Have You Ever Imagine Earth Without Trees?

This article briefly touches upon a selection of trees chosen for two reasons. (1) To highlight and emphasize the contributions made by trees to sustain our life force. (2) Because these particular woody plants have interesting history associated with them that can be gleaned from the Bible and it makes for interesting reading.

Acacia:

The acacia trees are large thorny trees. Their orange-brown hard-grained wood repelled insects. Research indicates that there are 500 species of the acacia tree. It is valued as a timber tree and used in shipbuilding. In some biblical translations, acacia trees are called shittim. Acacia wood was also used in the building of the first tabernacle (a portable “tent of meeting” where the Jews worshiped during the Exodus). Most students of the Bible know that acacia wood was used to build the Ark of the Covenant.

Almond:

The almond tree is a stunning pinkish-white-flowered tree and it is prized for the high protein nut that it yields. (Some say fruit; some say nut.) Not only are the nuts delicious to eat, but the oil extracted from the nut can be used medicinally or as a lubricant, in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and as food flavoring. Because the almond contains very little starch, it is recommended as a flour substitute for diabetics. Aaron was the brother of Moses, who helped his brother lead the children of Israel at the time of the Exodus from Egypt and he served as high priest to the Jews. Among the contents of the Ark of the Covenant was Aaron’s rod. According to the Old Testament scriptures, though this rod had miraculous power, it was nothing more than an almond branch or twig.

Balsam:

From the balsam tree, one can produce balm, an aromatic resinous gum used for medical purposes. Balm of Gilead, balsam of Gilead, and balsam tree are common names. It has even been called balsam of Mecca. In Genesis, the story is told of Joseph who was sold into slavery by his jealous and envious brothers to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites. The Ishmaelites were traders on their way to Egypt to trade slaves, spices, myrrh, and balm from Gilead. The Queen of Sheba brought balm as a gift for King Solomon.

• Fox, Treathyl. “Balsam: For Priests, Kings and Everyday People.” Joie de Vivre Magazine Blog, 20 June 2021, https://joiedevivre-magazine.blogspot.com/2021/06/balsam-for-priests-kings-and-everyday.html.

Palm Trees (Palmae Family):

The Arabs say that "The palm tree has 360 uses". Sorry. I don't have the list to share with you. But I will share what I know.

In ancient times and perhaps even today, the branch from a palm tree symbolized peace and victory, success, or celebration. Palm trees are very easy to recognize. They are tall, slender, with no branches. Instead of branches, on top of the trunk is a crown of spreading plumes.

Most people associate palms swaying in the breeze with a tropical environment like Florida or The Bahamas.

While others think of the date palm tree that grows in the Middle East. Its fruit is part of the daily diet of millions of people. The date can be eaten fresh or dried; incorporated as a key ingredient in a myriad of recipes; and the tree sap can be made into syrup or wine. Jericho, which is in the Jordan Valley, has a tropical climate, and is known for its lush palm groves. Once it has reached maturity, this tree can yield fruit for 100 years.

Wherever they grow, if you see a palm tree, breeze or no breeze, it is hard not to be captivated by its striking beauty.

• Learn more: Rayen, Liz. “How to Identify Species of Palm Trees.” Owlcation, 28 Apr. 2013, https://owlcation.com/stem/How-to-Identify-Species-of-Palm-Trees.

Interesting? Well hopefully, the facts also make it plainly evident that trees are not just the stuff of bible stories and legends. They have a crucial role in making the Earth a livable planet. Benefits include: medicinal applications, delicious edible fruits, gorgeous flowers that give off a variety of pleasant fragrances, foliage that shade from a scorching sun, etc. The urgency of preserving, maintaining, and cultivating trees should not be understated and can not be oversimplified.

• International Society of Arboriculture. “Benefits of Trees.” Trees Are Good, https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/benefitsoftrees. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.

Are We Trying to Save the Planet?

By the sixth century A.D., beautiful groves of the famed cedars of Lebanon had been destroyed and currently, only a precious few remain. Reforestation campaigns are underway. Some advocate that reforestation can reverse the effects of global warming and world hunger in one step. (One can dream and hope!) Although global warming is a topic that seems to be on everybody’s radar, not many understand its real impact on the environment. But almost everyone knows or can hazard an educated guess as to the impact careless destruction of trees would have on our lives.

There are environmental activists called “tree sitters” who will risk being arrested and feel compelled to protest by literally sitting in a tree, to protect it from being cut down. This passionate stand (or rather, sitting) can be considered an act of civil disobedience which sometimes results in forcible removal of the protestor from the tree. Citizens of earth should imitate the zeal of these activists, or at least support them.

Significant strides are being made for our forests to be preserved for future generations. There are numerous efforts worldwide to save trees and protect forests, along with individuals planting trees and reducing paper consumption. Everything makes a difference.

FUN RESEARCH:

The best part of writing this article was the fun I had learning about tree symbolism. Made this chart. Cool, huh?

Thanks for reading.

(NOTE: Original Source)