Abrahamic Oaks

Isaiah 61:3 presents a translation challenge. Yahweh promises to grant Israel a reputation as “oaks of righteousness” (NASB; Heb. ‘ayil tzedeq), but the word translated as “oak” is almost always translated as “ram” (156x in the KJV as opposed to three passages where the word is translated as “tree” or “oak”).

It’s not a surprising translation. Isaiah 61:3 goes on to describe Israel as the “planting of Yahweh” (matta’ YHWH; cf. Isaiah 60:21; Ezekiel 17:7; 31:4; 34:29), which doesn’t really fit if the the previous line is talking about rams. Besides, the word for “terebinth” or “oak” is ‘alon, which looks and sounds a lot like ‘ayil.

In any case, a reference to “oaks” is fitting in the context of Isaiah 61. Yahweh is promising a restoration of devastated Judah, a repopulation of the land in accord with the promises to Abraham (51:1-3). And it is Abraham who is most closely linked with terebinths (Genesis 12:6; 13:18; 14:15; 18:1). Terebinths are Abraham’s favored place of worship, and he hosts the Lord near the terebinths of Mamre, where he pitched his tent that becomes a tent of meeting. 

To the scattered exiles, Yahweh promises a restoration of Abrahamic blessing. They themselves will become the Abrahamic oasis-sanctuary, the place where Yahweh drops by for a noonday meal. They become the grove planted by streams of water, a nation mighty because righteous. Terebinths will grow from the ashes, crowned with a garland of leaves. 

They will be the place where Yahweh, the God of glory, is beautified; the will be the beautification of God.