26 Dove Nest

The cypress will rise up in place of the thorn bush, and the myrtle will rise up in place of the nettle.

Isaiah 55

Plants have symbolic significance in Jewish tradition. In this verse, the barren, spiky thorn bush and nettle represent the wicked, while the lofty cypress and fragrant myrtle represent the righteous. The prophet envisions a time when the righteous will spring forth to replace the wicked.

This image of a dove’s nest resting on a bed of screws sums up the faith and courage it takes to bring forth life. Raising children in a hostile world is a precarious undertaking. Isaiah encourages us to hope that goodness can grow even in a spiritually daunting environment.