Dr. Alice C. Linsley
It is important to notice directional details when reading the Bible. The directions of north-south and east-west tell a story.
In the Old Testament trees are associated with cardinal directions, gender roles, and wise counselors known as morehs, prophets, or judges. Many of the early Hebrew were known to serve in these roles. This was indicated by the initial Y in their names: Yacob, Yishmael, Yosef, Yonah, Yeshua, etc.
The Y is derived from the hieroglyph of two upright feathers, representing one who judges, measures and weighs. This symbol represented the concept of moral conduct in ancient Egypt and was used by judges.
Consider the directional details given about where Deborah sat to judge the people. In Judges 4:4-6 we read that “Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time. She would sit under the Palm of Deborah, between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites would go to her for judgment."
Note that Ramah is south of Bethel. Deborah judged between two important settlements on a north-south axis.
The moreh (seer, advisor) consulted by Abraham sat under a great oak between Ai and Bethel, on an east-west axis. Ai was located approximately two miles east of Bethel (Josh. 7:2; 10:1) Abraham pitched his tent near the “Oak of Moreh” (Gen. 13) or the Oak of the Seer, described as “the navel of the earth” in Judges 9:37. He also built an altar there.
John the Forerunner was consulted in the wilderness, following an ancient tradition. True prophets do not seek the limelight. Only serious seekers make the effort to go where the true prophet or judge is because this requires effort and expense.
Another example of directional symbolism involves the description of the New Jerusalem. The city has twelve gates and sits on twelve foundation stones (Rev. 21:12-14). Three gates face east, three face north, three face south, and three face west. We may illustrate this as follows:
3→ 3↑ 3↓ 3←
Compare this to the “bronze sea” in Solomon’s temple which rested on twelve oxen (1 Kgs 7:23-26).
3→ 3↑ 3↓ 3← Notice that the directional symbolism coincides.
As you read the Bible, pay attention to directional details. They reveal a great deal about the biblical Hebrew.
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