3176.- The Tree of Isa. 66: 17

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jul 5, 1910

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 26.

3176.— The Tree of Isa. 66: 17

Please explain Isa. 66:17. Is the tree spoken of some truth? CANVASSER.

Among the idolatries of the days of the prophet were the sacred trees or "groves." Certain trees were dedicated to certain worship, and it is the figure of that time which the prophet uses evidently to point out future idolatries. "They that sanctify themselves and purify themselves to go unto the gardens [or margin, "in the gardens"], behind one in the midst [or one tree, or asherah, a sacred grove or a tree dedicated to sacred idolatrous worship], eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, they shall come to an end together, saith Jehovah." The meaning of which simply is that those who indulge in such abominable idolatries shall perish with their idols.