Sycamore, or Sycamore Fig Tree
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(1 Kings 10:27; Amos 7:14)—a tree well known in Judea and throughout the East. In Scripture the sycamore generally means the Egyptian fig. Its fruit resembles a fig and was highly valued; gathering it was entrusted to appointed overseers (1 Chron. 27:28; Amos 7:14). The wood was used in construction. Though valued far below cedar (1 Kings 10:27; Isa. 9:10), it was remarkably durable: Egyptian coffins made from it were found sound after thousands of years. The broad tree has many branches and wide, glossy green leaves.
It grew chiefly on the maritime plains and in the hot Jordan Valley. The Psalmist says that the LORD destroyed Egypt’s “sycomore trees with frost” (Ps. 78:47). Because it gives excellent shade, it was planted beside roads for travelers and around Egyptian dwellings.