The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, (Psalm 92:12-14)
Besides drink, food and shade, palm trees provide material needed for housing, thatching, hats, baskets, furniture, mats, cordage, clothing, charcoal, brooms, fans, ornaments, musical instruments, shampoo, containers, implements and oil for fuel, light, ointments, soap and more.Perhaps this is what the psalmist had in mind when he said that the righteous will flourish like a palm tree. He was looking at the abundant fruitfullness that they can have.
And then he compares their growth to that of a cedar. The flag of Lebanon features a cedar in green which is a reference to the famous cedars of Lebanon, renowned throughout the region. The Lebanon Cedar is an evergreen coniferous tree growing up to 40 m (130 ft) tall. To put it concisely, "The spiritual growth of a believer has no limits and can reach heights greater than the cedars of Lebanon."
The psalmist then tells us that, for this to happen, the believer has to be planted in the house of the Lord, because all the nourishment for his/her spiritual life comes from him/her being in the presence of the Lord. And when that is taken care of, they start flourishing. Age wouldn't be a factor for them to stop being fruitful. He says that they will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.
Are you planted in the house of the Lord? No, it doesn't mean attending church, but being firmly rooted in the Word of God. If you are, your growth and fruitfulness are guarenteed. God bless.
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