Juniper
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Job 30:4, Is. 19:4 [as cited], 1 Chron. 19:4), in Slavonic: smerchie. This is a well-known evergreen shrub of the cypress family, growing almost throughout Europe and Asia, chiefly in Arabia, in the mountains, valleys, and plains. Under the shade of a juniper bush the prophet Elijah rested on his way to Horeb (1 Kings 19:4). In the Book of Job, juniper berries are presented as the food of the poorest people: “Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat,” it is said there (Job 30:4).
The coals of juniper wood retain their heat unusually long and keep up warmth; in Cairo they are sold in the market as merchandise. With the burning coal of this plant (broom) the psalmist compares the deceitful tongue of a man (Ps. 120:4).