Bible Dictionary
Tamarisk
The tamarisk is a graceful tree with fine, feathery branches and small leaves, capable of growing in salty soil. A tamarisk is mentioned in connection with Abraham and Saul’s burial place.
Definition
The tamarisk is a characteristic tree of Palestine, with brittle, feathery branches and tiny scale-like leaves. Several species occur in the region, and some varieties can grow in salty soil where ordinary vegetation does not flourish.
Biblical Usage
A tamarisk is associated with Abraham and with the place where Saul’s bones were buried. Older translations sometimes render the relevant Hebrew word as “grove” or “tree.”
Historical Background
Tamarisks occur especially in the maritime plain, near the sea, and in the Jordan Valley. They are graceful trees, and some bear spikes of pink blossoms. The supplied material identifies several species in Palestine.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Heb. ‘eshel (Gen. 21:33; 1 Sam. 22:6; 31:13, in the R.V.; but in A.V., “grove,” “tree”); Arab. asal. Seven species of this tree are found in Palestine. It is a “very graceful tree, with long feathery branches and tufts closely clad with the minutest of leaves, and surmounted in spring with spikes of beautiful pink blosoms, which seem to envelop the whole tree in one gauzy sheet of colour” (Tristram’s Nat. Hist.).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>tam'-a-risk:</p><p>(1) 'eshel (Ge 21:33, the King James Version "grove," margin "tree"; 1Sa 22:6, the King James Version "tree," margin "grove"; 1Sa 31:13, the King James Version "tree"). The Revised Version (British and American) translation is due to the similarity of 'eshel to the Arabic 'athl, "the tamarisk."</p><p>(2) ar`ar (Jer 17:6 margin (compare Jer 48:6), English Versions of the Bible "heath" (which see)).</p><p>The tamarisk (Tamarix, with various species in Palestine, chiefly T. Syriaca) is a very characteristic tree of Palestine, especially in the Maritime Plain, near the sea itself, and in the Jordan Valley. Eight species are described. They are characterized by their brittle, feathery branches and by their tiny scale-like leaves. Some varieties flourish not infrequently in salty soil unsuited to any ordinary vegetation.</p><p>E. W. G. Masteran</p>