The Oak of Mamre

Oak of Mamre, 1890

As one who is fascinated by God's creation, this story is particularly appealing to me.  The Oak of Mamre is mentioned in Genesis (and elsewhere in scripture) and reported to be about 5,000 years old.  It is a spectacular tree.  It has stood the test of time and is still sprouting a few twigs today.  Please follow the links provided for more information.  This magnificent tree's life has been recorded in biblical history!  Imagine the stories it could tell!




Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD.
Genesis 13:18

"...under the Oak of Mamre, in the very place where the Covenant had been drawn up between YAHWEH and HIS faithful follower, four points were now clearly established: the confirmation of the Covenant; the change in the names of the patriarch and his wife; the introduction of circumcision among the Hebrew clan; the promise of the birth of Yitschaq."

The Oak and The Covenant

---

"Abraham's Oak has become considerably weakened in recent years, as is shown by the accompanying illustrations, taken in the years 1847 and 1897 respectively. In 1852 a large branch was broken off by lightning; and the wood from it formed eight camelloads."

Jewish Encyclopedia

---

Photo by vizAviz at panoramio.com

"Set in what looked like a huge cement pot and surrounded by a 10-foot-high iron fence, the gnarled gray-and-charcoal-black oak stood only because seven metal bars held it upright. Steel belts encircled every weak joint, some of them only preventing broken pieces from falling to the ground.

"The tree sprouted not a single green leaf or bud.

"The tree was dead.

"A tear streaked down caretaker Zablah's left cheek. 

" `The tree was alive eight months ago,'' he said. ``It still had green leaves. Before, 10 years ago, busloads of people used to come. Every day I have come to this tree, watched over it, prayed by it.'' "

A Little Recent History, 1996, The Miami Herald

---

"A long-standing tradition is that the Oak of Abraham will die before the appearance of the Antichrist. The main oak trunk has been dead since 1996. In 1998 appeared a root sprout."

Wikipedia


New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright ©  1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation