of uncertain derivation; the myrtle; myrtle (tree).
Transliteration:hădaç
Pronunciation:had-as'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word הֲדַס (hădaç), designated by Strong's number `{{H1918}}`, refers specifically to the myrtle tree. While its etymological derivation is noted as uncertain, its botanical identification is firm. The myrtle (*Myrtus communis*) is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean region. It is characterized by its glossy, dark green leaves, fragrant white flowers, and dark blue-black berries. In the ancient world, the myrtle was highly valued for its aromatic qualities and its use in perfumery, medicine, and garlands. Semantically, it evokes concepts of beauty, fragrance, enduring life (due to its evergreen nature), and often, peace and prosperity, especially when contrasted with barrenness or desolation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term הֲדַס (hădaç) appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in prophetic and historical contexts, each contributing to its symbolic weight:
* **[[Isaiah 41:19]]**: In this passage, God promises to transform the wilderness into a fertile landscape, declaring, "I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive." Here, the myrtle is listed among other noble and fruitful trees, symbolizing divine provision, the reversal of desolation, and the flourishing of God's people in a restored environment. It speaks to the miraculous intervention of God to bring life and beauty where there was none.
* **[[Isaiah 55:13]]**: This verse, part of a grand eschatological vision of restoration, proclaims, "Instead of the thorn bush shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off." The myrtle here stands in stark contrast to the brier (חוֹחַ, *choach*), a symbol of curse and barrenness. Its emergence signifies a profound transformation, a reversal of the effects of sin and judgment, leading to a state of peace, joy, and divine blessing that serves as an eternal testament to God's faithfulness and redemptive power.
* **[[Nehemiah 8:15]]**: During the post-exilic period, Ezra and Nehemiah instruct the people concerning the Feast of Booths (Sukkot). The command is given to "go out to the hills and bring branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees to make booths, as it is written." The myrtle branches were thus an essential component in the construction of temporary dwellings, symbolizing God's provision and presence with His people during their wilderness wanderings and their ongoing reliance on Him. Its inclusion underscores its sacred and ritualistic significance in Israelite worship.
* **[[Zechariah 1:8]], [[Zechariah 1:10]], [[Zechariah 1:11]]**: In Zechariah's first vision, the prophet sees "a man riding on a red horse. He was standing among the myrtle trees in the glen, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses." The myrtle trees (הֲדַסִּים, *hadasim*) serve as the setting for this celestial encounter. The "glen" or "deep place" (מְצֻלָה, *metsulah*) might symbolize a low or humble state of Israel, perhaps even a period of hidden sorrow or divine judgment. Yet, within this setting, divine messengers are present, observing the earth and reporting back. The myrtle trees, therefore, represent a place where divine observation and activity are occurring, suggesting God's watchful care over His people, even in their obscurity or affliction, and hinting at future restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The myrtle (הֲדַס, `{{H1918}}`) is often associated with other botanical terms that carry symbolic weight, particularly in contexts of blessing, sanctuary, or judgment reversal. These include:
* **Cedar** (אֶרֶז, `{{H730}}`): Symbolizing strength, majesty, and enduring life.
* **Acacia** (שִׁטָּה, `{{H7848}}`): Used in the construction of the Tabernacle, signifying sacred space.
* **Olive** (זַיִת, `{{H2132}}`): Representing peace, prosperity, and divine anointing.
* **Palm** (תָּמָר, `{{H8558}}`): Signifying victory, righteousness, and celebration.
* **Cypress/Pine** (בְּרוֹשׁ, `{{H1265}}` / תִּדְהָר, `{{H8646}}`): Also associated with flourishing and restoration.
* **Thorn bush** (שָׁמִיר, `{{H8068}}` / חֹחַ, `{{H2336}}`): The antithesis of the myrtle, representing curse, desolation, and judgment, particularly in prophetic contexts like [[Isaiah 55:13]].
Thematically, הֲדַס (hădaç) is closely related to:
* **Restoration and Renewal**: A key concept in post-exilic prophecy, where God promises to reverse the effects of exile and bring His people back to a state of flourishing.
* **Divine Blessing and Provision**: Manifested in God's ability to transform barrenness into beauty and abundance.
* **Peace and Joy**: The myrtle's pleasant fragrance and association with lushness contribute to its symbolism of a state of well-being.
* **Covenant Faithfulness**: God's promises to His people, symbolized by the myrtle's enduring presence in restored landscapes.
* **Feast of Booths (Sukkot)**: Ritual use underscores themes of pilgrimage, divine protection, and dwelling with God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the myrtle (הֲדַס, `{{H1918}}`) is rich and multifaceted, primarily centered on themes of divine blessing, eschatological hope, and God's enduring presence.
Firstly, the myrtle serves as a powerful symbol of **divine restoration and the reversal of judgment**. In Isaiah, its appearance replacing thorns and briers signals God's transformative power to bring life, beauty, and fruitfulness out of desolation. This speaks to a profound theological truth: God's redemptive work is not merely a return to a former state, but a creation of something new and more glorious, a "new heavens and a new earth" where curses are undone and blessing abounds. It underscores God's commitment to His creation and His people, promising a future where suffering and barrenness are replaced by joy and flourishing.
Secondly, the myrtle embodies **eschatological hope and the promise of a future Edenic state**. Its presence in prophetic visions (Isaiah, Zechariah) points towards a future age of peace and prosperity for Israel and, by extension, for all creation. This is not merely an earthly prosperity but a sign of God's ultimate reign and the establishment of His kingdom, where the wilderness will truly blossom as a rose, and all things will be made new. The myrtle, with its evergreen nature and pleasant fragrance, suggests an enduring, beautiful, and delightful future secured by divine promise.
Thirdly, its use in the Feast of Booths (Sukkot) in [[Nehemiah 8:15]] connects the myrtle to **God's dwelling with His people and His faithful provision**. The temporary booths, built with myrtle and other branches, commemorate God's protection and presence during Israel's wilderness wanderings. Theologically, this reminds believers of God's immanence and His desire to tabernacle among humanity, offering shelter, sustenance, and fellowship. It reflects a theology of pilgrimage and dependence on divine grace.
Finally, in Zechariah's vision (`{{H1918}}`), the myrtle trees provide a setting for **divine observation and intervention**, even in times of seeming obscurity or lowliness for God's people. The "man among the myrtle trees" symbolizes God's watchful eye and active involvement in the affairs of His people, even when their circumstances appear bleak. It assures that God's plans are unfolding, and His messengers are at work, leading to a future of comfort and rebuilding.
### Summary
The Hebrew word הֲדַס (hădaç), meaning "myrtle," is a plant rich in symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative. Its core definition points to an evergreen, fragrant tree, which serves as a potent symbol of beauty, enduring life, and pleasantness. Biblically, the myrtle appears in contexts of profound transformation and divine blessing. In Isaiah, it signifies the **reversal of desolation** and the **flourishing of God's people** in a restored landscape, replacing thorns and briers as an "everlasting sign" of God's faithfulness. In Nehemiah, its use in the Feast of Booths underscores themes of **divine provision and God's dwelling** among His people. Finally, in Zechariah's vision, the myrtle trees serve as the backdrop for **divine observation and activity**, assuring God's watchful care over His people, even in their humble state, and pointing to future comfort and restoration. Theologically, the myrtle consistently represents **eschatological hope, divine favor, and the promise of a future of peace, joy, and abundant life** secured by God's unwavering covenant.
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