Bible Dictionary
MOREH, OAK OF
The Oak of Moreh was a terebinth or group of trees near Shechem, associated with a teacher or one who gave oracular answers. Its exact location is unknown, though it appears connected with other sacred trees in the area.
Definition
The Oak of Moreh was a terebinth or group of terebinths near Shechem. Its name means “terebinth of the teacher,” and it appears to have been a place where people went to consult a moreh, or teacher and giver of oracular answers.
Biblical Usage
The place is associated with the biblical references to the oaks or terebinths of Moreh near Shechem.
Historical Background
The exact position cannot now be identified. The supplied material notes that isolated trees in Palestine were treated with religious awe and often received veneration from local people.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>('elon moreh, "terebinth of the teacher"; ten drun ten hupselen; the King James Version Plain of Moreh): It seems probable that the place here intended may be the same as that mentioned in De 11:30 ('elone moreh, "terebinths of Moreh," the King James Version "plains," the Revised Version (British and American) "oaks," the Revised Version margin "terebinths"). Both are defined as near to Shechem. The position cannot be identified today. The tree or trees were evidently a place of resort for those who wished to consult a moreh. See MOREH, HILL OF. To this day in Palestine trees are often regarded with a certain religious awe as the habitation of spirits. Isolated terebinths receive much veneration. The present writer has often seen such trees with multitudinous rags of all colors attached to them by the peasantry as evidence of their homage.</p><p>See MEONENIM.</p><p>W. Ewing</p>