A Purifying Tree

Posted on October 5, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter… the LORD showed him (Moses – B.H.) a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet.” (Exodus 15:23-25).

The children of Israel were on their journey to the Promised Land. They had been delivered from Egypt (Exodus 14). They had celebrated this deliverance (Exodus 15:1-ff, 20-21).

However, the journey was not always easy. There were four difficulties before they reached Sinai: (1) Lack of water and bitter water (Exodus 15:22-26); (2) Lack of food (Exodus 16:1-8); (3) Lack of water (Exodus 17:1-7); (4) Amalek attack (Exodus 17:8-16 cf. Deuteronomy 25:17-18).

God provided the way for them to make it through the wilderness. In this first difficulty, God provided a way to turn bitter water into sweet, drinkable water.

Some think that this means of a tree (or wood) may be a shadow (or type) of Christ (or cross). Consider these comments, “The word here rendered ‘tree’ actually means ‘a piece of wood’… the fact of Jesus’ both entering and leaving our world ‘in the wood’ (of the manger and of the cross) has led many to see in this a type of Christ who makes life’s bitter waters sweet” (James Burton Coffman, Exodus, pp. 212-213). {Not only are Jesus’ entrance and departure of this world connected with wood, but he was a carpenter (Mark 6:3; Matthew 13:55) [the original word tekton “denotes any craftsman, but especially a worker in wood (Vines); “Gloss: carpenter, woodworker, more generally: construction worker, including stonemason and metalworker. Definition: an artisan; and specifically, one who works with wood, a carpenter” (Bill Mounce)]} Also, consider these thoughts, “Some make this tree typical of the cross of Christ, which sweetens the bitter waters of affliction to all the faithful, and enables them to rejoice in tribulation. The Jews’ tradition is that the wood of this tree was itself bitter, yet it sweetened the waters of Marah; the bitterness of Christ’s sufferings and death alters the property of ours” (Matthew Henry’s Commentary, Vol. 1, p. 267).

Application

  1. We are not promised that our journey through life and to the Promised Land will be always easy (John 14:27; 16:33).
  2. However, God has made a way for us to make it (John 4:13-14; 6:31-35; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13).
  3. The hope which Jesus has provided makes the bitter waters of this life more tolerable to drink (Romans 8:18, 31-39; 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1; Philippians 4:13; Hebrews 12:1-2).
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An Ark of Gopher Wood

Posted on September 27, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“And God said to Noah, ‘The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch… Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did” (Genesis 6:13-14, 22)

Let’s consider a couple of questions. First, what is an ark? The Hebrew word tebah means: “a box” (Strong’s); “chest, box” (Brown-Driver-Briggs-Gesenius). It is a container. The original word is used for both Noah’s ark and the Ark of the Covenant. One should not imagine the children of Israel carrying Noah’s ark through the wilderness. They are both containers, but very different containers.

Next, what is (or was) gopher wood? I am not sure. The difficulty is that the Hebrew word, gopher, appears only once in the Bible. (1) Some think that this is (or was) a specific species of tree. Various suggestions have been set forth, including: African Acacia, Baobab, Cedar, Cypress, Pine, and Teak. Some translations render it “cypress” (NIV, NLT, NRSV. The NIV contains this note, “The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain). Some have translated it “pyne” or pine. (Tyndale, Bishop’s Bible). At least one renders it “teakwood” (The Message Bible). (2) Others think that this refers to something in the preparation of the wood. The Septuagint (Greek translation of Hebrews Bible reads, “square timber” (xylon tetragonon). Wycliffe renders it “wood hewn and planed.” Douay-Rheims Bible reads, “timber planks.”

The important thing to understand is that Noah did what God commanded (Genesis 6:22). He understood what God said and did it (James 1:22). He “prepared an ark for the saving of his household” (Hebrews 11:7).

In teaching on authority, it is common practice to refer to Noah’s use of gopher wood. One might say, “God said gopher wood. In doing so, he authorized gopher wood. He did not authorize oak or pine.”

I have heard some criticize this approach. “How can one say this when no one is sure what gopher wood actually is (or was)?”

The critic should keep a couple of things in mind. (1) Regardless of what gopher wood is (or was), Noah understood what God meant, and he did “according to all that God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22). (2) The idea that we should seek to do things as God instructs is still a sound approach to God’s word (Leviticus 10:1-2; Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Hebrews 7:12-14; Revelation 22:18-19).

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All Leaves But no Fruit

Posted on September 20, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, ‘Let no fruit grow on you ever again.’ Immediately the fig tree withered away” (Matthew 21:18-19).

This was a strange sight. It was not the season for figs (Mark 11:13). Some take this to mean that it was not yet the time for gathering figs (see: Albert Barnes; Adam Clarke). However, this tree had leaves. Consider these comments, “Two varieties of figs are common in Palestine, the bicura or boccore, an early fig with large green leaves with fruit which ripens in May or June and sometimes earlier near Jerusalem. Thomson found ripe fruit of this variety as early as May in the mountains of Lebanon, one hundred and fifty miles north of Jerusalem, and Professor Post, of Beyrut (sic), states that fig trees there have fruit formed as early as February, which is fully ripe in April. The second variety is the summer fig or kermus. This ripens its main crop in August, but its later fruitage often hangs on all winter when the weather is mild, dropping off when the new spring leaves come. As the fruit usually appears before the leaves, the leaves were a promise that fruit might be found, and the fruit, though not perfectly ripe, is considered edible when the leaves are developed. (J.W. McGarvey, The Fourfold Gospel, p. 581). This tree promised fruit but bore none. It professed that it was a fruit bearing tree but it produced no fruit.

Jesus cursed the tree (cf. Mark 11:14, 21). This does not mean that he lost his temper. This does not mean that he used profanity. It means that he pronounced a judgment upon this tree.

Questions

Some have real trouble with this incident. Did Jesus really get angry with a tree? Did this warrant the use of super-natural power? Is this a case of pettiness or undue concern?

Israel

I believe that Jesus was using the tree to teach his disciples a lesson about Israel (cf. Matthew 21:43). Israel is compared, many times, to a vine or fig tree (Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 2:21; 12:10; Ezekiel 15:5-6; Hosea 9:10, 16; 10:1; Joel 1:7; Psalm 80:8-ff). It is interesting that in Mark the fig tree is mentioned on each side of the cleansing of the temple (Mark 11:12-14, 15-19, 20-21). This is known as a “Markan sandwich” which is thought to link the two incidents together. Markan sandwiches appear numerous times in the book of Mark. Again, this is thought to closely link two incidents together. Furthermore, consider this comment, “In a symbolic sense, the tree was ‘pretending’ to be that which it was not. It was a perfect visual of the Jewish nation!” (Wayne Jackson, A New Testament Commentary, p. 49).

Application

Have you heard the saying, “All hat, no cattle”? A church member recently was kind enough to let me stay on his cattle ranch while my house was scheduled to have some work done on it. He is a real cattleman. His ranch goes back to the early days of this state. After staying on the ranch, another church member asked me, “Are you starting to feel more like a cowboy?” My answer was, “If I were then I would be all hat and no cattle.” Many want to appear to be what they are not.

Let us not simply profess to be Christians. Let us truly be followers of Christ.

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A Fig Tree Bearing Olives

Posted on September 13, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh” (James 3:9-12).

“It” refers to the tongue. The use of the tongue is under consideration. It is important that we bridle (control) our tongues. One’s religion is useless if he does not do this (James 1:26).

It is not uncommon for man to use his tongue in two ways which are inconsistent. (1) A man may use his tongue to “bless” (Greek eulogoumen meaning to speak well of) God. He may do this in worship. One writer has written, “A devout Jew would repeat the Shemoneh Esreh (or Shemoneh Esrei B.H.) which consisted of eighteen prayers called Eulogies, three times a day. Each prayer begins with, ‘Blessed be Thou, O God.'” (J.J. Turner, The Book of James, p. 105). It is good to praise God. “Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). (2) The same man may have a pattern of using his tongue to “curse” (Greek Katarometha meaning to curse down) men. One writer has suggested, “He considers himself able to look up to God, and bless him; and down to men and curse them” (Guy N. Wood, A Commentary on the Epistle of James, p. 173).

Why Not

James tells us that “these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10). Why not? (1) Man has been made (perfect tense expressing abiding results – B.H.) in the similitude of God (James 3:9). He should be treated with dignity and respect. He should not be treated as something sub-human, inferior, or beneath oneself. God created this one in his image. (2) It is not useful (James 3:10). The word “ought” (Greek Chre) is related to the original word “to use” (chraomai). The idea seems to be that this is not the proper use of the tongue. We are taught: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). (3) It is inconsistent (James 3:11-12).

Illustration

(1) It is as inconsistent as a spring sending forth both fresh (sweet) water and salt (bitter) water from the same opening (James 3:11-12). (a) If this happened at the same time, the water of the spring would be corrupted. The salt would taint the water and make it unpleasant or unwholesome to drink. One cannot worship God acceptably and hate his brother (cf. 1 John 4:20-21; Matthew 5:23-24). Moreover, many will not listen to our message, even if true, when they are exposed to such inconsistency (cf. Romans 2:21-24). Ralph Waldo Emerson is credited with saying, “Your actions speak so loudly, I cannot hear what you are saying.” (b) If this happened at different random times, who could depend on this water hole? One would not know whether fresh water or salt water would come forth. We should seek to be consistent. “The mouth of the righteous is a well of life” (Proverbs 10:11). (c) However, the real point is that a spring does not do this. It is consistent. A Christian should also seek to be consistent. If we truly love God then we also should care about man.

(2) It is as inconsistent as a fig tree bearing olives or a grapevine bearing figs (James 3:12). (a) The point is that this does not happen. Plants produce according to their kind (Genesis 1:11-13). They are known by their fruit (Matthew 12:33-37; Matthew 7:15-20; Luke 6:43-45). (b) However, imagine the confusion which would be caused if a fig tree produced olives or a grapevine produced figs. Imagine the confusion which would exist if one never knew what type of fruit to expect on any kind of tree. What kind of fruit do you think Jesus sought from a fig tree? (Matthew 21:18-19; cf. Luke 13:6-9). God’s people should be known for producing a certain kind of fruit (cf. James 3:13-18; Galatians 5:19-23).

{Note: It is possible for a single citrus tree to produce different types of citrus fruit (e.g. lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit), and for different types of apples (red, green, yellow) to grow on one apple tree. These trees are called fruit salad trees. This is accomplished by humans engineering this, by grafting of variety of fruit branches of the same family on to one tree. Those on a citrus are still citrus. These on an apple tree are still apples. There are limits. One cannot successfully graft fruit from different families on to one tree (e.g. apples and oranges). [See: Better Homes and Gardens, Yes Fruit Salad Trees Exist and Here’s How to Grow Them by Derek Carwood, January 10, 2023, bhg.com; Also, Can Citrus Bear Different Fruits? Google A.I,; And, Fruit Salad Tree, Google A.I.]}

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The Grain Must Fall

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Must assuredly, I say to you unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serve Me, him My Father will honor” (John 12:23-26).

Jesus

This concerns Jesus’ death. “The hour has come” (John 12:23 cf. 2:3-4; 7:6, 8; 7:30; 8:20; 12:27; 13:1; 17:1). It was time for him to die (John 12:27; 13:1). It was time for him to be glorified (John 12:23; 17:1). [He would be glorified in the resurrection (Acts 13:13-15), ascension (John 17:1, 5), and the work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13-14).]

Jesus tells his disciples that he must die. He provides this illustration to help them understand. The germ of life is contained in a grain of wheat. However, it is after than grain falls to the ground (death), and into the soil (burial), that reproduction occurs. If a seed remains on a stalk (remains alive), it alone would be alive. However, if it falls to the ground (dies) many grains of wheat will have life. Jesus is telling his disciples that it is by his death that a great spiritual harvest will come.

Grain

Some critics object. This is contrary to science. The law of biogenesis says that life comes from life.

How do we respond? First, it should be understood that Jesus is not speaking scientifically but phenomenally (that is, according to how things appear). We, ourselves, use phenomenal language; for example, we speak of the sun rising and setting. Second, Jesus is not giving a science lesson. He is using the fall of a grain of wheat as an illustration of what will be accomplished through his death. Third, a separation does occur when the grain falls from the stalk. “Death in the Bible simply means a separation of some sort… But what ‘separation’ has occurred in the case of the grain Jesus mentioned? The text helps to illuminate its own meaning. When a grain ‘falls to the ground,’ it dies. Falls from where? Obviously, it falls from its stalk. So, when it falls, being separated from it stalk, it is no longer receiving nourishment from it and has undergone a form of death. It is no longer… being nourished by its stalk but rather begins to slowly decay. A seed typically is not considered ‘lifeless’ for centuries or longer” (Jeff Miller, Did Jesus Contradict the Law of Biogenesis in John 12: 24?, apologeticspress.org). Fourth, it is possible that the original word translated ‘dies’ may here refer to the process of decay and not absolute lifeless existence (ibid. cf. Arndt-Gingrich).

Us

Jesus changes from speaking of what he must do to speaking of what his disciples must do. A disciple must follow Jesus (John 12:26 cf. Matthew 16:24). A disciple must be willing to follow Jesus, even if it means giving up one’s physical life (John 12:25-26 cf. Matthew 16:24-25). Such a disciple will be with Jesus and will be honored by the Father (John 12:26).

True discipleship involves total commitment. May we not be so afraid of physical death that we fail to live, to be and do what we should, as disciples of Christ.

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I Saw You Under the Fig Tree

Posted on August 31, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“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.’ Nathanael answered and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Because I said to you, “I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.'” (John 1:47-50).

Eureka! (I have found). Philip believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah. He spoke of this to Nathanael (a.k.a. Bartholomew, or son of Tolmai). He wanted him to meet Jesus (John 1:45-46 cf. 1:40-42). Philip and Nathanael may have been close friends. Their names usually appear together in Scripture (1 John 1:45 cf. Matthew 10:3; Mark 2:18; Luke 6:14).

At first, Nathanael was skeptical. “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). Nazareth was located about four or five miles from Cana, Nathanael’s home (cf. John 21:2). Nazareth was a small, insignificant town. It is not mentioned in the Old Testament, the Talmud, or by Josephus.

Philip persisted. “Come and see” (John 1:46).

Jesus greeted Nathanael with the words, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” (John 1:47). What a compliment. He was not only an Israelite, but an Israelite as he should be, an honest Israelite.

Nathanael, surprised by the greeting, asked “How do you know me?” (John 1:48). Jesus responded by saying, in effect, “I know all about you. I know where you were and what you are doing before Philip called you.”

Nathanael was convinced (John 1:49). This, in truth, was the Messiah, who was standing before him. Philip was correct.

Jesus, in effect, told Nathanael, “You have not seen anything yet. Greater things will be seen by you.” (John 1:50).

A Few Thoughts

  1. He knows us. He knows where we are and what we are doing. He knows our character and what is within us (Psalm 139:1-12; Proverbs 15:3; Jeremiah 17:10; 20:12 cf. Revelation 2:23; John 1:50; 2:25).
  2. What is our character? Would he say that we are honest and without deceit? Would he say that we are the kind of Christian that we should be?
  3. Philip brought Nathanael to Jesus (John 1:46-47). Andrew brought Simon Peter, his brother, to Jesus (John 1:40-42). Are we bringing others to Jesus?
  4. Are we, as Nathanael, honest enough to investigate and draw proper conclusions about Jesus? Or do we allow prejudice to hinder our investigation?

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God Prunes Us

Posted on August 23, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:1-4).

First, let’s identify the branches. The branches are Jesus’ disciples, individual disciples (John 15:5-8).

Second, God wants these branches to bear fruit. Paul prayed that brethren, “Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work” (Colossians 1:10). Fruitful living incudes such things as: Spirit led living (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9), winning souls for Christ (Romans 1:13; cf., 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:15), and praising God (Hebrews 13:15). Let us be “fruitful in every good work” (Colossians 1:10). Let us not be barren or unfruitful (2 Peter 1:5-10).

Third, the kind of fruit which God wants us to produce is possible only through our being connected to the true vine, that is: Christ. Consider these comments: (1) “What kind of ‘fruit’ is it that a person cannot bear when separated from Christ? Jump ahead to verse eight and notice an identifying mark of the fruit under consideration. It is fruit that will ‘glorify God.’ The only way to bear fruit that will glorify God is to remain attached to the vine” (Tom Wacaster, The Magnificence of Jesus, Vol. II, p. 198). (2) “We are not to understand the phrase. ‘Apart from Me you can do nothing,’ as unqualified or absolute… sinners can read the ‘golden rule’ (Matthew 7:12) and practice it just as Christians can… However, sinners, not being in Christ, will never be able to acceptably glorify God by their good behavior… We must thus understand the Lord’s statement to be elliptical: “Apart from me ye can do nothing [that will glorify My Father…]” (Dub McClish, Studies in John, p. 392). I believe this is correct. An atheist or non-Christian may do some or even many good deeds. However, these deeds do not produce fruit which glorifies God. It ought to humble us to know that apart from Christ, we cannot bear fruit which glorifies God.

Fourth, God so wants the branches to be fruitful that he prunes them. [Proper pruning of grape vines and fruit trees has a number of benefits. It helps prevent disease, makes the plants more productive in bearing fruit, increases the size of the fruit, increases the balance of roots to top, decreasing the number of growth points on top, increases air circulation and light for branches, and makes harvesting fruit easier.] How does God prune the branches? The words “prunes” (John 15:2) and “clean” (John 15:3) are different forms of the same original word. The pruning or cleansing is accomplished, in context, through God’s word. Let’s spend time with God’s word and let him prune us (cf. Proverbs 3:11-12; Hebrews 12:5-6). [Are there other ways that he prunes us? He may providentially prune us through circumstances in life (Psalm 119:67, 71-72; 2 Chronicles 33:10-13).] The branches are to bear fruit. The vine does not bear it alone. If we do not bear fruit to God’s glory, who will?

Fifth, those branches which do not bear fruit will be, eventually, “taken away” (John 15:2), “cast out… and thrown into the fire” (John 15:6). Therefore, let us bear fruit which glorifies God. We have purpose in life. “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

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Would We Climb A Tree?

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus… he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was short of stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.” (Luke 19:2-4).

Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. However, the crowd was in the way. [The text says, “he was of short stature.” Does this mean that Zacchaeus was short, or that Jesus was short? The language is ambiguous in the Greek. Most people assume that it means Zacchaeus was short. This seems probable since no other Bible passage indicates that Jesus was short.]

Zacchaeus was determined and would not be deterred. “He ran ahead and climbed up into the sycamore tree to see Him.” [This is probably not the American Sycamore (Plantanus Occidentalis). This may be the Sycamore Fig, a.k.a. Fig Mulberry (Ficus Sycomorus), a tree native to that part of the world. One writer makes this comment, “The Sycamore tree in this text was a fig-mulberry which produced poor fruit which were eaten by poor people. Amos worked with these trees prior to being commanded by God to prophesy to Israel (Amos 7:14).” (Burt Groves, The Gospel According to Luke, p.197)]

Thought Questions

  1. How are we using God’s creation? In Jericho, a Sycamore tree was used to see Jesus. In Eden, the Tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil was used to rebel against God (Genesis 3). Our bodies can be used as instruments of righteousness or as instruments of unrighteousness (Romans 6:13).
  2. How determined are we, and how much effort are we willing to make to see Jesus? Think of the efforts some made. (1) Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed a tree. (2) Nicodemus came to Jesus by night (John 3:1-2). Was this after a long day at work? Was this out of fear of being seen? (3) Four friends carried a paralytic man to Jesus (Mark 2:1-4). They were not deterred by the crowd. They even broke through a roof and lowered their friend to Jesus. (4) A woman with an issue of blood came to Jesus and touched his garments (Mark 5:25-27). She did so even though she was considered unclean (Leviticus 15:19-30) and was probably ostracized by society. (5) Parents brought their children to Jesus and were not deterred by certain disciples who rebuked them (Mark 10:13-16). (6) A blind man named Bartimaeus refused to remain silent, when Jesus passed by, but begged for mercy (Mark 10:46-50). He was not deterred when “many warned him to be quiet” but he “cried out all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!'”(7) Peter said to Jesus, “See, we have left all and followed You.” (Mark 10:28). Jesus answered, “Assuredly, I sat to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time – houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions – and in the world to come, eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30). In other words – it is worth the cost, whatever you give up to follow Jesus. (8) Consider what Paul said, “I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him…” (Philippians 3:8-ff).

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Two Trees

Posted on August 5, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

There are some well-known living trees in the world today. Consider this list: (1) The General Sherman. It is a Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron Giganteum) located in Sequoia National Park in California. It is reported to be, by volume, the largest single-stem tree in the world. Its height is 274.9 feet. Its circumference at ground is 102.6 feet (The General Sherman Tree, nps.gov). (2) The Hyperion. It is a Coastal Redwood (Sequoia Sempervirens) located in Redwood National Park in California. It is reported to be the tallest tree in the world. Its height is 380.8 feet. Its diameter is about 16.2 feet or about 50.9 feet in circumference (Tallest Tree Living, guinessworldrecords.com). (3) The Methuselah Tree. It is a Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus Longaeva) located in the Inyo National Forest in eastern California. It is believed to be the oldest living tree, over 4,700 years old (Methuselah, a Bristlecone Pine is Thought to be the Oldest Living Organism on Earth, usda.gov). (4) The Great Banyon Tree of India. it is a Banyon Tree (Ficus Benghalensis) located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose India Botanic Garden in Howrah, India (near Kolkata). This multi-trunk tree spreads over more than 4.6 acres (Story of the Great Banyon, World’s Largest Banyan Tree, timesofidia.com). (5) The Big Tree at Goose Island. It is a Virginia Live Oak (Quercus Virginiana) located in Goose Island State Park near Rockport, Texas. Its height is 44 feet. Its circumference is about 36 feet. Its spread is about 90 feet (The Big Tree at Goose Island State Park by Eva Frederick, tpwmagazine.com). This tree is estimated to be over 1,000 years old (The Big Tree at Goose Island State Park to Receive Special Care, Feb. 08, 2016, by Katy Schaffer, tpwd.texas.gov).

Two special trees are mentioned in the Garden of Eden. These are known by name to Bible Students. Let’s notice.

The Tree of Life

“And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:9).

What do we know about the Tree of Life? It had healing or regenerative benefits to man (Genesis 3:22; Revelation 22:1-2). There are some plants that have beneficial properties [Aloe Vera is beneficial in treating burns and is anti-inflammatory. Ginger is thought to help with digestion, nausea relief, and to be anti-inflammatory. Lavender is thought to have a calming effect. Willow bark contains a chemical called Salicin and has similar effects as aspirin. It helps with pain and fever. Eucalyptus is used to help with respiratory problems and seems to reduce inflammation. Peppermint is anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. Hikers sometime chew peppermint before drinking from a stream in order to reduce harmful microbes. These are some of the many beneficial plants which our Creator provided]. However, one could “live forever” by eating from this tree. Man lost access to this tree due to sin (Genesis 3:22-24).

In the book of Revelation, those who overcome will have access to the Tree of Life (Revelation 2:7; 22:1-2). Overcome what? Here are some things that we are to overcome: (1) The world (1 John 5:4-5); (2) The wicked one (1 John 2:13-14); (3) Self (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:27). How can we overcome? The answer is found in the blood of Christ and our faith (Revelation 12:11 cf. 7:13-14; 1 John 5:4). Eternal life is possible.

The Tree of Life is used as a comparison in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom (Proverbs 3:13 cf. 3:18), righteousness (Proverbs 11:30) and a wholesome tongue (Proverbs 15:4) are compared to the Tree of Life. These things have life and healing properties in them.

The Tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17).

Why did God create this tree and then tell man not to eat? (1) The tree may have been beneficial to man in other ways. It may have provided shade. It may have provided beauty to the garden. (2) It provided a test of faith. Would they trust God? Would they trust Him even when they did not understand why. (3) It provided a test of wills. Would God’s will or man’s will rule? That is, would man submit to God? Would man allow God to be God, or would man seek to be his own God?

Why was this tree called The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil? (1) Some think that mankind did not know the difference between right and wrong before they ate. But this can’t be. They knew that they were not to eat (Genesis 3:1-3). (2) Some think that they did not fully know the difference between good and evil before they ate. That is, they did not understand the consequences of disobeying God, as they would. This is a possible explanation. (3) This has to do with man trying to be like God. “As the serpent correctly noted, ‘knowing good and evil’ (Genesis 3:5, B.H.) can also mean being the one who determines what is good and what is evil. That is what is meant in this verse (Genesis 3:22 B.H.) by ‘man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil'” (Dennis Prager, The Rational Bible: Genesis, p. 59). I believe this is the meaning of the tree’s name. (There may also be some irony and sarcasm in the words of Genesis 3:22. They clearly were not like God in every sense).

You know the rest of the story. The serpent tempted Eve in three ways (The same three ways that we are tempted): (1) The Lust of the Flesh = good for food; (2) The Lust of the Eyes = pleasant to the eyes; (3) The Pride of Life = desirable to make one wise and you will be like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5-6 cf. 1 John 2:15-17). Both Eve and Adam ate. Far from being equal with God, following their sin, Adam and Eve were afraid and tried to hide from God (Genesis 3:6-10). They were cast out of the garden and cut-off from The Tree of Life (Genesis 3:22-24).

Questions for us:

  1. Do we trust God, or do we think that he is keeping us from something good?
  2. Who determines good and evil in our lives? Is it God, or do we?

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The Fable of the Trees

Posted on June 23, 2025 by Bryan Hodge

“The trees once went forth to anoint a king over them…” (Judges 9:8-ff).  Did you know that there are fables, allegories, and parables in the Old Testament? (e.g., Numbers 23:24; Judges 9:7-15; 2 Samuel 12:1-4; 14:1-7; 1 Kings 20:35-40; 2 Kings 14:9; Isaiah 5:1-6; Ezekiel 17:1-10; 19:1-9; 24:3-5).

{Here are a few definitions: (1) A fable “is an analogy presented in fancied words and acts of beings not possessing reason” (Principles of Interpretation by Clinton Lockhart, p. 170).  “The truth or moral to be enforced may be of a very high order, but the actors are selected from those beings incompetent to do such things” (Hermeneutics by D.R. Dungan, p. 244).  Talking trees would be an example.  (2) The term allegory is used in more than one way.  It may refer to “a continual (extended, long B.H.) metaphor” (Figures of Speech in the Bible by E.W. Bullinger, p. 748).  It is also used to refer to “a figurative application of real facts” (Dungan, p. 258-259).  Galatians 4:21-ff, The Allegory of Sarah/Isaac and Hagar/Ishmael, would be an example of the second usage.  (3) A parable is “a story by which something real in life is used as a means of presenting a moral thought.  The actors in a parable are real – human beings are the actors, and they do nothing which they could not do” (Dungan, p. 227).  Dungan quotes Webster saying, “The distinction in scripture between a parable and an allegory is said to be, that a parable is a supposed history, and an allegory is a figurative application of real facts” (Dungan, p. 258-259).  The Parable of the Sower is an example (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23).}

Let’s consider The Fable of the Trees (Note: For those who grew up in the 1970s and 80s, please do not confuse this with the 1978 song The Trees by Rush. We are speaking of the Biblical fable.) …

1.   The Olive Tree.  “And they said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us!’ But the olive tree said to them, ‘should I cease giving my oil, with which they honor God and men, and go to sway over trees?’” (Judges 9:8-9). 

The olive tree had no desire to be king.  It knew its role and was happy to serve in that role. 

2.  The Fig Tree.  “Then the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and reign over us!’ But the fig tree said to them, ‘Should I cease my sweetness and my good fruit, and go to sway over trees?’” (Judges 9:10-11).

The fig tree also had no desire to be king.  It knew its role and was happy to serve in that role. 

3.  The Vine.  “Then the trees said to the vine, ‘You come and reign over us!’ But the vine said to them, ‘Should I cease my new wine, which cheer both God and men, and go sway over trees?’” (Judges 9:12-13). 

The vine, like the first two, had no desire to be king.  It knew its role. 

These first three trees represent Gideon, his sons, and grandsons (cf. Judges 8:22-23).  Gideon refused to be king.  He said, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you” (Judges 8:23).  This is how it was to be at this point.

4.  The Bramble.  “Then all the trees said to the bramble, ‘You come and reign over us!’ And the bramble said to the trees, ‘If in truth you anoint me as king over you, then come and take shelter in my shade; but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon!’” (Judges 9:14-15).

The bramble was different from the first three.  It desired to be king.  If it was not allowed to be king, then it would bring destruction.

There is irony in this fable.  (1) The bramble said, “Come take shelter in my shade.”  Yet, it was not able to provide shade or shelter.  It was a bramble.  The NIV translates this “thornbush.”  The NIV Study Bible comments, “Probably the well-known buckhorn, a scraggly bush common in the hills of Palestine and a constant menace to farming.  It produced nothing of value.”  It could not provide shelter or shade to cedars of Lebanon.  (2) The one who sought power, and become king, was the least valuable in the fable. It was the least qualified to lead.

The bramble represents Abimelech (Judges 8:29-31; 9:1-6; 9:16-21; 9:22-57).  He desired power.  He killed 69 of the 70 sons of Gideon in order to eliminate any potential rival (Judges 9:1-6).  He appealed to close relations with the men of Shechem (Judges 8:31; 9:1-3).  In the end, he brought fire to Shechem (Judges 9:15; 9:19-20; 9:30-49).

Application For Us

1.  One should never take a role or position for which he has no divine authority.

2.  One should use whatever role he has in life to be useful and serve others, not to promote self.  The Olive tree, the fig tree, and the vine used what they had to serve others. The bramble served himself. 

3.  Sometimes those who seek power are dangerous. Moreover, the bramble was the least qualified to lead.  Caution is needed in selection.

4.  Blood relations is not always a good indicator of character. Nepotism and respect of persons is not wise.

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