Let’s go to the beginning of the Bible to look for other refer­ences to trees that can help us understand God’s character and work with his people from generation to generation—­including us.

God created all kinds of trees that were pleasing to see and good for food. Many of the more than 60,000 species of trees around the world produce food for us and for ­other creatures, and in so many ways they are “pleasing to the eye.” A popular hymn, “How Great Thou Art,” includes this line: “When through the woods and forest glades I wander, I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees. . . . Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee: How great thou art!” Forests and trees are beautiful to look at, and they can prompt us to praise God and to find joy in all that God has made.

Many references to trees in the Bible have significant meaning. Genesis, in particular, has a num­ber of references to trees. We also find that the stories of many of the major characters in Genesis include a reference to a tree. There isn’t space or time in these devotions to mention each one—but if you would like to find out, read through the book of Genesis, and you’ll see what I mean!