In one of his many psalms, David compared himself to an olive tree:
“I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever” (Psalm 52:8).
If you’re like me you’re wondering: Why does David identify himself as this particular tree? Is there something special about olive trees?
As a matter of fact, yes.
It may be that, as David composed this psalm, he was contemplating several qualities characteristic of these distinctive trees:
Long Life
Olives are among the longest-living trees, continuing to grow for hundreds of years. In fact, one specimen in Algarve, Portugal is 2000 years old, according to carbon dating.
Perhaps their longevity is due to adaptability. They can grow in various conditions—on terraced hillsides or in valleys, in rocky soil or rich, fertile loam. But even in hot climates with little rainfall the olive can grow quite contentedly.
Not only is it adaptable, the olive tree is tenacious. If it is cut down, shoots from the roots will develop, and the tree will miraculously regenerate itself.
Far-Reaching Root Systems
Because they grow for centuries, and spread their branches wide, the root system of an olive tree can be quite massive, expanding twenty feet in every direction around the trunk.
Fruitfulness
Even dwarf olive trees will produce 20-40 pounds of fruit each year. The largest variety can produce a ton of olives annually! The oil pressed from the fruit is also useful for cooking, for fuel in oil lamps, and even for skin care products.
No doubt you already see parallels to a life rooted and established in God:
- The olive tree is almost eternal; David knew that one day he would “dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).
- The massive root system brings to mind the qualities of stability and perseverance, and the habit of abiding (John 15). An anonymous psalmist expanded the word picture for us when he wrote: “And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]” (Psalm 1:3, AMP). In other words, a person seeking after God is so well-rooted in Him, nothing can destroy his spirit.
- The fruitfulness of the olive tree reminds us of the fruitfulness of the Spirit-led life (Galatians 5:22-23). As a person grows deep in her knowledge of God and in relationship with God, she becomes more loving, joyful, peaceful, and so on. Not all at once, however. It is a growing process, after all.
And so, an expansion of David’s metaphor in Psalm 52 might read:
I am like an olive tree,
Content to bloom where the Gardener plants me,
Flourishing and thriving even,
In the gracious presence of my God–
Immortal through faith,
Grounded in Him,
Growing toward maturity
As I trust
In His unfailing love,
His protection and provision,
His guidance, and grace–
Forever and ever.
We praise you, Heavenly Father, for what you have done (Psalm 52:9a)!
(Photo credit: www.home-hunts.net.)
From the Inside Out 