. Joab took three spears and thrust them into Absalom’s side, as he hung in the tree.

It was under the terebinth that Abimelech was first declared king of Israel, as too was Rehoboam declared king under a terebinth. Jeroboam declared the site of the terebinth the new capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel. And it was here that Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, declaring Himself Messiah.

The body of Saul and his sons were buried under the terebinth at Jebesh.

Judges 6:11 Now the Angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth tree which was in Ophra, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites.

1Kings 13:14 …and went after the man of God and found him sitting under an oak. Then he said to him, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” And he said “I am.”

The messengers of God often appeared under the covering of a strong tree. The terebinth tree is said to be the Lord’s strength, righteousness and power; relied upon no matter what. A tree that can never be shaken.

John 1:47-48 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, and said of him. “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”

Isaiah 6:13 But yet a tenth will be in it, and will return and be for consuming, as the terebinth tree or as an oak, who’s stump remains when it is cut down, so the holy seed shall be its stump.

Hosea 4:13 They offer sacrifices on the mountaintops, and burn incense on the hills, under oaks, poplars and terebinths, because the shade is good.

These are just a few things that happened around the terebinth. We could go further, for there’s a lot more said in the bible, about these mighty trees.

Nothing and no-one is forgotten, cast aside, or left by God. We all have a part to play. The bible is a great book of the history of God’s will, God’s promises and God’s love. Let’s make our own history with God, starting today. Read His word and get to know Him. He might just surprise you.

*Biblical notes from NKJV.

About the author:

Alexandra Grose – An investigative photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration.

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it.

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This work is based on the belief of the writer. All she asks, is that you study and form your own opinion, as to the validity of her beliefs. You can’t assume you’re right on any given topic, you have to prove it.