905. Cutting down an olive tree actually rejuvenates it. At the time of cutting, new and more vigorous sprouts grow up out of the roots. The roots are extremely long-lived, and it is almost impossible to kill an olive tree merely by chopping it down. The olive branch is the symbol of peace in the ancient world, and it is fitting that it is associated with Jesus, who is known as the "Prince of Peace."
906. Solomon built smelters, (construction) a shipyard, and a port at Eziongeber (today known as Elath). His smelters were located in a seemingly unlikely place, an inhospitable desert where water was scarce. There was good reason for building them there, however. The smelters utilized some of the principles of the modern blast furnace. A constant and powerful wind roars down the valley where Solomon's smelters stood, and it acted as bellows that kept the furnace fires burning at high temperatures.
907. Forest trees served as a symbol of holiness to the Israelites. The names of both the oak and the terebinth, the two most common forest trees of the Holy Land, were derived from Hebrew words meaning "God." David's son Solomon, in the fourth year of his reign, began work on the magnificent Temple at Jerusalem. The walls of the Temple were built of marble, but they were roofed and lined inside with wood from the cedar of Lebanon.
908. Oak trees were used as burial places (Gen. 35:8; 1 Chron. 10:12). Three species of the oak tree grow in Palestine; it is believed the tabor oak is the one referred to in the Scripture.
909. Palm trees were especially abundant in the Jordan Valley, and Jericho is known as the "City of Palm Trees." Symbolically the trees were used to depict grace. The date palm also symbolized rejoicing; when Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the crowds waved palm branches to celebrate and honor Him.
