Day 3 – Chestnut & Poplar

(Castanea sativa) & (Populus)

“The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chesnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty.” Ezekiel 31:8 (KJV)

The common translation for a tree in ancient Hebraic language is Luz, which means tree. Newer translations commonly translate this to a Plane tree, causing a “lost in translation” scenario when trying to find the exact trees in the more historical narrative. The Hazel, Chestnut, and Poplar are commonly categorised in the common translation.

Chestnut trees grow very erect with a tapering of the foliage at the top, reaching heights of 60 meters. The broad leaves and clusters of small white flowers give the Chestnut an ornamental look which adorned many palace gardens in those times. Around 587 BC, God gave Ezekiel a prophetic word for Egypt, comparing this nation to Assyria, a great Cedar tree. Ezekiel 31 provides a beautiful, almost poetic, description where the other trees (nations) are said to have no comparison to their splendour. But the word wasn’t to boast Egypt, but rather a warning to learn of Assyria’s demise and their downfall.

Throughout scripture, the symbolism of trees is connected to nations and individuals and when studying prophetic and poetic books, it’s important to understand God’s symbolic message. At the time, the message to Egypt was prophetic, but we know from history that they did not heed the warning, and the great Egyptian dynasty fell.

Prayer: Father, thank You for showing us the symbolism of trees in Your Word and that we see it points to mighty nations and even individuals. May what we learn from the Biblical trees plant a good seed for our spiritual growth and relationship with You. Amen.

Love, Pastor Iriza