The Israelites used this valuable timber for building the Temple, for ships, and musical instruments. Used symbolically, this tree describes the blessings of God for his people (Isaiah 41: 19; 55: 13).
Some scholars believe it is impossible to know with certainty the identity of what is called the fir tree. Some suggest it is a type of cypress, but it could be another evergreen, the juniper, or cedar.
2 Samuel 6:5 (KJV) And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
1 Kings 5:10 (KJV) So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire.
1 Kings 6:15 (KJV) And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the ceiling: and he covered them on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir.
Isaiah 60:13 (KJV) The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.
Isaiah 60:14 (KJV) The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
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