Holly Oak

Oak

Hebrew: allon

Quercus ilex

This is the Holly Oak or holm tree of the Apocrypha, mentioned also in the book of Susanna. The word "holly" was originally spelled "holy." It applied to the small bush holly also. The holly oak is a magnificent tree that reaches a height of 50 feet. Its three inch leaves resemble the holly leaves with edges armed with spines. They are a rich, shiny green with lighter undersides and have a convex surface. Young shoots have a gray felt type covering, but lose it as they grow bigger. The fruit is an acorn about three quarters of an inch in length. It is held in a yellow-green cup, covered with slender scales. This particular oak has roots that descend deep into the ground. They are common where the soil is firm and dry and never in swampy soil. Pliny mentioned holm oaks growing in his day that were as old as 1500 years. He also states that one tree in the Vatican Gardens was said to be older than Rome itself. The holm oak is a tree that never grows in forests, but is always found growing alone. It survives well near the sea. It is native to Europe and the Mediterranean region. In all religions and mythologies the oak has stood for strength and longevity. It was sacred to the god Thor and Jove. Under it sacrifices have been offered and kings were crowned.

Genesis 35:6 (KJV) So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Bethel, he and all the people that were with him.

Genesis 35:7 (KJV) And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother.

Genesis 35:8 (KJV) But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth.

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