So a while ago, I was reading the books of the Minor Prophets in the Bible and I noticed that these books (particularly Hosea, Joel and Amos) makes use of the native trees in the area, so I thought I'd describe some of these trees!
Cedar Tree
"Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots" - Hosea 14:5
The Cedar of Lebanon is a mountain tree, living in high altitudes, from 1500 to 1900 meters above sea level.
In ancient times, they were exported to build ships, altars, thrones, and carved objects. The first and second temples of Jerusalem were made of cedar wood.
We read of King Solomon negotiating with Hiram, King of Tyre, to procure some to build the temple and sundry buildings.
Part of the popularity of these trees was due to the fact that it was a huge tree by Middle Eastern standards, reaching 90 feet in height! This height was not achieved quickly; the tree is known to live between two and three thousand years.
The wood was extremely popular with the ancient people because it was available in huge pieces, it was strong, it lasted forever, and it had the usual cedar smell.
In the Bible, Amos compares the sons of Anak the Amorite to the cedars of Lebanon.
Olive Tree
"... His splendor will be like an olive tree, ..." - Hosea 14:6
Juniper Tree
"...I am like a flourishing juniper; your fruitfulness comes from me." - Hosea 14:8
Lily
"I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. ..." - Hosea 14:5
