7 Trees that gave sustenance and meaning in biblical times

Many of the trees that Jesus would have gazed upon still grow today.

Trees pop up throughout the Old and New Testaments, and in fact in Proverbs the Bible itself is described as the Tree of Life. But what sort of trees grew in the areas where Jesus once walked? While it is known how Jesus retreated to an olive grove to pray before his crucifixion, it’s incredible to think of a younger Jesus climbing trees with friends, or finding shade under one as he preached and taught. And of course, He and His earthly father, Joseph, would have used local trees as craftsmen.

So we looked at trees native to the Holy Land to have an idea of which ones would have surrounded Jesus. Due to conflicting translations over the centuries, scholars say there’s been a little confusion about the exact varieties of certain trees. But thanks to research and modern technology, these 7 trees would no doubt have provided Jesus with sustenance, comfort, and shelter throughout His life.

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