the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Encyclopedias
Ash
Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
or Ash, The word thus translated occurs only; once in Scripture (Isaiah 44:14), and is variously translated. Some consider pine-tree to be the correct translation, others the rubus or bramble. Celsius quotes from the Arab author, 'Abul Fadli, the description of a tree called aran, which appears well suited to the passage, though it has not yet been ascertained what tree is intended. The aran is said to be a tree of Arabia Petraea, of a thorny nature, inhabiting the valleys, but found also in the mountains, where it is however less thorny. The wood is said to be much valued for cleaning the teeth. The fruit is in bunches like small grapes. The berry is noxious while green, and bitter like galls; as it ripens it becomes red, then black and somewhat sweetish, and when eaten is grateful to the stomach, etc. and seems to act as a stimulant medicine. Sprengel supposes this to be the caper plant. To us it appears to agree in some respects with Salvadora persica, but not in all points, and therefore it is preferable to leave it as one of those still requiring investigation by some traveler in Syria conversant both with plants and their Oriental names and uses.
Public Domain.
Kitto, John, ed. Entry for 'Ash'. "Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature". https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/kbe/a/ash.html.
