Desert Shade
During the time we spent in the desert we were constantly reminded of the biblical imagery that is so wonderfully found there. Until you’ve actually been in the desert, there’s no way to describe how hot and desolate it really is. A lizard can’t live there in the summer; it’s often in the 115° to 125° range.
One of the plants found there that is talked about in the Bible is the broom tree, or “Rottem”. It is one of the main shade trees of the desert. Although more of a bush than a tree, it was very important as shade to the early wilderness travelers. Its roots also produce a very hot fire and make the best charcoal available.
There are two Biblical stories that mention the broom tree. The first one was the story of Hagar and Ishmael in Genesis 21:8-20. Although the NIV says bush, the Hebrew is “Rikman” which is root word of “Rottem”. The second story involves Elijah in 1 Kings 19 and here it specifically says, “he came to a broom tree (Rottem) and sat under it.” These 2 stories both create a desert lesson involving heat and shade. In both cases, the heat was unbearable and overwhelming and the characters look like they were not going to survive it. But God came and provided a moment of shade in their desert experience, and they were able to continue on their life journey.
Broom Tree Closeup
To be continued…
About the author:
Bob is the creator of this site and a disciple of Ray Vander Laan. Along with his wife of 50 years, he teaches a Bible study at Christ’s Church in Roswell, NM. He is also an avid hunter and fisher.
I appreciate the imagery and analogy of “just enough”.
Now we need a song or sermon entitled “Just Enough.” I thank God for leading me to this site, and thank you for providing information that shows us the character of God in relationship to us. Thank you
Job 30:4. In the brush they gathered salt herbs, and their food was the root of the broom tree.
Really enjoyed your take on the “just enough” broom tree. Loved it is more like it and just what I needed to hear tonight.
The bush is also mentioned in Psalm 120. Some scholars attribute the Psalm to David which seems to make sense; especially during the time King Saul considered David to be an enemy.
I remember taking the “snake path” at Masada and the temptation to stop at a shade spot maybe 20 steps before reaching the top. If I had stayed at that shade spot I would have missed out on the most refreshing spot on the entire mountain—the top! On the north side there was such a glorious breeze like I had never soaked in before. I like the concept of “just enough” shade, because it indicates that we are to keep going. The desert is not the destination. It’s a place we go through before reaching the promised (and gloriously refreshing) place.
Hello! Thank you for your post! I love it!
Just wondering, I’m needing an image of a broom tree for a book on trees that I am putting together. Do you have a copyright on your images above?
Thanks!
April
@april fultz – I believe the author took both photos but as this was posted 11 years ago, I don’t have a way of quickly verifying either.
Very spiritual and informative message regarding Hagar & Elijah’s “Broom Tree” experience.
thanks
Is the broom tree edible at all? When Job mentions it in Job 30:4 as the roots being food, was this the same bush? How would they have eaten it? Wouldn’t they have been pulling up & destroying they very bit of shelter? And is it related to the broom plant of Scotland & England?
Thank you for sharing here reflections and comments! I am blessed by them. Praises be to God our Father!