Meonenim
Summary
The Oak of Meonenim (the 'Enchanter's Oak' or 'Diviners' Oak') was a notable tree near Shechem, visible from the city gate and possibly connected with ancient practices of divination.
☩Location and Identification
The Oak of Meonenim is mentioned as a landmark visible from the gate of Shechem, by which one company of Abimelech's forces approached the city. The name Meonenim means 'enchanters,' 'soothsayers,' or 'observers of times,' suggesting the tree was associated with practitioners of forbidden arts. No doubt it took its name from the diviners who sat under it practicing augury and similar occult activities.
☩Possible Connections
Several notable trees near Shechem are mentioned in Scripture: the oak where Abraham received God's promise, the tree where Jacob buried his family's idols, and the oak where Joshua set up a memorial stone. Some scholars identify all these as the same venerable tree, which accumulated various names through its association with different events. The 'Enchanter's Oak' may have been this same tree, which under Canaanite influence came to be associated with divination practices, perhaps connected with the nearby shrine of Baal-berith.
Related Verses1 mention
Judges· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Meonenim," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Meonenim," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Meonenim, Oak of," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).