The palm trees and the cherubim

The palm trees and the cherubim

Scripture: "The faces of the projecting walls were decorated with palm trees." (Ezek 40:16); "From the floor to the area above the entrance, cherubim and palm trees were carved on the wall of the outer sanctuary." (Ezek 41:20)

Observation: The next part of our study on Ezekiel's temple are the decorations, the palm trees and cherubim that are frequently motived throughout the temple. What is the significance of the palm trees and the cherubim?

Palm trees are first mentioned in the Bible in Exodus 15:27,when the Israelites came to Elim and found twelve springs and seventy palm trees and hey camped there. So palm trees first of all give us the impression of a place of refuge, of rest, of comfort. Even today, when we think of a palm tree, we think of a nice resort by the beach. God is our refuge and our strength, our shelter. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the almighty, as the Psalmist writes.

In Leviticus 23:40 the Israelites were instructed “to take branches from luxuriant trees, from palms,willows and other leafy trees” and rejoice before the Lord for 7 days. Palms were mentioned first, and we see here that palms also symbolize rejoicing, praising God joyfully. When Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the people waved palm branches as a symbol of rejoicing, shouting Hosanna. Paul exhorts us, rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.

Also,in Judges 4:5, we see Deborah holding court under the Palm of Deborah where she served as Judge to the people of Israel. Therefore, the palm tree also represents justice.

Besides that, in Psalm 92:12 it is written, the righteous will flourish like a palm tree. Hence, the palm tree also symbolizes righteousness, and the rewards that righteousness brings. Now palm trees grow well under harsh conditions. One can just imagine a palm tree standing firm even in the face of a mighty tsunami. Quite often, it is under persecution and trouble, that true righteousness shines forth.

In Revelation 7:9, we see the multitude who have come out of the great tribulation holding palm branches. Finally, palms also symbolize victory!

As for Cherubim, the presence of angels in the motives remind us that we are not alone, but have great and powerful servants of God with us, helping us, sustaining us according to God's will.

Application: Think of a palm tree and remember that God is our mighty refuge and comfort. Remember to rejoice always in the Lord. Remember to pray for justice and righteousness in our lives, and remember our great victory in Jesus. Finally, thank God for the angels that He sends to help us and assist us to do His will.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the palm tree which You created and the richness of its meaning. I praise You Lord that You are indeed my great Comfort, my great shelter. Let there be righteousness and justice in my life, O Lord, as You help me grow more and more in You. I thank You, Lord, that I am a victor because Jesus has won the victory. Bless You, Lord, for the angels that You send to help me. May I honor Your name always. In Jesus name, Amen.