Oak, Worship of
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OAK, WORSHIP OF. Oak groves in early times were used as places of religious concourse; altars were set up in them (Josh. 24:26); Jacob buried idolatrous images under an oak (Gen. 35:4), probably because, since the oak was a consecrated tree, no one would disturb them there. Idolatry was practiced under oaks (Isa. 1:29; 57:5; Ezek. 6:13), and idols were made of oak (Isa. 44:14). See Vegetable Kingdom.
Figurative. The oak is a symbol of Israel (Isa. 6:13) and of strong and powerful men (Amos 2:9). Fading oaks are a symbol of the wicked under judgment (Isa. 1:30).
Unger, M. F., Harrison, R. K., Vos, H. F., Barber, C. J., & Unger, M. F. (1988). The new Unger's Bible dictionary. Revision of: Unger's Bible dictionary. 3rd ed. c1966. (Rev. and updated ed.). Chicago: Moody Press.
