Almond
“Wakeful or watching”
Summary
A tree valued for its early blossoming and edible nuts, used symbolically in Scripture and decoratively in the Tabernacle.
☩Description and Characteristics
The almond tree closely resembles the peach tree in form and blossoms. It is native to Syria and Palestine, producing flowers as early as January or February, before its leaves appear. The Hebrew name shaqed comes from a root meaning 'to watch' or 'to wake,' referring to its early blossoming—the tree 'watches' for spring and is the harbinger of the season.
☩Aaron's Rod
In the test of Aaron's authority, his rod miraculously 'brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.' This confirmed Aaron and his tribe as God's chosen priests. The rapid production of buds, blossoms, and fruit on a dead staff demonstrated divine approval.
☩Tabernacle Decoration
The bowls of the golden lampstand in the Tabernacle were fashioned like almonds, with each branch having cups 'made like almond-blossoms' including a knob and flower. The almond's beautiful form led to its selection for this ornamental carved work.
☩Symbol of Old Age
In Ecclesiastes, the almond tree flourishing is used as an image of old age: 'the almond-tree shall flourish.' This refers to the white appearance of the almond tree in full bloom before its leaves appear, illustrating the white hair of the aged. The tree in full bloom on a distant hillside has a certain likeness to a head of white hair.
Related Verses8 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Almond," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Almond," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Chad Brand, Charles Draper, and Archie England (ed.), "Almond," in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Holman Bible Publishers, 2003).