Why did Abraham plant a tamarisk tree in the Bible?

Trees in the Bible and their meaning are often fascinating.Though we might skip the little details mentioned in the Bible verses about trees, it is highly symbolic. Genesis 21:3 is one such bible verse about trees where Abraham planted a tamarisk tree. The Bible says, “Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Eternal God.” What is so unique about the tamarisk tree? Let’s explore together!

Trees mentioned in the Bible are usually considered to be a memorial and in this context, it symbolizes the covenant God made with Abraham and he planted a tree in Beersheba.The particular species of tamarisk tree in the Bible in Genesis 21 is a native species mostly found in a desert and usually thrives in soils with high salt concentration. During the day it secretes salt and at night it absorbs the moisture in the atmosphere and as the water evaporates in the morning it creates a cool breeze almost like an air-conditioner.

Interestingly, the tamarisk tree takes almost 400 years to achieve complete growth. So, it is highly symbolic of how after almost 400 years after Abraham planted the tree, the Israelites would wander in the desert on their way to the promised land just as God had told Abraham of how he would redeem his descendants, the Israelites from the slavery of egypt after 430 years and lead them into the promised land.

Moreover, in a particular season, insects on the tamarisk tree produce a substance that is sweet and is commonly referred to as honeydew. Some Biblical scholars consider this to be manna as the locals call it and it could literally be the manna in the wilderness that God provided for the Israelites. However, this claim is disputed by some scholars. Though it may not be literal, symbolically it could very well represent manna and the promise of God to Abraham that was fulfilled with regard to the journey towards the promised land.

Trees in the Bible and their meaning are significant. So what can the tamarisk tree in the Bible teach you today? Let’s take a look!

Gratification vs Generation

You live in a world that is fast-paced and patience is a strange word these days. But the tamarisk tree teaches you to value generations more than gratification. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree knowing fully well that he might not get to enjoy its shade or experience its benefits while he was still alive, yet he planted it for the benefit of generations to come. Are you focused on merely gratifying your desires at the moment or are you planting your efforts, values and memories for generations to come?

Psalm 78:5–8 says, “He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.”

What tamarisk trees are you planting for your generation?

Moment vs Memorial

Although there might be a million mundane moments in a day, you do have certain significant moments quite often. But what do you do about them? Do you let those moments merely pass by or do you mark those moments as memorials in your life that you can look back and testify or learn from? Abraham planted a tamarisk tree as a memorial to commemorate God’s covenant with him. Moreover, when the Israelites crossed the Jordan river, Joshua commanded them to collect 12 stones from the Jordan and set them as a memorial to tell the future generations how God brought them through the Jordan river.

He told them, “Go into the middle of the Jordan, in front of the Ark of the LORD your God. Each of you must pick up one stone and carry it out on your shoulder — twelve stones in all, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:5–7

What memorials can you set up to remember, rely or rectify in your life for generations to come?

Baggage vs Blessing

What is your baggage? In a world where you often feel exhausted, lonely, burdened, overwhelmed and weak, you tend to carry baggage everyday and everywhere you go. Interestingly, the tamarisk tree paints a different reality. Even though the tree is found mostly in the desert and carries a baggage of extreme heat and lack of water or nourishment, it still absorbs the salt and moisture to bring forth a cooling effect for the benefit of those who rest under its shade. You can still be a blessing despite your baggage.

Mark 12:41–44 says, “Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on.”

How can you be a blessing despite carrying a baggage of your own?

Let’s wrap up!

The next time you come across Bible verses about trees, remember to pause and reflect. Almost all the trees mentioned in the Bible have a story to tell and are significant.The tamarisk tree in the Bible is no exception. When Abraham planted a tamarisk tree, he was looking forward to the fulfillment of God’s promise to his descendants and he planted the tree for the benefit of generations to come.

The tamarisk tree in the Bible imparts a lesson to start planting valuable things for generations, to set up memorials as a reminder for what God has done and to be a blessing despite carrying a baggage. Ready to plant and be a tamarisk tree?

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