### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tômer**, represented by `{{H8560}}`, means **palm trunk** or **palm tree**. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, but its usage demonstrates how a simple object can carry significant meaning, serving as both a physical landmark and a metaphorical symbol.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H8560}}` is used in two distinct ways. First, it marks a specific geographic location of great importance. The prophetess Deborah **dwelt** `{{H3427}}` under "the **palm tree** of Deborah," a place between Ramah and Bethel where the children of Israel **came up** `{{H5927}}` to her for **judgment** `{{H4941}}` [[Judges 4:5]]. Secondly, it is used in a simile by the prophet Jeremiah to describe the uselessness of idols. These man-made figures are **upright** `{{H4749}}` like a **palm tree** but cannot **speak** `{{H1696}}` or **go** `{{H6805}}` on their own, lacking any power to **do good** `{{H3190}}` or **do evil** `{{H7489}}` [[Jeremiah 10:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the context of `{{H8560}}`:
* `{{H1683}}` **Dᵉbôwrâh** (Deborah): This is the name of the prophetess who **judged** `{{H8199}}` Israel and is directly associated with the landmark, "the **palm tree** of Deborah" [[Judges 4:5]].
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (to sit down, dwell, remain): This term describes Deborah's presence under the **palm tree**, establishing it as a fixed location where the people of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` could seek her for **judgment** `{{H4941}}` [[Judges 4:5]].
* `{{H4749}}` **miqshâh** (beaten work, upright): This word compares the rigid form of idols to a **palm tree** [[Jeremiah 10:5]]. It is also used for the "beaten work" of the tabernacle's golden candlestick [[Exodus 37:17]], emphasizing a crafted, inanimate object.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8560}}` is drawn from its two distinct contexts:
* **A Landmark of Divine Judgment:** The "**palm tree** of Deborah" functioned as a tangible site where God's authority and justice were administered through His prophetess. It symbolizes a place of divine order where Israel could seek guidance [[Judges 4:5]].
* **A Symbol of Lifeless Idolatry:** In Jeremiah's prophecy, the **palm tree** serves as a powerful illustration of the futility of idols. Their upright but inert form highlights their inability to **speak** `{{H1696}}` or act, contrasting sharply with the living God and warning against false worship [[Jeremiah 10:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8560}}` **tômer** is a word whose importance transcends its infrequent use. It functions literally as a landmark for justice under Deborah and figuratively as a symbol of the powerlessness of idols in Jeremiah's critique. Through these two appearances, the simple image of a **palm tree** is used to represent both the presence of God's active authority in Israel and the complete absence of power in false gods.
TRV