Box Tree
“Uncertain; possibly meaning 'to go straight' or related to Assyria”
Summary
An evergreen tree of uncertain identity mentioned in Isaiah's prophecies of restoration, possibly the box (Buxus) or a species of cedar.
☩Botanical Identity
The Hebrew word te'ashshur is translated 'box tree' in most versions, but its precise identity remains uncertain. Ancient translators rendered it variously as cedar, fir, or poplar. The box tree (Buxus) is a beautiful evergreen native to many parts of Europe and Asia, with extremely hard wood prized by wood engravers, turners, and makers of mathematical instruments. Some scholars suggest the reference may be to a species of cedar called sherbin in the East, which would accord with its association with other tall forest trees in the biblical passages.
☩Prophetic Symbolism
Isaiah prophesies that God will plant the box tree along with the fir, pine, and cedar in the wilderness as part of His restoration of Israel. In the eschatological vision of Isaiah 60, these trees are said to beautify God's sanctuary. The box tree thus serves as an emblem of the abiding grace and prosperity of God's people, representing the transformation of barren places into fruitful gardens through divine blessing.
References
- 1.George Morrish, "Box-tree," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 2.Richard Watson, "Box Tree," in A Biblical and Theological Dictionary (John Mason, 1831).
- 3.John Kitto, "Box-tree," in A Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature, vol. I (Mark H. Newman, 1845).
- 4.American Tract Society, "Box-Tree," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).