Overview
The teil tree was a substantial hardwood tree native to the ancient Near East, known for its strength and longevity. In biblical symbolism, it represented permanence and resilience. The tree is referenced in Isaiah's vision as an image of God's faithful remnant that endures through judgment.
Key Scriptures
"But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof." (Isaiah 6:13, KJV)
The ESV renders this: "And though a tenth remains in it, it will be burned again, like a terebinth or an oak whose stump remains when it is felled. The holy seed is its stump." (Isaiah 6:13, ESV)
Application
This passage encourages believers that God preserves a faithful remnant through times of judgment and difficulty, and His purposes ultimately cannot be thwarted.