The Tree That Wakes Up Early

The almond tree is one of some 30 types of trees mentioned in the Bible. It is among the earliest trees to blossom following winter. Its lovely pink or white flowers can be seen as early as late January. Fittingly, the Hebrew name for the almond tree literally means “awakening one.” Is there a similarity between that tree and its Creator?

The footnote to Jeremiah 7:25 shows that Jehovah describes himself as rising early. The March 15, 2011, issue of The Watchtower states: “Just as the almond tree ‘awakened’ early, so Jehovah was figuratively ‘getting up early’ . . . to warn his people about the consequences of disobedience. . . . And he would not rest​—he would ‘keep awake’—​until his prophetic word was accomplished.”​—Jer. 1:11, 12.

The white blossoms of the almond tree are also used in the Bible to illustrate the white-headedness of old age. (Eccl. 12:5) And likely because of their delicate beauty, the tree’s flowers served as a pattern for the cups on the branches of the tabernacle lampstand.​—Ex. 37:17-20.