Trees of the Bible

"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree, they will grow like the cedar of Lebanon" (Psalm 92:12).

Eleven Palm tree facts:
1) The palm tree's roots go deep to seek out water--a hidden source of life. It requires constant moisture yet it flourishes in the desert. It finds the groves of the oasis--a place of rest and refreshment. The palm tree is a sign to the weary desert traveler that there is water.

2) Its roots hold strong throughout the threatening storm. It is steadfast. The palm tree withstands the tremendous gusts of wind and defies the violent tempest. It will sway back and forth but won't break. And all the while, it is inexpressibly graceful.

3) Its life is within . . . if cut, it doesn't die because it has a deep hidden life. The palm tree's growth is internal. It can be cut but it won't be injured.
Colossians 1:27, "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

4) Its fruit supplies man's need for food. The palm tree is a source of blessing; dates, sugar, coconut, oil, honey and sago.
Joel 1:12, "The vine is dried up and the fig tree is withered; the pomegranate, the palm and the apple tree-all the trees of the field-are dried up. Surely the joy of mankind is withered away."

5) Its branches and trunk make a shelter--protection. The leaves of a palm can reach up to 20 feet in length. All of its parts are useful for building . . . fences, roofs, mats, baskets, couches, bags, clothing etc.. In the Middle East they say that the palm tree has 360 uses.

6) It can subsist in a desert--endurance. Even in barren soil the palm tree flourishes. It seems that it is always green and bears fruit continuously. As a matter of fact it is exceedingly fruitful. Date palms can produce 100 pounds a year for 100 years.

7) The leaves of a palm tree signify victory and joy--joyous triumph. John 12:13 says "They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!'"

8) It will appear on a lonely, deserted island and multiply--prophetic.It will be one of the first signs of life on a newly-formed island and seems to grow in groups.

9) The palm tree grows straight and is a very lofty tree. It has a determined growth upward, resisting every attempt to press or bend downward. The palm continues its growth toward heaven. I am reminded of
II Corinthians 4:8-9 here: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

10) Israel encamped at Elim where there were 12 wells and 70 palm trees (Exodus 15:27, Numbers 33:9). So we too shall encamp around the 12 apostles and the 70 disciples.

11) Jericho was called the City of Palms (Deuteronomy 34:3, II Chronicles 28:15). "the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar." and "The men designated by name took the prisoners, and from the plunder they clothed all who were naked. They provided them with clothes and sandals, food and drink, and healing balm. All those who were weak they put on donkeys. So they took them back to their fellow countrymen at Jericho, the City of Palms, and returned to Samaria." Israel's had its first great victory here over Canaan.

(this article was adapted, with permission, from one of my dad's, Pastor William C. de Quilettes, sermons)