By Kathy L McFarland
(TY200 – Lesson 10)
The Mysteries of Trees – Almond Tree
Mark 8:22–26 (KJV 1900)
22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. 24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. 26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.
Our study first started from the healed blind man who saw men as trees, walking in Mark 8:22-26. We have studied many of the tree “parts” and learned their symbolic representations in Scripture.
In the upcoming weeks, we are going to study some different types of spiritual lives, represented by different trees in Scripture. As we mature as Christians, we find ourselves fitting into a very specific place in a very specific way in the Kingdom of God, and we learn about the spiritual lives of others that surround us in our Church led by Christ with each of us having a “path” to walk upon. As we learn to walk expertly as trees walking with Christ, we are developed by the Lord to our full potential.
We give up more and more of ourselves and get out of the way of the Holy Spirit as He creates the living works. Knowing our places spiritually walking in the Kingdom of God is an exciting step that grounds us and encourages us to improve our walking even more! Looking forward to the next walking journey with you!
Up to this point, our Scripture text has identified the different parts of a tree specifically. Most references to the different parts came right from our Lord Jesus Christ’s teachings. Now that we are moving to specific trees, it will become more difficult to find specific explanations. It is important that mature Christians, interpret conservatively, analyze correctly, and consider reliability when trying to understand the next studies. I will always be honest with you and tell you how likely or troublesome the interpretation is.
As mature Christians, you must figure the weight of Truth for yourselves. All the words within Scripture are INERRANT and always the Truth of God. However, lone references or scant mentions of something prevents full understanding of that Truth. I promise you that everything I teach, I am convinced upon 100% because of my advanced studies, and the Holy Spirit inside me that confirms it to me. I pray that as you study with me, you have that amount of surety also.
From this point on in our studies together, I will add an Interpretation Confidence Chart at the end of the page, as we study the different trees. I will support all my teachings with the evidence I have to confirm the meaning. Even then, some are lacking in enough firm evidence to confidently declare an interpretation as Truth of God fully. Please refer to this chart each time you study, so you can understand the degree of my certainty in the deep and hidden meanings of the different trees.
The Interpretation Confidence Chart will look like this (Please refer to individual studies in TY200 for proofs):
TY200 – INTERPRETATION CONFIDENCE CHART
I. Typology known as fully God’s Truth concerning trees walking as recorded in Mark 8:22-26 (Those specifically, typologically identified in Scripture)
1. Trees in Scripture identify the different Spiritual Lives that are lived on this Earth
2. Different parts of the trees walking with Christ are fully represented in Scripture as God’s Truth
a. Tree – Spiritual Lives of forgiven followers walking with the Lord Jesus Christ and producing powerful fruits of His.
b. Root – The foundation of a tree from firstfruit that is secured by a lump of clay that can grow and produce living works of fruit
c. Leaves – The preparation that LORD God makes for the coming events of living works.
d. Fruit – Living works of the LORD God, done through followers (Branch) of the Lord Jesus Christ (Vine) at the guidance of the Holy Spirit with the spiritual life of a walking tree.
e. Seed – Word of God.
3. The fruit of righteousness is a Tree of Life.
II. Typology Known Confidently (Those represented in Scripture with enough frequency, sufficiency, and accuracy to reveal their typological meanings with full Truth of God unchallenged and supported by the Holy Spirit’s teachings)
1. Almond Tree – The believer, as an almond tree, is a Christian leader, chosen by God, that watches over the works of Christians guided by the Lord, and the people he serves.
III. Typology Known Probably (Knowledge of Scripture, God’s Way, Logic and common sense in the typological meaning can NOT be confirmed fully with the Word of God and the moving of the Holy Spirit)
IV. Typology NOT Known (Can NOT make even simple assumptions of the typological meaning because there is NOT enough frequency, sufficiency, or accuracy recorded in Scripture, and the Holy Spirit is NOT teaching deeper meaning)
Worksheet 1
1. What Bible verse started the Mysteries of Trees journey in Scripture?
a. Genesis 1:1-3
b. Mark 8:22-26
c. Revelation 1-1-7
d. John 8:13-23
2. What were the Scripture words that alerted us to deeper meaning concerning the Mysteries of Trees?
a. In the beginning God created the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge
b. I see men as trees, walking
c. Daniel saw the tree as stairs climbing to the Heavens
d. Trees, trees, trees, everywhere are trees
3. Who spoke the words “I see men as trees, walking” in Mark that led us to the
Mysteries of the Trees?
a. Jesus Christ
b. The LORD God
c. Peter the Disciple
d. The blind man in the middle of being healed
4. Why must there be a chart in our worksheets that identify the characteristics of
typology?
a. There are varied evidence and proofs associated with the identity of trees
b. There is error in Scripture
c. Old Testament and New Testament disagree
d. All the above
5. Why should the Mysteries of the Trees study be restricted to mature Christians
only? (Short Essay)
6. What are the key rules concerning the study of Typology?
a. Interpret conservatively
b. Analyze correctly
c. Consider reliability
d. Holy Spirit guiding you with the Word of God
e. And it doesn’t hurt to have a knowledgeable and true Bible Teacher guide you with the Word of God and the Holy Spirit
f. All the above
WORD STUDY
IMPORTANT HEBREW NAMES
One of the first things we should examine when trying to nail down a full typology of a word, is the Hebrew word that is used to denote it. Biblical Hebrew likes to use very specific names that give good description of the words chosen, and often, symbols can be derived from the closeness of speech.
ALMOND TREE AND FRUIT – 9196 קדֵשָׁ) šāꞏqēḏ): n.[masc.]; ≡ Str 8247; TWOT 2451a—1. LN 3.2– 3.12 almond tree, i.e., a fruit tree with a beautiful white blossom with pink highlights Prunus amygdalus communis (Ecc 12:5; Jer 1:11+); 2. LN 3.33–3.46 almond nuts, i.e., the kernel of the fruit of the almond tree, eaten whole and also processed into oil (Ge 43:11; Nu 17:23[EB 8]+)
HEBREW VERB CONNECTION TO “ALMOND”: (Hint: Compare the Hebrew Word for Almond and the verb “to watch”)
TO WATCH OVER – 9193 I. קדַשָׁ) šāꞏqǎḏ): v.; ≡ Str 8245; TWOT 2451—1. LN 37.119–37.126 (qal) watch, stand guard, i.e., control access into and out of an area or persons that are valuable or notorious, implying care or duty for the object guarded (Ezr 8:29; Job 21:32; Ps 127:1; Pr 8:34+); 2. LN 23.66–23.77 (qal) be awake, i.e., not be in a state of sleep when one normally should, implying a nervous or anxious state (Ps 102:8[EB 7]+); 3. LN 27.55–27.60 (qal) watch out for, pay attention, i.e., be in readiness and alertness to learn information about an object or situation, implying an action will follow (Jer 1:12; 31:28; 44:27+); 4. LN 39.51 (qal) lie in wait, ambush, formally, watch over, i.e., conceal oneself and observe movements until an opportune time to attack (Jer 5:6+); 5. LN 25.68–25.79 (qal) be intent, have eager desire, be devoted to, i.e., have a feeling or attitude of earnestness toward a goal, as a figurative extension of carefully watching to learn information, or guarding an object (Isa 29:20+); 6. LN 77 (qal) keep ready, be prepared, not hesitate, i.e., be in a state of being primed and set to take an action, as a figurative extension of carefully watching to learn information, or guarding an object (Da 9:14+), note: for another interp in Ps 102:8[EB 7], see 9194; La 1:14, see 85675
Teachings by Kathy L McFarland
Can you see why looking at Hebrew words is so important?
The word for Almond Tree in Hebrew is קדֵשָׁ) šāꞏqēḏ)
The word for the verb “To Watch Over” is קדַשָׁ) šāꞏqǎḏ)
A little vowel sound changes only; and that sound change makes no difference to the hearing of the pronounced word. The Hebrew word for the noun Almond Tree and the verb “To Watch Over” are connected perfectly. When you see two different words, especially a noun and a verb, sound almost identical in Hebrew, it is certain that they are very related in Scripture.
Just by comparing Hebrew, we already know one aspect of the spiritual life of the Almond Tree. Someone experiencing the spiritual life of the Almond Tree will be “watching over” something! Most scholars focus on that connection and carry the “watch over” typology to Scripture representation concerning the Tabernacle tools.
How does this all fit together? Let’s take a journey in Scripture and check it out!
Genesis 43:8–14 (KJV 1900)
8 And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones. 9 I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever: 10 For except we had lingered, surely now we had returned this second time. 11 And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: 12 And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight: 13 Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man: 14 And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.
(Teachers note: We will be studying the Mysteries of Herbs later; however, I will give you a little hint. Herbs are provided by the LORD God to help people with their “Natural Lives”. Each herb has a different purpose. The herbs listed in this Scripture reference are especially favored).
Worksheet 2 (Genesis 43:8-14)
7. Israel instructed his son Judah to take the “best fruits in the land” to rescue their brother.
What were they?
a. Balm
b. Honey
c. Spices
d. Myrrh
e. (Pistachio) Nuts
f. Almonds
g. All the above
8. Which of the “best fruits in the land” belong to the “Herb” category?
a. Balm
b. Honey
c. Spices
d. Myrrh
e. (Pistachio) Nuts
f. Almonds
g. All the above
9. Which of the “best fruits in the land” belong to the “Tree” category?
a. Balm
b. Honey
c. Spices
d. Myrrh
e. (Pistachio) Nuts
f. Almonds
g. All the above
10. Which of the “best fruits in the land” are given to enrich “Natural Life?”
a. Balm
b. Honey
c. Spices
d. Myrrh
e. (Pistachio) Nuts
f. Almonds
g. All the above
11. Which of the “best fruits in the land” are given to enrich “Spiritual Life?”
a. Balm
b. Honey
c. Spices
d. Myrrh
e. (Pistachio) Nuts
f. Almonds
g. All the above
12. So, let’s narrow it down to our study of the Almond Tree and its fruit. What is its ranking amongst fruits?
a. One of the best fruits of the land
b. Equal to all herbs
c. Equal to all tree fruits
d. None of the above
13. Did you notice that the best of the fruits was to be placed in a vessel and presented as a gift?
a. Yes
b. No
14. What does the “vessel” remind you about?
a. The “vessel” that is used to contain and present to the Lord the tree fruits of your
labor in this life
b. A precious collection of gifts of works to your Lord
c. The Holy and Righteous works of the Lord through you in this lifetime, presented
with a reverent and honored fashion
d. All the above
15. The Almond Tree and its fruit, the almond, are one of the best fruits, and please the Lord!
a. True
b. False
Genesis 30:37–38 (KJV 1900)
37 And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods. 38 And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.
Teaching Notes of Kathy L McFarland
Seldom are questionable words found in Scripture, especially the King James Bible; they are very rare. However, some scholars feel the author of Genesis 30:37-43 probably mistakenly identified the Almond Tree as the Hazel. Scholars think the Hebrew word of “luz” was used to probably speak of location (where almond trees grow) rather than tree. Regardless, it seems an easily correctable interpretation, when Bible scholars compare the Almond as the best fruit, to the Hazel, which does not qualify. However, for purposes of our study, we are going to assume that it is NOT a misnomer, that says Hazel as Almond. We are going to interpret conservatively and exclude this Scripture from deep study of the Almond Tree. However, I want you to be aware that Genesis 30:37-43 might qualify for deeper info on Almond, but it is not worth the risk to mistranslate.
An additional note: I firmly believe that the Word of God is “inerrant,” without error, as it is written in its original text. Sometimes, our enemy will try to suggest “error” in Scripture by pointing to this mislabeled tree. I’m a mature Christian and personally call this a “non-event” that does NOT constitute an “error” of Scripture, and the misunderstanding is my lack of knowledge for this word.
As mature Christians, you can decide for yourselves; however, be aware, it is a slippery slope when you declare the Word of God to have error. It is best practice to blame a simple case like this to be your ignorance, NOT God’s mistake, and move on.
Worksheet #3 (Genesis 30:37-43)
16. Why are we forgoing the deep study of Genesis 30:37-43 with concerns to the Almond Tree? (In your own words)
17. Do you believe that the original documents of Scripture are inerrant?
a. Yes
b. No
Golden Candlestick
Exodus 25:31–40 (KJV 1900)
31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same. 32 And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side: 33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick. 34 And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers. 35 And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick. 36 Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold. 37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it. 38 And the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold. 39 Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels. 40 And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.
Important Hebrew Words
BEATEN – 5251 I. שׁהָ קְ מִ) miqꞏšā(h)): n.fem.; ≡ Str 4749; TWOT 2086b—LN 19.43–19.54 hammered-work, i.e., a metal-crafted article made by artistically hitting an object with hammer to fashion (Ex 25:18, 31, 36; 37:7, 17, 22; Nu 8:4; 10:2+), note: see also domain LN 6.83–6.95; LN 6.102–6.105, note: some sources identify more specifically as an embossed work
SHAFT – 3751 ˂רֵיָ) yāꞏrēḵ): n.fem.; ≡ Str 3409; TWOT 916a—6. LN 6.106–6.117 base, i.e., the bottom of a piece of furniture that makes it stand (Ex 25:31);10
BRANCHES – 7866 נהֶקָ) qāꞏně(h)): n.masc.; ≡ Str 7070; TWOT 2040a—1. LN 6.106– 6.117 branch, i.e., that which is an extension from the base of a stand as a piece of furniture (Ex 25:32);11
BOWL – 1483 גָּבִיעַ (gā·ḇîaʿ): n.masc.; ≡ Str 1375; TWOT 309b—1. LN 6.118–6.151 container for drinking, drinking cup, drinking bowl (Ge 44:2,12, 16, 17; Jer 35:5+); 2. LN 6.106–6.117 flower cup, i.e., a representation of a flower-cup for adorning a sacred object (Ex 25:31, 33,34; 37:17, 19,20+), note: though this item has a container shape, there is no focus on the function of a vessel in this word
KNOPS – 4117 II. פתּוֹרְ כַּ) kǎp̄ꞏtôr): n.masc.; ≡ Str 3730; TWOT 1029—1. LN 6.96–6.101ornamental bud, i.e., a crafted figure in the image of knobby fruit of trees, as a relief on larger piece of furniture, as an art object, not a worship image (Ex 25:31–37:22 passim
FLOWERS – 7258 רחַפֶּ) pěꞏrǎḥ): n.masc.; ≡ Str 6525; TWOT 1813a—3. LN 6.188–6.196 floral work, i.e., an ornamental carving or casting of buds, blossoms, and flowers (Ex 25:31, 33,34; 37:17, 19,20; Nu 8:4; 1Ki 7:49; 2Ch 4:5, 21+)
Teachings of Kathy L McFarland
Does it surprise you that one of the special furnishings has a foundation (base) and branches? Me neither. The Works of the Lord are surely represented by the pure gold candlestick that gives light. Amen?
An interesting sidenote for bowls on the candlestick. See how the Hebrew word for bowls explains the container shape, however, “there is no focus on the function of a vessel in this word.” You can’t squeeze any typology out of something in the Word of God that has no function. The bowl on the candlestick is just a bowl; though it looks like a cup, it has no symbol of a cup, no use as a cup; it is just a cup shape.
The “beaten” forming of the candlestick is highly interesting; it seems an important requirement that it be beaten and not poured. Typologically, it shows how the Lord’s best golden works require a great deal of effort to fashion it perfectly.
Worksheet #4, Exodus 25:31-40
18. What was the holy Tabernacle furnishing made in Exodus 25:31-40?
a. Holiest of Holy
b. Ark of the Covenant
c. Candlestick
d. Basin
19. What was the candlestick made from?
a. Pure Silver
b. Pure Gold
c. Pure Copper
d. All the above
20. What does the pure metal used for the candlestick tell you typologically, when compared to the vessel of works?
a. It is the highest reward
b. All things of God are made golden
c. It follows the metal of silver in worth
d. None of the above
21. The candlestick was formed out of pure gold melted and poured into a form.
a. True
b. False
22. What were the parts to the candlestick?
a. Shaft
b. Branches
c. Bowls
d. Knops
e. Flowers
f. All the above
23. How many branches were constructed on the candlestick?
a. 5
b. 6
c. 7
d. 8
24. How many lamps were constructed on the candlestick?
a. 5
b. 6
c. 7
d. 8
25. What are knops?
a. Ornamental flowers, buds, and blossoms
b. Knots in the branches
c. Almonds
d. All the above
26. What is the candlestick made to symbolize?
a. Tree
b. Cedar Tree
c. Almond Tree
d. Fig Tree
27. If the Almond Tree was chosen to be in the Tabernacle, beaten into a golden
candlestick, and providing the brightest of lights, then it is worthy to consider the Almond Tree to be amongst the best trees recorded in Scripture, and typologically analyzed.
a. True
b. False
Numbers 17:1–13 (KJV 1900)
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of their fathers, of all their princes according to the house of their fathers twelve rods: write thou every man’s name upon his rod. 3 And thou shalt write Aaron’s name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers. 4 And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you. 5 And it shall come to pass, that the man’s rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you. 6 And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers’ houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods. 7 And Moses laid up the rods before the Lord in the tabernacle of witness. 8 And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. 9 And Moses brought out all the rods from before the Lord unto all the children of Israel: and they looked, and took every man his rod. 10 And the Lord said unto Moses, Bring Aaron’s rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not. 11 And Moses did so: as the Lord commanded him, so did he. 12 And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish. 13 Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the Lord shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?
Important Hebrew Words
ROD – 4751 טּהֶ מַ) mǎṭꞏṭě(h)): n.masc.; ≡ Str 4294; TWOT 1352b—2. LN 3.47–3.59 branch, i.e., the non-fruit part of a plant (Eze 19:11); 3. LN 6.215–6.225 staff, rod, walking stick, i.e., a thick stick of wood (that the hand can grasp), of a length that the body can use as a support for walking, used for various functions of work or discipline (Ge 38:18), note: for MT text in Ge 47:31, see 4753;
28. How many rods did the LORD God instruct to be taken up?
a. 7
b. 11
c. 12
d. 21
29. What is a rod?
a. A branch from a tree
b. A staff
c. A walking stick
d. A thick stick of wood
e. All the above
30. What was written upon the rods?
a. The LORD God’s Holy Name
b. The head of each of the twelve tribe’s names
c. The name of each believer
d. All the above
31. Whose name was written for the House of Levi (House of Priests)?
a. Israel
b. Aaron
c. Zerubbabel
d. Moses
32. Who laid the named rods in the Tabernacle of witness?
a. Moses
b. Israel
c. Aaron
d. Zerubbabel
33. What did Moses find happened to the rods on the next day in Tabernacle?
a. One rod blossomed
b. One rod turned golden
c. One rod became magical
d. All the rods blossomed
34. Whose rod is it that blossomed?
a. Aaron
b. Moses
c. Israel
d. Zerubbabel
35. How did the rod blossom?
a. Brought forth buds
b. Bloomed blossoms
c. Yielded almonds
d. All the above
36. Why did the LORD God do such a dramatic choice?
a. The Almond Tree is the very best
b. He wanted the rebels to know His choice
c. He wanted to stop their murmurings so they wouldn’t have to die
d. All the above
37. (Contemplation) In Old Testament Biblical Times, the Priest Aaron, and later those that followed after him, were responsible for the works of their people as priests in the House of Levi.
a. Have you ever known a Christian leader chosen by God that watches the works
of the people he serves?
b. Do the Protestants have the types of leaders that the Roman Catholic Church
claims?
c. Do denominational leaders serve the same purpose?
d. Can lay leaders spiritual journeys be claimed as Almond Trees?
(These contemplation questions have no known correct answers. It is measured opinions. I would love to hear some of your thoughts!)
Teachings of Kathy L McFarland on Almond Tree (TYPOLOGY DEFINITION)
The spiritual life of an almond tree is the greatest spiritual role a believer can have on this earth. The believer, as an almond tree, is a Christian leader, chosen by God, that watches over the works of Christians guided by the Lord, and the people he serves. He ensures the very best spiritual works of the Lord are accomplished and lets the lights of the Lord Jesus Christ shine the brightest.
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