The Hebrew word tirzâh, represented by H8645, refers to a species of tree, perhaps the cypress. The word appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its definition suggests it is a tree known for its slenderness, and it is mentioned as a type of wood suitable for being worked by man.
The sole appearance of H8645 is in Isaiah 44:14. In this passage, it describes a man who "taketh the cypress and the oak" from the forest. The cypress is listed alongside other trees like the cedar H730 and the ash H766. The verse details the process of a man selecting various types of wood, strengthening them for his own purposes, with some trees being planted and nourished by the rain H1653.
Several related words from its biblical context illuminate its meaning:
- H437 'allôwn (an oak or other strong tree): This word for a strong tree appears alongside cypress in the list of trees a man selects for himself from among the trees H6086 of the forest Isaiah 44:14.
- H3772 kârath (to cut): This verb describes the action of hewing down trees, as when a man "heweth him down cedars" in the same passage as taking the cypress Isaiah 44:14. It is also used to describe making a covenant Genesis 15:18.
- H5193 nâṭaʻ (to plant): This action is part of the cycle described in the verse. A man "planteth an ash" Isaiah 44:14, illustrating human cultivation alongside the taking of wild trees. God also speaks of how He will plant His people Israel 2 Samuel 7:10.
The theological weight of H8645 is understood entirely through its single context.
- Component of Creation: The cypress is mentioned as one of God's created resources within the forest H3293, alongside the cedar H730 and the oak H437, available for human use Isaiah 44:14.
- Subject of Human Action: The verse places the tree in the context of human activity. A man "taketh" H3947 the cypress and "strengtheneth" H553 it, highlighting the role of human agency in utilizing the natural world.
- Recipient of Divine Nourishment: While humans plant and strengthen, the passage concludes by noting that it is the rain H1653 that ultimately "doth nourish" H1431 the trees, pointing to an underlying dependence on divine provision for growth Isaiah 44:14.
In summary, H8645 tirzâh is a highly specific term for a tree, likely the cypress, that appears only once in scripture. Its significance is derived entirely from its context in Isaiah 44:14, where it is listed among other trees as a natural resource gathered by man. The passage uses the cypress as part of a larger illustration of the interplay between human effort in working with creation and the ultimate reliance on divine provision for sustenance and growth.
TRV