Free Art Friday Answer

Palm Trees are one of my favorite treasure finds while studying the bible. They have a very unique look from other trees and are known for having water-seeking roots that grow very deep.

Geographical

• Jericho- called the "City of Palm Trees" (Deut. 34:3)Palm trees were found to be associated with an oasis in the middle of the wilderness. Jericho was known for having a large oasis. Hence, the name describes what it was like to live there.
• Elim- noted for it's twelve springs and seventy palm trees. (Exodus 15:27, Numbers 33:9) The Israelites camped here while wandering in the wilderness. Some commentaries suggest the numbers pointed to the twelve tribes of Israel and seventy elders.
• Temple- palm tree wood was a wood used in the temple(1 Kings 6:29, 32, 35; 2 Chronicles 3:5)Seen in the temple in a vision Ezekiel had (Ezek 40:16, 41:18) It was artistically found on the temple walls (1 Kings 6:29, 32,35, 7:36)
• Deborah led Israel from under a palm tree ( Judges 4:5)

Life and Fertility

Theologians agree that the palm tree was a symbol of blessing; for the tree thrived in the middle of the dessert. It provided food in the dessert in the form of 'dates' and the sap was often used as a sweetner or to make wine. So it was no wonder that the palm tree was used as a symbolic life meaning in the temple.

Symbol of Rejoicing
On the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles, Israel was to take palm branches, other trees and rejoice before God. Leviticus 23:40 (New International Version) says"On the first day you are to take choice fruit from the trees, and palm fronds, leafy branches and poplars, and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days." The feast of tabernacles was a celebration of seven days where Israel would live in little "booths" or "tabernacles." They were made out of palm trees and other leafy type trees. They were to do this so that, "your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God."

Symbol of Victory
Thrown into the path of Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem. (John 12:13) Palm branches became known for being connected with celebrating victory. Matthew, Mark and Luke all report the account of this triumphant entry.

Prosperity of Righteous
Psalm 92:12

Picture of Heaven -symbol of eternal victory- Rev. 7:9
My favorite truth treasure about palm trees in the bible is the account found in Revelation 7:9 which says, "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hand;..."
God has given us a picture of heaven to treasure on earth. One day, the believer will stand triumphantly in unity with a great multitude from every nation and every tribe. I love this! What a promise to treasure!

These are just a few of the many examples about palm trees. Once you see what scripture tells us about palm trees, you will never look at another palm tree quite the same again. Thank you God for your word, for it is alive and active!