Psalm 92:12-15 – The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree. He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the L-RD’s house. They will flourish in our G-D’s courts. They will still produce fruit in old age. They will be full of sap and green, to show that the L-RD is upright. He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. ESV

Recently, I was reading 1 Kings 6. Shlomo (Solomon) completed the first Temple in seven years. I was awe-struck by imagery carved into the walls. It was on the doors and in the wood used for the floors.

So, I asked myself, why palm trees; why open flowers; why cedar wood and why cypress wood? A quick search gave me some answers, but the profound spiritual insights spoke to how the character of G-D is revealed in so many ways in Scripture. If we are reading carefully with our hearts tuned to His Spirit, we will see ABBA’s love and majesty in passages that may seem mundane or boring to us. Therefore, for the purposes of this blog, I will briefly consider one of my questions…why palm trees?

According to some scholars, palm trees were significant in the ancient near east because they provided shade, food and sustenance. Theologically, palm trees are mentioned 32 times in the Scriptures and the palm branches symbolize shalom, victory, and righteousness. This links the palm trees to the imagery of flourishing in G-D’s presence. In John 12:13 and Matt 21:8, the crowds welcomed Yeshua into Jerusalem waving palm branches fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah. 

Another interesting point, palm trees are either male or female and can not produce fruit without the other. Scholars link palm trees to the Garden of Eden, and the flourishing of them in the presence of G-D pre-fall of humans. Therefore, entering the Temple would be a return to the original paradise (spiritually or at least a reminder). Finally, palm trees also signify righteousness and endurance and grow straight even in harsh conditions. Much can be unpacked with just the previous sentence.

What is the significance? Well, according to Psalm 92:12-15, the righteous will flourish like a palm tree and even in old age will be full of sap, bearing fruit and proclaiming that ADONAI is upright. (CJB) So the significance is in the passage and the following questions worth considering: How are we flourishing like a palm tree? Who can recognize that we are full of sap if we are older, bearing fruit and proclaiming the uprightness of ADONAI? In addition, how are the ordinary things in our lives reflecting the majesty of the ONE who died so that we might have life? Aligning ourselves with the Messiah requires us to answer these vital questions and integrate their guidance via the Holy Spirit into our daily lives.

All the spiritual connections surrounding palm trees are important, but the one which stands out is the fact that palm trees are either male or female and cannot produce fruit on their own. This could point to an earthly marriage, but more importantly it points to Yeshua and His Bride (Community Of His followers). We cannot produce fruit without the VINE! And, in and of ourselves we are righteous only in Him.

This quick overview reveals that the Word of G-D wastes no details. We can see His Majesty and Glory in all He has created, all He says and all He is and does. Therefore, the next time you see a palm tree consider its spiritual significance. Consider the victories and righteousness afforded us through the shed blood of Yeshua. Ponder the fact that we are connected and aligned with Him. Consider and know that we find His (ABBA’s) utter Shalom only in Yeshua, our daily and eternal Shabbat.

What have you read in the Scripture recently that was astonishing? I would love to hear from you.

Aligned with Messiah and much love,

Dee