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Topic:
Thoughts And Things Of The Bible -- Apple Tree
(Heb. tappuach). Mention of the apple tree occurs in the Authorized
Version in (Song of Solomon 2:3; 8:5) and Joel 1:12 The fruit of this
tree is alluded to in (Proverbs 25:11) and Song 2:5; 7:8 It is a
difficult matter to say what is the specific tree denoted by the Hebrew
word tappuach. ("The apple proper is rare in Syria, and its fruit
inferior.") Most modern writers maintain that it is either the
quince or the citron; (others speak of the apricot, which is abundant
and deliciously perfumed.) The quince had some plausible arguments in
its favor. Its fragrance was held in high esteem by the ancients. The
quince was sacred to Venus. On the other hand Dr Royle says,"The
rich color, fragrant odor and handsome appearance of the citron, whether
in flower or in fruit, are particularly suited to the passages of
scripture mentioned above." But neither the quince nor the citron
nor the apple appears fully to answer to all the scriptural allusions.
The orange would answer all the demands of the scriptural passages, and
orange trees are found in Palestine; but there does not appear
sufficient evidence that this tree was known in the earlier times to the
inhabitants of Palestine. The question of identification therefore, must
still be left an open one.
Derived from Easton's and Smith's Bible
Dictionaries
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