Symbolism of the Trees

Today we are going to review how God has used trees to describe Israel.  You will notice several trees are mentioned in scriptures. In the Bible, Israel is regarded as 3 types of trees. Symbolically, it is regarded as a vine, a fig tree and an olive tree. If we research the scriptures further we will discover that each one of these types of trees represent certain “privileges” for Israel.

* The Vine *

The first tree we will explore is the vine. It is also synonymous with vineyard. There are many references to vines in the scriptures, as well as, references to the husbandman of the vines. Husbandman is an old English term for land-worker, such as, a farmer. A farmer, of course, is someone who takes care of the land. In our first example, we will notice Jesus makes a specific reference to the vine in the book of John.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. John 15:1 KJV

Spiritually speaking, Jesus refers to himself as a vine and God the Father is the One who takes care of this particular vine. We know Jesus is a descendant of the lineage of Israel. You may ask, so how does this tie in with the vine? In this respect, Jesus is showing us the Father took care of Him. This also means He will take care of the nation of Israel. The vine is a symbol of their “spiritual privileges”. As we see in the scripture Jesus refers to Himself as the vine. This is referring to the spiritual aspects of Israel.

There are many other references Jesus used to teach His disciples using the vineyard in His parables. 

* The Fig Tree *

The second tree we will review is the fig tree. This is also used symbolically to represent Israel. This tree depicts the “national privileges”. This encompasses the nation of Israel itself. One of the most popular parables is the parable of the fig tree found in the Gospels. Jesus used this tree to prophesy events pertaining to the nation. The nation of Israel has gone through many trials and even defeats with other nations throughout the centuries but in this particular parable, Jesus was teaching the reformation of the nation. Jesus spoke of a time when the nation would form again and be recognized by the world. This part of His prophecy has been fulfilled in the previous century. We see Israel became a nation again in May 14,1948. 

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: Matthew 24:32 KJV

Please take a look at recent post that will give more details about this parable and the spiritual connotations Jesus was giving pertaining to the parable. 

* The Olive Tree *

The third and final tree in this study is the olive tree. The olive tree is also used several times throughout the Bible and this symbolism refers to the “religious privileges” for Israel. These privileges have deep roots because God is the God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac. Abraham is the first one whom God made a covenant.

And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Romans 11:17 KJV

As you read in the passage above we can acknowledge the branches of the olive tree were broken off. These branches are referring to the people of Israel. The apostle Paul spoke how the branches were cut off because they did not believe God. When the branches were broken off it gave an opportunity for others to be grafted in. The others, in this passage, refer to gentiles. This means the people pertain to nations who are not from Israel. People outside of Israel have been grafted into the olive tree because of faith. Believing and accepting Jesus as the Lord and Savior has given the believers the right to be part of this symbolic olive tree.

Everything is based on faith in God and His Word. If one does not believe or stops believing, one can also be pruned and cut out of the olive tree. In the Old Testament, even the chosen people of Israel had been cut off because of unbelief. No one is exempt! But God has a plan for this unbelieving nation. He will give ample time for everyone else in the world first to hear the good news of Jesus Christ and be grafted into the family, or the “olive” tree. Once everyone who will accept the gift of salvation has accepted, then no other people will be grafted in. The time will come to an end. But during this end time is when Israel will see many horrific events come to pass and some amazing works of God in their lives. They will have the gospel witnessed to them by two chosen prophets who were part of the Old Testament. These two prophets will be Elijah and Moses. The prophet Malachi prophesied about these two prophets coming back before the Lord Jesus returns. Recently, we heard a minister say the other prophet may be Enoch because neither Elijah nor Enoch have experienced death. They were both taken to heaven in a supernatural way. Although this may sound like a good fit, the scriptures below seem to point more towards Moses and Elijah. We will know for sure when it happens.

Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. Malachi 4:4-6 KJV

In these times we live in we are seeing the beginnings of wars building up towards Israel. There is war right now but it is not the only war they will experience, unfortunately. But our hope and their hope is in the Lord! He will deliver them and save Israel from total destruction. We know the end because it is written in the Word. Amen!