Allon Bachuth
“Oak of weeping”
Summary
The "Oak of Weeping," a memorial tree near Bethel under which Rebekah's nurse Deborah was buried.
☩Historical Context
Allon Bachuth was the name given to a tree near Bethel where Jacob encamped after his return to Canaan. The name commemorates the burial of Deborah, who had been Rebekah's nurse, suggesting she had remained with Jacob's household for many years. Her death and burial under this tree made it a place of mourning.
☩Significance of Trees
Large trees were rare in the plains of Palestine and served as natural landmarks, often becoming favorite places for residence and burial. Some scholars have suggested this oak may be connected with the "palm tree of Deborah" mentioned in Judges, under which the prophetess Deborah sat, or even with the "oak of Tabor," though these identifications remain speculative.
Related Verses1 mention
Genesis· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Allon-bachuth," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Allonbachuth," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.Chad Brand, Charles Draper, and Archie England (ed.), "Allonbachuth," in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Holman Bible Publishers, 2003).