Almond tree

(Gen. 43:11)—a well-known fruit, considered one of the finest products of the garden of the land of Canaan. The leaves and blossoms of this tree resemble those of the peach tree, and it is notable for its ability to yield ripe fruit early: it blossoms in January and bears fruit in April. The fruit is covered with a thick husk which opens of itself when the fruit ripens. The almond tree is cultivated with particular care at the present time in England for the sake of its fragrant blossoms, and in the southern countries of Europe for export.

In Holy Scripture there are several important references to this tree. When Jacob sent his sons to Egypt a second time for grain, he gave them various gifts for Joseph, among which were almonds (Gen. 43:11). In the construction of the seven-branched lampstand for the Tabernacle in the wilderness, the Lord commanded that cups be made upon it after the fashion of almond blossoms (Ex. 25:33). Aaron’s rod in the Tabernacle of the Testimony miraculously blossomed, put forth buds, produced flowers, and bore almonds (Num. 17:8).

In the Book of Ecclesiastes (12:5), the early blossoming of the almond tree is presented as a symbol of the early appearance of gray hair on the head, and of old age in general. The same expression is repeated in the Book of the prophet Jeremiah (1:11) to signify the immediate fulfillment of the commands of God. From the almond tree is produced the well-known almond oil for household and medicinal use. Sweet almond nuts are eaten as a dessert. The almond tree reaches a height of twenty feet, and is at present a valuable plant in Palestine, where its cultivation is a special occupation.