Bulrush
“A reed, papyrus”
Summary
An aquatic plant that grew abundantly along the Nile and other waterways, famously used to make the basket in which infant Moses was placed.
☩The Papyrus Plant
The bulrush (Hebrew 'gome') refers primarily to the papyrus plant that grew abundantly in the marshes of the Nile delta. This tall reed could reach heights of ten to fifteen feet and was used for making baskets, mats, sandals, and boats. Moses' mother made an 'ark of bulrushes' to place the infant Moses in the Nile.
☩Symbolic Usage
The bulrush appears in prophetic and wisdom literature as a symbol. Isaiah uses it to represent outward religious observance without true heart devotion, describing those who bow their heads 'as a bulrush' in false humility. Job mentions it growing in mire, symbolizing that which cannot flourish without proper conditions.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Bulrush," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Bulrush," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Bulrush," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).