The broom tree, also known as the juniper tree, is mentioned several times in the Bible as a desert plant that provides shade and shelter. While not a major symbol, the broom tree illustrates God’s provision and protection for his people in the harsh wilderness.
Where broom trees are mentioned in the Bible
Here are the main passages that reference the broom tree:
- 1 Kings 19:4-5 – When Elijah fled from Jezebel into the wilderness, he sat under a broom tree and prayed for death. Then he lay down and slept under it.
- Job 30:4-7 – Job refers to outcasts living in the wilderness, under broom trees.
- Psalm 120:4 – The Psalmist alludes to taking shelter under broom trees in the dangerous wilderness.
- Isaiah 27:8 – Isaiah prophesies that God will punish Israel by expelling them from the Promised Land, leaving them sheltering under thornbushes and broom trees.
In most of these passages, the broom tree represents hardship, isolation and vulnerability in the wilderness or desert regions of Israel and the surrounding lands. However, the broom tree also functions as a source of refuge and shelter for people journeying through those harsh environments.
The characteristics of broom trees
The broom tree, also known as the juniper or genista, is a desert plant that was common in arid regions of the Ancient Near East. Here are some key traits:
- It can grow 10-15 feet tall and has a spreading top, providing good shade from the sun.
- It has a strong, deep root system allowing it to draw water from deep soil.
- The branches start close to the ground, creating a sheltered space underneath.
- It has small scale-like leaves and fragrant yellow flowers.
- It is hardy, rugged and well-adapted to dry conditions.
- The roots and branches can be used for fuel and charcoal.
- The ancient Hebrew word translated “broom tree” is rothem, meaning “to hide or shelter.”
With this combination of hardy survival, sheltering branches, shade from the sun, and a name linked to hiding, it is easy to see why the broom tree offered refuge in the hot and hazardous desert.
The broom tree as a place of refuge
The most significant role of the broom tree in the Bible is as a place of shelter and security in the wilderness. For example:
- When Elijah collapsed in despair under the broom tree in 1 Kings 19, God provided sustenance and strength so he could continue his journey. The broom tree was protection allowing recovery.
- In Job 30, the lonely outcasts shelter under broom trees, finding respite from the blistering sun and hot desert winds. The hardy tree offers shade and safety.
- Psalm 120 metaphorically refers to taking temporary refuge under the broom tree amidst the dangers around. The tree represents help in trouble.
While the wilderness journey was difficult for the Israelites, God provided what they needed to survive, including the shelter of the sturdy broom tree. The broom tree did not remove the trials of the journey, but offered vital aid along the way. In a similar way, God protects and upholds his people amidst suffering.
Lessons from the biblical broom tree
Several lessons and truths emerge from the symbolism of the broom tree in the accounts where it is mentioned:
- God protects and comforts his people in hard times. The broom tree reminds us of God’s care.
- We can call out to God in our distress and find relief under his provision (like Elijah).
- Lonely outcasts on the fringes still experience God’s care and shelter.
- God disciplines his children, but still offers refuge when they turn back to him.
- Shelter under the broom tree was only temporary. Our life on earth is not the final destination.
- The desert journey was necessary. We grow spiritually through life’s trials as God guides us.
- Survival required sticking close to God. Our endurance also depends on God’s strength.
- The broom tree displayed God’s faithfulness in the harsh landscapes. God remains faithful always.
The lessons from the passages where the broom tree sprouts reveal a consistent theme of God’s reliable presence, provision, protection and purpose – even in the midst of suffering. The broom tree provided shelter and aid for survival, but even more vital was the presence of God.
Examples of broom trees in the Bible
To understand the symbolism of the broom tree, it is helpful to look closer at the biblical accounts where the desert plant appears:
Elijah sheltered by a broom tree – 1 Kings 19:4-18
After confronting the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Elijah flees from Jezebel’s death threats over 250km to Beersheba. Exhausted and despairing, he prays that God will take his life. Then he lies down under a solitary broom tree and goes to sleep. An angel awakens him and provides food and water. Strengthened by God’s provision, Elijah travels for forty days to Mount Horeb where he encounters God in a still, small voice. The broom tree provided rest, recovery and refuge from the environment while Elijah received renewed spiritual strength and direction.
Outcasts dwelling under broom trees – Job 30:1-10
Job describes outcasts living in the wilderness, gathering food among the bushes and finding shelter under the broom trees. Shunned by society, their only refuge is seeking sustenance in the wild and hiding from danger beneath thorny shrubs. The broom trees represent their only comfort and protection. God has not abandoned them as people have.
Taking temporary shelter – Psalm 120:1-7
This Psalm expresses the distress of living as a temporary resident far from home. In verse 4, the Psalmist alludes to the shelter of the broom tree as a comparison to depending on God in the midst of trouble. Like the broom tree shields from sun and sandstorm, God provides refuge, comfort and escape. The Psalm reminds believers they are just passing through this fallen world. Their hope rests in their eternal home with God.
Judgment causing exile – Isaiah 27:8-11
Because of Israel’s sins, Isaiah prophesies that God will send them into exile east of Canaan. They will become fugitives, taking shelter under thornbushes and broom trees from their enemies. God uses the hardship of exile to purify his people and call them back to himself. The broom tree represents God’s provision, but also the consequences of disobedience. Yet God promises to one day gather them safely back.
Other desert trees and plants
Alongside the broom tree, the Bible mentions several other plants that grew in the deserts and wilderness regions:
- Acacia wood – Used to construct the Ark of the Covenant and parts of the tabernacle and temple. It signified incorruptibility. The burning bush was likely an acacia.
- Tamarisk tree – Abraham planted a tamarisk in Beersheba and called on the name of the Lord. It was a hardy tree that lived up to 200 years.
- Reeds and rushes – Moses was hidden among reeds along the banks of the Nile as a baby.
- Mandrakes – A flowering desert plant with narcotic effects. The mandrake’s rarity made it expensive and valuable.
- Cedars of Lebanon – A symbol of strength, permanence and prosperity. Their fragrant wood was used in purification rituals.
- Pomegranate – With water-filled seeds, the pomegranate signified prosperity in the parched wilderness.
- Myrtle – Produced aromatic flowers and leaves used to make perfume. It represented justice, protection and the peace of God.
These plants and trees flourished around the desert fringe, oases and wadis. Together with the rugged broom tree, they paint a picture of God’s abundant provision and beauty – even in the most desolate places.
The significance of trees in the Bible
Beyond the broom tree, trees and plants frequently carried symbolic meanings in the Bible:
- They can represent people – their character is reflected in the qualities of different trees (Psalm 1).
- Fruitful trees depict blessings, while barren trees illustrate curses and judgement.
- Evergreen and long-living trees signify durability, consistency and eternity.
- Shady, strong trees echo the protection found in God.
- Palms trees were a sign of righteous victory, kingship and glory.
- Cedars picture nobility, strength and grandeur due to their height and aroma.
- Fig trees sometimes symbolize peace, prosperity and the nation of Israel.
- Gospel seeds take root in good soil just as trees sink roots into the ground (Luke 8:4-15).
Trees can represent people, nations, spiritual fruitfulness, steadfastness under pressure, and the value of growing deep roots in God. As a rugged and sturdy desert tree, the broom tree carried shades of many of these meanings.
Broom trees in Bible times and today
While not extensively prominent, the broom tree shared a common background role alongside other desert plants in the Scriptures:
- Broom trees were part of the barren landscape travelers needed to pass through to reach the Promised Land.
- Their shade and low branches offered shelter from the sweltering sun, wind and sandstorms.
- The wilderness regions where broom trees grew were lonely, dangerous places far from community.
- Broom tree roots gave refuge but their branches were still thorny. Shelter came at a price.
- Hardy trees like the broom tree reflected God’s persistence in sustaining life in the harshest places.
- Broom tree wood was used as fuel for fires to cook, keep warm and craft charcoal.
Today, broom trees still grow in the arid climates of deserts from North Africa and the Middle East to Southwest USA and Mexico. Botanically, the common species in the Bible regions are the White Broom (Retama raetam) and Black Broom (Retama sphaerocarpa) along with other varieties of sagebrush. Just as in Bible times, the broom tree survives where other plants cannot, providing shelter and fuel in a dry wilderness prone to burning heat and sandstorms. Their resilient nature echoes God’s faithfulness in all seasons and circumstances.
The broom tree as a picture of God’s faithfulness
One of the clearest themes connected to the broom tree is God’s consistent faithfulness in difficulties:
- Broom trees provided shelter and refuge. God protects and upholds us in hard times (Psalm 61:3-4).
- Broom trees endured harsh desert environments. God remains steadfast in all circumstances (Lamentations 3:22-23).
- Broom tree wood was fuel for warmth and cooking. God provides what we need to press on (Matthew 6:25-34).
- Broom trees recovered after adversity. God brings revival after discipline (Lamentations 5:21).
- The desert journey passed under the broom tree. Our trials are temporary on the road home (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
- People sought shelter under broom trees. Jesus welcomes all who seek him (Matthew 11:28).
The qualities of resilience, hardship, shelter and survival connected to the broom tree reflect the comfort, protection, dependability and hope we find in God. The broom tree points to God’s faithfulness in all weather and circumstances. He provides refuge and renewal under its branches.
Conclusion
While not claiming an elevated status among other biblical trees and plants, the broom tree wove a consistent presence through wilderness stories where its stability and shelter pictured God’s faithful protection. It offered refuge from unrelenting sun and storms. The broom tree illustrated that hardship has purpose on the journey. But most importantly, it symbolized the security and renewal found in leaning on an ever-present God who alone can provide miraculous shade under a solitary desert broom.
