Original Word: אֵשֶׁל
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: eshel
Pronunciation: EH-shel
Phonetic Spelling: (ay'-shel)
KJV: grove, tree
NASB: tamarisk tree
Word Origin: [from a root of uncertain signification]

1. a tamarisk tree
2. by extension, a grove of any kind

grove, tree

From a root of uncertain signification; a tamarisk tree; by extension, a grove of any kind -- grove, tree.

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
a tamarisk tree
NASB Translation
tamarisk tree (3).

אֵ֫שֶׁל noun masculine tamarisk-tree (Arabic , Sabean אתֿל SabDenkm⁶⁵ compare DHM^{BS ii. 958}; on an Aramaic אַתְלָא see Löw^{No. 38}; compare Tristr^{FFP 250}) planted by Abraham Genesis 21:33 (J); in 1 Samuel 22:6 Saul is dwelling בַּגִּבְעָה תַּחַתהָֿאֵשֶׁל בָּרָמָה; 1 Samuel 31:13 Saul and his sons are buried ׳תַּחַתהָֿא; it was perhaps a sacred tree, marking shrine.

Botanical Identity

The אֵשֶׁל (eshel) is widely identified with the tamarisk, a hardy, salt-tolerant tree that flourishes in arid regions. Its deep roots tap hidden water, while its feathery branches offer rare desert shade. Slow-growing yet long-lived, the tamarisk becomes a natural monument, capable of standing for generations and silently witnessing the affairs of men.

Occurrences in Scripture

Genesis 21:33 “Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.”

1 Samuel 22:6 “Now Saul was staying in Gibeah, under the tamarisk tree on the hill…”

1 Samuel 31:13 “Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.”

Abraham’s Tamarisk at Beersheba

After covenanting with Abimelech over the well of Beersheba, Abraham plants a tamarisk and invokes “the LORD, the Everlasting God.” The tree thus becomes:
• A covenant marker: a living memorial to divine faithfulness and to Abraham’s sworn agreement over water rights in the Negev.
• A proclamation post: Abraham publicly “called on” the name of Yahweh beside the tree. In a land dotted with idolatrous groves, this tamarisk testifies that worship of the true God alone is rightful.
• A symbol of permanence: linking the “Everlasting God” to a tree renowned for endurance, Abraham declares confidence that the covenant promises will outlast his own lifetime.

The Tamarisk in Saul’s Reign

Saul sits under a tamarisk in Gibeah while issuing murderous orders against the priests of Nob (1 Samuel 22:6–19). The setting contrasts sharply with Abraham’s scene:
• A throne of suspicion, not faith. Saul uses the tree’s shade to rally his men through fear and jealousy.
• A shadow of impending judgment. The king who rejects the everlasting covenant (1 Samuel 13:13–14) stands beneath a tree that once symbolized fidelity, highlighting his tragic reversal.

Witness to a King’s Fall

When the valiant men of Jabesh Gilead retrieve the bodies of Saul and his sons from Beth Shan, they bury the remains under a tamarisk (1 Samuel 31:13). This second tamarisk connected to Saul functions as a silent testament that:
• The same shade once sheltering Saul’s defiance now covers his disgrace.
• Israel must reckon with covenant violation; yet the seven-day fast anticipates repentance and renewal under Davidic rule.

Theological and Symbolic Themes

Longevity The tamarisk’s capacity to thrive where few plants survive mirrors Yahweh’s sustaining grace in barren places (cf. Psalm 63:1).

Witness Both Abraham’s planting and Saul’s burial show the tree marking decisive spiritual moments—covenant initiation and covenant breach.

Shade and Refuge Under the relentless desert sun, the tamarisk demonstrates the comfort found in God alone (Psalm 121:5–6).

Remembrance Because the tree grows slowly, its presence urges each generation to look back at God’s acts and forward to His fulfilled promises.

Practical and Ministry Implications

Memorializing God’s Works Believers can emulate Abraham by establishing tangible reminders (journals, church stones, mission plaques) that prompt ongoing praise.

Leadership Accountability Saul’s example warns pastors and elders that positional shade cannot replace heart obedience; holy spaces do not sanctify unholy commands.

Care for the Deserted Just as the tamarisk provides unexpected shelter, the church is called to create oases of mercy for those in spiritual or physical deserts.

Hope in Burial Saul’s interment beneath the tamarisk, though sombre, anticipates resurrection hope. Christian funerals likewise look beyond the grave to the everlasting covenant ratified in Christ.

Typological Reflections

The patriarch plants a tree, invoking the Everlasting God; later, the Son of Abraham hangs on a tree, securing the everlasting covenant (Galatians 3:13–14). The tamarisk’s witness to God’s faithfulness ultimately finds fulfillment at Calvary, where a singular tree becomes the eternal memorial of grace.

אֶ֖שֶׁל אשל הָאֶ֖שֶׁל הָאֶ֤שֶׁל האשל ’e·šel ’ešel Eshel hā’ešel hā·’e·šel haEshelInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts