The Symbol of the Tree

1Nephi 11:8 - 11, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 7


And it came to pass that the spirit said unto me, Look. And I looked and beheld a tree, and it was like unto the tree which my father had seen; and the beauty thereof was far beyond, yea, exceeding of all beauty, and the whiteness thereof did exceed the whiteness of the driven snow. And it came to pass after I had seen the tree, I said unto the spirit, I behold thou hast shewn unto me the tree which is most precious above all. And he said unto me, What desireth thou? And I said unto him, To know the interpretation thereof — for I spake unto him as a man speaketh, for I beheld that he was in the form of a man. Yet nevertheless, I knew that it was the spirit of the Lord; and he spake unto me as a man speaketh with another.


The Stick of Joseph, 1 Nefi 3 par. 7

And it came to pass that the spirit said unto me, Look. And I looked and beheld a tree, and it was like unto the tree which my father had seen; and the beauty thereof was far beyond, yes, exceeding of
all beauty, and the whiteness thereof did exceed the whiteness of the driven snow. And it came to pass after I had seen the tree, I said unto the spirit, I behold you have shown unto me the tree which is most precious above all. And he said unto me, What do you desire? And I said unto him, To know the interpretation thereof — for I spoke unto him as a man speaks, for I beheld that he was in the form of a man.  Yet nevertheless, I knew that it was the spirit of yhwh; and he spoke unto me as a man speaks with another.


This probably sounds pretty trite by now, but I really am curious why Nephi desired to see the tree his father, Lehi, saw and why he was shown the tree and why such a detailed description between both of them of the tree.

Why, with all that Lehi taught, did the tree catch Nephi's interest?

There just seems to me that there is something really significant about this tree.

Nephi records his understanding of the meaning of the tree as he is shown his vision.

And after she had been carried away in the spirit for the space of a time, the angel spake unto me, saying, Look. And I looked and beheld the virgin again bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me, Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father. Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw? And I answered him, saying, Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things. And he spake unto me, saying, Yea, and the most joyous to the soul. (1 Nephi 11:19 - 23, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 9)

I've considered this meaning and I agree with it but what is the meaning of the love of God which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men?

I believe God was very precise with His wording in the Book of Mormon so why does it not say the love of God which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of all the children of men?

Is there a responsibility that devolves upon us for the love of God to shed itself abroad in our hearts?

Could we look at the symbol of the tree for a moment?

Several characteristics of trees come to mind that are characteristics that could easily symbolize sacred things.

Deep rootsMultiplying branches
Exceedingly strong core (trunk)
Nourishing roots
Ability to flex and move with the wind
Bearing fruit
Giving shade and shelter
Providing safety (lodging)
Ability to regrow anew from the stump
New growth growing up

The tree is a powerful symbol.

Genealogically it could be a symbol of the ever-multiplying branches of posterity as well as the huge expanding roots of progenitors coming together to nourish a main present trunk.

After telling me these things he commenced quoting the prophecies of the Old Testament. He first quoted part of the third chapter of Malachi [Mal. 1:6 – 8], and he quoted also the fourth or last chapter of the same prophecy [Mal. 1:9 – 11], though with a little variation from the way it reads in our Bibles. Instead of quoting the first verse as reads in our books, he quoted it thus: For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea and all that do wickedly, shall burn as stubble; for they that cometh shall burn them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch...(Joseph Smith History 1:36 - 41, Teachings and Commandments, Section 1, Joseph Smith History, Part 3 par. 4)

These words from Malachi seem to represent an end of or cutting off from familial association both from progenitors and posterity (root and branch) for those who are burned at the Lord's coming.

Zenos used the roots of the olive tree to symbolize the promises that God made to the original Fathers, including Adam.

...And the Lord of the vineyard said, Behold, this long time have we nourished this tree, and I have laid up unto myself against the season much fruit. But behold, this time it hath brought forth much fruit, and there is none of it which is good. And behold, there are all kinds of bad fruit, and it profiteth me nothing, notwithstanding all our labor; and now it grieveth me that I should lose this tree. And the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant, What shall we do unto the tree that I may preserve again good fruit thereof unto mine own self? And the servant said unto his master, Behold, because thou didst graft in the branches of the wild olive tree, they have nourished the roots, that they are alive and they have not perished; wherefore, thou beholdest that they are yet good.
And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto his servant, The tree profiteth me nothing and the roots thereof profiteth me nothing, so long as it shall bring forth evil fruit. Nevertheless, I know that the roots are good, and for mine own purpose I have preserved them. And because of their much strength, they have hitherto brought forth from the wild branches good fruit. But behold, the wild branches have grown and have overran the roots thereof. And because that the wild branches have overcome the roots thereof, it hath brought forth much evil fruit. And because that it hath brought forth so much evil fruit, thou beheldest that it beginneth to perish; and it will soon become ripened, that it may be cast into the fire, except we should do something for it to preserve it. (Jacob 5:31 - 37, NC Jacob 3 pars. 17 - 18)

Jacob used Zenos' allegory of the olive tree to show his people that the promises of God to the original Fathers were what is driving the events of the world throughout history; because God intends to vindicate His original promises; I know that the roots are good, and for mine own purpose I have preserved them.

We can see that Zenos used the symbol of the branches and fruit of the olive tree to represent obedient and humble as well as disobedient and prideful people.

Mother Smith had a dream in which she saw two trees representing two distinct persons.

I thought that I stood in a large and beautiful meadow, which lay a short distance from the house in which we lived, and that everything around me wore an aspect of peculiar pleasantness.  The first thing that attracted my special attention in this magnificent meadow, was a very pure and clear stream of water, which ran through the midst of it; and as I traced this stream, I discovered two trees standing upon its margin, both of which were on the same side of the stream.  These trees were very beautiful, they were well proportioned, and towered with majestic beauty to a great height.  Their branches, which added to their symetry and glory, commenced near the top, and spread themselves in luxurious grandeur around.  I gazed upon them with wonder and admiration; and after beholding them a short time, I saw one of them was surrounded with a bright belt, that shone like burnished gold, but far more brilliantly.  Presently, a gentle breeze passed by, and the tree encircled with this golden zone, bent gracefully before the wind, and waved its beautiful branches in the light air.  As the wind increased, this tree assumed the most lively and animated appearance, and seemed to express in its motions the utmost joy and happiness.  If it had been an intelligent creature, it could not have conveyed, by power of language, the idea of joy and gratitude so perfectly as it did; and even the stream that rolled beneath it, shred, apparently, every sensation felt by the tree, for, as the branches danced over the stream, it would swell gently, then recede again with a motion as soft as the breathing of an infant, but as lively as the dancing of a sunbeam.  The belt also partook of the same influence, and, as it moved in unison with the motion of the stream and of the tree, it increased continually in refulgence and magnitude, until it became exceedingly glorious.

I turned my eyes upon its fellow, which stood opposite; but it was nor surrounded with the belt of light as the former, and it stood erect and fixed as a pillar of marble.  No matter how strong the wind blew over it, not a leaf was stirred, not a bough bent; but obstinately stiff it stood, scorning alike the zephyr's breath, or the power of the mighty storm.

I wondered at what I saw, and said in my heart, What can be the meaning of all this?  And the interpretation given me was, that these personated my husband and his oldest brother, Jesse Smith; that the stubborn and unyielding tree was like Jesse; that the other, more pliant and flexible, was like Joseph, my husband; that the breath of heaven which passed over them, was the pure and undefiled gospel of the Son of God, which gospel Jesse would always resist, but which Joseph, when he was more advanced in life, would hear and receive with his whole heart, and rejoice therein; and unto him would be added intelligence, happiness, glory, and everlasting life. (History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, Lucy Smith, pgs. 43 - 45) 

It is amazing to me that such a symbol of a tree could be used to portray so precisely the personalities of two distinct individuals.

The Prophet Joseph expounded upon the Savior's use of a symbol of a seed growing into a tree.

And again, another parable put He forth unto them, having an allusion to the Kingdom that
should be set up, just previous to or at the time of the harvest, which reads as follows—“The
Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field: which
indeed is the least of all seeds: but, when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh
a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.” Now we can discover
plainly that this figure is given to represent the Church as it shall come forth in the last days.
Behold, the Kingdom of Heaven is likened unto it. Now, what is like unto it?
Let us take the Book of Mormon, which a man took and hid in his field, securing it by his faith,
to spring up in the last days, or in due time; let us behold it coming forth out of the ground, which
is indeed accounted the least of all seeds, but behold it branching forth, yea, even towering, with
lofty branches, and God-like majesty, until it, like the mustard seed, becomes the greatest of all
herbs. And it is truth, and it has sprouted and come forth out of the earth, and righteousness begins
to look down from heaven, and God is sending down His powers, gifts and angels, to lodge in the
branches thereof. (Teachings of The Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 98)

Again, such a simple symbol of an herb growing into a tree; depicting something so glorious that is yet to come about in its fullness where righteousness will look down from heaven and God will send down His powers and angels.

This process stopped after the death of Joseph and Hyrum until God recently began anew with continuing to advance the restoration begun with Joseph; being able to move it forward a step where it had been stopped and neglected before.

What about this symbol of trees from Alma?

...And also the spirit saith unto me, yea, crieth unto me with a mighty voice, saying, Go forth and say unto this people, Repent, for except ye repent, ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of Heaven. And again I say unto you, the spirit saith, Behold, the ax is laid at the root of the tree; therefore, every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn down and cast into the fire, yea, a fire which cannot be consumed, even an unquenchable fire. Behold, and remember, the Holy One hath spoken it. (Alma 5:49 - 52, NC Alma 3 par. 9)

Is what Alma said related to the Lord's use of the symbol of Himself being the true vine?

I am the true vine or head of the Father’s family, and my Father is the husbandman over that family. Every branch connected to me that does not produce fruit, he will remove, and every branch that produces fruit he will prune back so that it produces better fruit. You will bear fruit if you follow the things I have taught you. Stay connected to me as part of the Heavenly family, and I will nourish you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit if it is not connected to the vine, neither will you be able to bear fruit unless you remain connected with me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. He that stays connected to me, and I to him, will be abundantly fruitful; but without the connection to me you will perish. If a man loses his connection with me, he is merely a withered branch; and men take the withered branches, cut them away and burn them. If you stay connected to me, and my words live in you, you will ask according to my will, and you will be given the ability to accomplish my will. It will please and vindicate my Father if you produce abundant fruit, and that will prove you follow me. Just like the Father has loved me, I have in turn likewise loved you. Therefore, remain connected with me and my love will be with you. If you practice my teachings you will always remain connected with me; just as I have kept my Father’s teachings and have remained connected with him. Teachings and Commandments, Section 171, the Testimony of St. John 10 par. 17)

Isn't it amazing what a symbol can portray and what we are allowed to ponder on and consider when we see a symbol?

Isn't a tree an amazing symbol?

Nephi and Lehi add some characteristics to the tree they saw

Exceedingly white
Fruit Exceedingly white
Fruit desireable to make one happy
Fruit sweet above all other fruit

Is this related to what Alma declared concerning a tree?

Is it possible that Alma was referring to the same tree?

Now we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed — if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the spirit of the Lord — behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts. And when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves, It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding; yea, and it beginneth to be delicious to me. Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, yea. Nevertheless, it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge. But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, then ye must needs say that the seed is good, for behold, it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith, for ye will say, I know that this is a good seed, for behold, it sprouteth and beginneth to grow. And now behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto you, yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness. Therefore, if a seed groweth, it is good; but if it groweth not, behold, it is not good, therefore it is cast away. And now behold, because ye have tried the experiment and planted the seed, and it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good.
And now behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant, and this because you know. For ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened and your mind doth begin to expand. Oh then, is not this real? I say unto you, yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light is good, because it is discernible; therefore, ye must know that it is good.
And now behold, after ye have tasted this light, is your knowledge perfect? Behold, I say unto you, nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed, that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed was good. And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say, Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care, it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit. But if ye neglect the tree and take no thought for its nourishment, behold, it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root, it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out. Now this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable, but it is because your ground is barren and ye will not nourish the tree; therefore, ye cannot have the fruit thereof. And thus it is: if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life. But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith, with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold, it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life. And because of your diligence, and your faith, and your patience with the word, in nourishing it that it may take root in you, behold, by and by, ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure. And ye shall feast upon this fruit, even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst. Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.(Alma 32:28 - 43, NC Alma 16 pars.  28 - 30)

Alma describes as the reward for nourishing faith on the word as,

A tree springing up unto everlasting life
Most precious fruit
Fruit sweet above all that is sweet
Fruit white above all that is white

Is it possible that Alma also saw the same tree?

Wouldn't Alma have been in a position to read the words of both Nephi and Lehi concerning the tree?

Alma used the history of the travels of Lehi's group to teach his son Helaman that the Holy Ghost is a Liahona that will lead us to a promised land.

If Alma had pondered on the tree and come up to the same belief as Nephi in the Son of God, isn't it possible that Alma could have received the very same vision as Lehi and Nephi?

If this was the case, what would that mean for us?

Do we have the words of Nephi and Lehi?

Is it possible for us to ponder upon the tree they saw and come up to the same belief in Christ, the Son of God?

Just for argument's sake, let's suppose that Alma is crafting his teaching here after his understanding from seeing the same vision that Nephi and Lehi saw.

If this could possibly be the case, could Alma's teaching be showing us about progression on the path to be able to partake of the tree; to be able to have the love of God shed forth abroad in our hearts?

Is it possible that an expanded meaning of the path and the iron rod and the tree that Lehi and Nephi and possibly Alma saw is that a person comes to the tree along the path and is able to partake of its fruit as a person allows that tree to grow up inside of themself?

I am not saying that this is correct.  I am just wondering if such things could be so.

If one is overtaken by the mists of darkness could that mean that they have failed to nourish the word after it swelled in their hearts?

Could one be commencing in the path if they are allowing a desire to believe on the word to work inside them?

For one to truly be able to beckon, as Lehi did, to another do they already have to have the tree growing up inside themselves and be partaking of the fruit?

What does it mean to beckon in the sense that Lehi beckoned?  Is that different than or more powerful than say sharing or inviting?

Behold, this is your work: to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind, and strength. Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosened. Then, if you desire, you shall have my spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. But now hold your peace, study my word which has gone forth among the children of men, and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men, or that which is now translating, yea, until you have obtained all which I shall grant unto the children of men in this generation, and then shall all things be added thereunto. (D&C 11:20 - 22, Teachings and Commandments, Section 1, Joseph Smith History, Part 14 par. 14)

Would obtaining the Lord's word and having the power of God unto the convincing of men have to do with already partaking of the fruit for oneself?

If one is partaking of the fruit or had the tree growing up inside themselves is their natural response a desire to beckon to others?

Did Alma desire to beckon to others?

Oh that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people. Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption — that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might be no more sorrow upon all the face of the earth. But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish, for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me. I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life. Yea, I know that he allotteth unto men — yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable — according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction. Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men, or he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless, but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience. (Alma 29:1 - 5, NC Alma 15 par. 12)

Are those who have the tree inside themselves connected to the true vine?

Does the Father prune them back so that they can produce better fruit?

What does it mean for the Father to prune back someone who is connected to the true vine so that they bring forth better fruit?

Does that involve the Father requiring a person to sacrifice?

Is it possible that the Savior was pruned back as He performed the atonement?

Was the Savior able to bring forth better fruit following His atonement and resurrection?

Is it possible that partaking of the fruit has to do with the following?

And I have given unto you another law and commandment, wherefore teach it unto your children: that all men everywhere must repent or they can by no means inherit the kingdom of God; for no unclean thing can dwell there or dwell in his presence, for in the language of Adam, Man of Holiness is his name. And the name of his Only Begotten is the Son Ahman, a righteous judge who shall come in the meridian of time. Therefore, I give unto you a commandment to teach these things freely unto your children, saying that by reason of transgression comes the Fall, which fall brings death. And inasmuch as you were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit whom I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so, you must be born again into the kingdom of Heaven of water, and of the spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of my Only Begotten, that you may be sanctified from all sin and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory. For by the water you keep the commandment, by the spirit you are justified, and by the blood you are sanctified. Therefore, it is given to abide in you: the Record of Heaven, the Comforter, the keys of the kingdom of Heaven, the truth of all things, that which quickens all things — which makes alive all things, that which knows all things, and has all power according to Wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment. And now behold, I say unto you, this is the plan of salvation unto all men through the blood of my Only Begotten who shall come in the meridian of time. And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me — both things which are temporal and things which are spiritual, things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth. Both above and beneath, all things bear record of me. (Moses 6:56 - 63, OC Genesis 4:9)

Could the above description describe the walk along the path and the holding to the iron rod that would lead one to the tree?

Would it be sweet above all that is sweet to enjoy the words of eternal life in this life?

What are the words of eternal life?

Who has the words of eternal life?

Could the above be a representation of a connection to the true vine?

Alma speaks of the tree growing up unto everlasting life.

Would that be related to someone experiencing eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory?

Is it possible that the symbol of this tree relates to things beyond this life?

Does the love of God shed forth abroad in someone's heart continue after this life?

Doesn't the above describe a person having abide in them a portion of what Christ possesses?

...Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of Promise, which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the Testimony of John. This Comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even the glory of the Celestial Kingdom, which glory is that of the church of the Firstborn, even of God, the holiest of all, through Jesus Christ his Son, he that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth, which truth shines. This is the light of Christ, as also he is in the sun and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made; as also he is in the moon and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made; as also the light of the stars and the power thereof by which they were made; and the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand. And the light which now shines, which gives you light, is through him who enlightens your eyes, which is the same light that quickens your understandings, which light proceeds forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space: the light which is in all things, which gives life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sits upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things. D&C 88:1 - 13, Teachings and Commandments 86 par. 1)

If a person who receives such has it given to abide in them the Record of Heaven, the Comforter, the keys of the kingdom of Heaven, the truth of all things, that which quickens all things -- which makes alive all things, that which knows all things, and has all power according to Wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment, doesn't that mean that they have become part of the Family of God a joint heir with Christ and can cry Abba Father?

Could an added meaning of the tree be the meaning of a genealogical connection to the Family of God?

If any of this is true and/or related to the tree that Lehi and Nephi (and possibly Alma?) saw, wouldn't it be a wonderful thing to ponder on the symbolism of that tree?