Ezekiel 47:7

47:7 When I had returned, I noticed a vast number of trees on the banks of the river, on both sides.

Psalms 92:12

92:12 The godly grow like a palm tree;

they grow high like a cedar in Lebanon.

Isaiah 60:21

60:21 All of your people will be godly;

they will possess the land permanently.

I will plant them like a shoot;

they will be the product of my labor,

through whom I reveal my splendor.

Isaiah 61:3

61:3 to strengthen those who mourn in Zion,

by giving them a turban, instead of ashes,

oil symbolizing joy, instead of mourning,

a garment symbolizing praise, instead of discouragement.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

trees planted by the Lord to reveal his splendor. 10 


tn The word הִנֵּה (hinneh, traditionally “behold”) indicates becoming aware of something and has been translated here as a verb.

tn The singular is used in a representative sense, with the typical godly person being in view.

sn The cedars of the Lebanon forest were well-known in ancient Israel for their immense size.

tn Or “righteous” (NASB, NIV, NRSV, NLT); NAB “just.”

tn Heb “a shoot of his planting, the work of my hands, to reveal splendor.”

tn Heb “oil of joy” (KJV, ASV); NASB, NIV, NRSV “the oil of gladness.”

tn Heb “garment of praise.”

tn Heb “a faint spirit” (so NRSV); KJV, ASV “the spirit of heaviness”; NASB “a spirit of fainting.”

tn Rather than referring to the character of the people, צֶדֶק (tsedeq) may carry the nuance “vindication” here, suggesting that God’s restored people are a testimony to his justice. See v. 2, which alludes to the fact that God will take vengeance against the enemies of his people. Cf. NAB “oaks of justice.”

10 tn Heb “a planting of the Lord to reveal splendor.”