Date Palm, Cedar and the Righteous

“The righteous person shall flourish like the palm tree. He shall grow like the cedar in Lebanon .” (Psalm 92:13)

These famous words compare the righteous person to a date palm and a cedar. Why are these particular trees used in the metaphor? Many of the qualities of these two trees may provide us with answers.


Date Palm and Cedar grow together at Neot Kedumim

The date palm, even though it grows in sandy soil, still produces sweet fruit. In the same way, the Psalmist is suggesting that the righteous person can take a difficult situation and make something positive out of it. The date palm is impervious to the changing winds and to the often volatile weather of Israel , which can occur between Passover and Shavuot. Similarly, the righteous person remains steadfast in difficult times.

The cedar also has special qualities. The psalm specifically says that the righteous person will grow like the cedar in Lebanon . On page 99 of “Tree And Shrub In Our Biblical Heritage”, author Nogah Hareuveni writes, “The cedar symbolized strength and height, glory and wealth. We read in Ezekiel 31:5-6 that in [the cedar’s] shadow all great nations made their home.” Surely these qualities are an appropriate metaphor for the righteous.