H4 PLANTS IN SCRIPTURE 



if the preceding words (exalted and elevated) be used, 

 they are more applicable unto the cedar ; where the 

 word (flourishing) is used, it is more agreeable unto 

 the laurel, which, in its prosperity, abounds with 

 pleasant flowers, whereas those of the cedar are very 

 little, and scarce perceptible, answerable to the fir, 

 pine, and other coniferous trees. 



46. Though so many plants have their express 

 names in Scripture, yet others are implied in some 

 texts which are not explicitly mentioned. In the feast 

 of tabernacles or booths, the law was this, " thou shah 

 take unto thee boughs of goodly trees, branches of the 

 palm, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of 

 the brook." Now though the text descend eth not 

 unto . particulars of the goodly trees and thick trees ; 

 yet Maimonides will tell us that for a goodly tree they 

 made use of the citron tree, which is fair and goodly 

 to the eye, and well prospering in that country : and 

 that for the thick trees they used the myrtle, which 

 was no rare or infrequent plant among them. And 

 though it groweth but low in our gardens, was not a 

 little tree in those parts ; in which plant also the leaves 

 grew thick, and almost covered the stalk. And Curtius 



