The almond tree is native to the Middle East and it occurs biblically all the way back in Genesis. Because it produces fruit early in the season, it became a symbol of awakening. The almond tree is one of the first to awaken to the light of spring, to bud and flower. It is a sign for those who are watching. In fact, its name in Hebrew, shakeid, means to wake or watch.
In Genesis we see Jacob using them to help produce a striped flock. Maybe he used the almond because of the season and they were plentiful. Maybe he was trying to “awaken” something as he watched over the flock.
Later, Jacob (Israel) sent almonds, along with other generous gifts, in order to get more food from Egypt. Maybe they are included because they were a regional delicacy. Regardless, I also see the heart of a father in watchful waiting for his sons to return.
If we recited Jeremiah in Hebrew we could hear God’s play on words,
And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see an almond branch.” Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:11-12
Aaron’s rod, which was kept in the ark, was an almond branch. It produced buds and fruit simultaneously to signify God’s choice of leadership. A divine sign pointing to the resurrection, first fruit, of our true high priest, Jesus.
Creating images is forbidden in Jewish art with a few exceptions, the beautiful almond blossom being one of them. God directs them to be used as a design on the lampstand in the tabernacle. The buds are on the branches, which point up toward the open blossom that forms the cup containing the burning oil. Was this to represent God’s watchfulness over Israel? As the lampstand represents Christ, is it because He is the first fruit, the first awakened or resurrected? Maybe both, our text is so rich.
In my ever-changing garden, I am tempted to plant an almond tree. It would serve as a reminder that God is watching over me, that I need to remain watchful in my spiritual life, and that God is ever awakening new things in my life.
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